Strut Conversion

txwoody · Apr 14, 2005

Has anyone used the fatmans or the RRS strut conversions yet. Let me know what you think, or if you have not used them let me know your thoughts in general about them.

ozstang65 · Apr 14, 2005

I'm pretty sure Marshall has a set of RRS struts (& rack) in his '66, maybe he can shed some light.
RRS comes across as a very professional outfit, don't know about the others. RRS also has a 'notch kit' that you can use to trim away the unnecessary parts of the tower to give you a bit more engine bay room.

C0V3R · Apr 14, 2005

I have a set in my car. I put them in after having done a front end rebuild (shelby drop, 1in springs, sports shocks etc) and the imrpovement was substantial. It would have been best not to bother with souping up the stock stuff and going straight to the RRS if money permits. Keep in mind you get a good brake setup in addittion to the struts.

See my link below on corner carvers for more info (my post is at the bottom).

If you have any questions fire away.

http://corner-carvers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15417

Marshall · Apr 18, 2005

I have installed the RRS struts in my 66 and must say the ride is far superior to the stock items.......even with the shelby drop. Would strongly recommend fitting a 1" anti sway bar as well.

Marshall

reenmachine · Apr 18, 2005

They did the Fatman conversion at KAR Auto Group a few weeks ago & when all was said & done, it works great. Problem is, there's a ton of stuff you need that Fatman doesn't mention and it comes out costing twice what you initially estimate based on the price of their kit and the list they supply of the other stuff you need. You're also going to have header fitment issues unless you're running stock exhaust manifolds.

KAR Auto Group is putting together a truly complete kit to do the conversion. Call them at 800.341.5949 for details and pricing. It'll sound expensive, but it's the same as what you would end up spending after you spent the time figuring out and then hunting down all of the random odds & ends yourself.

Overall, I was pleased with the final results, but not the process to get there.

Edbert · Apr 18, 2005

Hmmm...I always thought that Bimmers handle well due to their overall weight distribution and component geometry, meaning they hanlde well in spite of not due to their struts. I've heard for decades that an SLA configuration is the best (not that a vintage Mustang had the geometry correct or anything) setup you can have for precise handling. I also understood that modern cars use struts due to the lower cost to manufacture not due to them being superior, and that the engineers overcome the struts inherrent limitations by proper design and geometry.

Has the train of thought gone out the window that SLA setups are old hat and handling experts now say struts are now the way to go?

C0V3R · Apr 18, 2005

Keep in mind there is a difference between handling and ride quality.
Edbert - I've heard the same thing about struts & bmws, but I dont believe thats a good enough reason to discount them. If they can be made to handle well, and made to ride well than it doesnt matter. Both modern porches and bmws use strut suspensions.

I'm not saying the RRS struts will make your mustang handle like either (lots more deficiencies need to be fixed, eg chassis, rear suspension), but they are a big improvement in ride quality, and a definite improvement in handling over shelby dropped lowered etc mustang suspension.

I cant compare what its like with a TCP/Global west/etc setup as I haven't had the opportunity to try one.

The adjustable ride height is nice too.

Here is a pic of the installed strut

See pics of the install here here

txwoody · Apr 18, 2005

reenmachine said:
They did the Fatman conversion at KAR Auto Group a few weeks ago & when all was said & done, it works great. Problem is, there's a ton of stuff you need that Fatman doesn't mention and it comes out costing twice what you initially estimate based on the price of their kit and the list they supply of the other stuff you need. You're also going to have header fitment issues unless you're running stock exhaust manifolds.

KAR Auto Group is putting together a truly complete kit to do the conversion. Call them at 800.341.5949 for details and pricing. It'll sound expensive, but it's the same as what you would end up spending after you spent the time figuring out and then hunting down all of the random odds & ends yourself.

Overall, I was pleased with the final results, but not the process to get there.

First I want to say thanks for the info from everbody. I knew about the other stuff that you need for the fatman kit. That is one of the reasons I like it alittle more. The Co. that I work for also has a very large ACDELCO and MOTORCRAFT warehouse so getting the extra parts is no problem. The only thing I cant get is the spindles I will have to go elsewhere for thoes. As far as header I am running a set of JBA shorties. Do you think there will still be a problem. So with me being able to get the extra parts do you think its worth it or should I look at one of the other kits.

reenmachine · Apr 18, 2005

txwoody said:
As far as header I am running a set of JBA shorties. Do you think there will still be a problem. So with me being able to get the extra parts do you think its worth it or should I look at one of the other kits.

You can call Fatman about your headers, but I'll wager that you'll have problems.

I don't think that any of the other kits are any better as far as being "complete" goes.

txwoody · Apr 18, 2005

Thanks for the info Reen.

mustangbrad · Apr 18, 2005

Am I correct in thinking that the strut conversion is superior to the Mustang II conversion, as far as ride quality and handling? It sure seems like less work.

reenmachine · Apr 18, 2005

mustangbrad said:
Am I correct in thinking that the strut conversion is superior to the Mustang II conversion, as far as ride quality and handling? It sure seems like less work.

The answer is: it all depends. Both can be made to handle & both can be made to ride nicely. The MII in my '67 fastback has Carrera coilovers and rides & handles exactly how I want it to. Struts can do the same. It all comes down to the shocks/struts you use, spring rates, sway bar, etc.

I would say that a strut setup is less work though.

Psydwaze · Apr 18, 2005

Space is also another reason that OEMs have adopted the strut suspension. The upper control arm presents an intrusion into the engine compartment. If room is available for a SLA then I feel it is the better choice for greater design flexibility. A few manufactures have even introduced SLA conversions for the '79 and later Mustang.

Edbert · Apr 18, 2005

Psydwaze said:
Space is also another reason that OEMs have adopted the strut suspension. The upper control arm presents an intrusion into the engine compartment. If room is available for a SLA then I feel it is the better choice for greater design flexibility. A few manufactures have even introduced SLA conversions for the '79 and later Mustang.

Thanks, I was seriously wondering if I had missed something. No insults intended to anyone who is or wants to run struts, I'm just asking questions is all.

1320stang · Apr 18, 2005

If I end up doing the restomod thing with my '65 coupe, I plan on using the RRS piece myself. I'm not sold on any MII conversion or the Fatman piece. If memory serves (and I've slept many times since I studied all this) the RRS is a true bolt in that would allow me to go back to the factory if I wanted to.

C0V3R · Apr 18, 2005

1320 - yes it is true bolt in. I can testify to that. Only gotcha may be brake lines as I mentioned

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