I need to replace my upper and lower rear control arms. I am looking at the upper and lower control arm kit from summit racing for $204. I do like to go to the track often so I would like to cut my 60' down a little with new control arms. Would the summit brand work or are there much better routes to go as far as rear control arms? I don't know much about suspension so any input is appreciated!
upper and lower rear control arms?
- Thread starter AntiRice98
- Start date
Sonic04GT
Member
I'm on my way to bed but I will say check out Maximum Motorsports. They make very good suspension stuff. I have a set of MM lower rear control arms waiting to go on the car.
Do a little research because there are different types. Some aren't really built for track use and will probably crack the bushings launching. I'm almost positive they do have a drag set.
See what AmericanMuscle has
Do a little research because there are different types. Some aren't really built for track use and will probably crack the bushings launching. I'm almost positive they do have a drag set.
See what AmericanMuscle has
There are much better products out there. What kind of numbers does your car put down? What's your best 1/4 mile time? As Sonic said Maximum Motorsports sells really nice control arms. If it were me, I'd probably only get LCA's and replace the UCA's with new factory pieces. If you replace all 4 control arms with stiff aftermarket replacements you run the risk of binding in the suspension when you are taking a corner.
There are a lot of variables you left out that will determine if these will help, but to answer your question at face value: They look almost identical to my UPR's but they're steel with Polyurethane bushings and mine are Chrome Moly. I showed absolutely NO gain in my 60' times over the stockers unlike every other suspension upgrade I've done. The only positive was the weight reduction from being $300 lighter in the seat if you'd consider that a good thing. I'd recommend going with MM like I originally should've done.
My car is putting down right around 325-330rwhp and 360rtq. I have eibach sportline springs, up to date monroe shocks and strurts. Currently I have stock springs in the rear because the UCA's are so shot when I launched with the sportline springs on the rear the drive shaft hit the undercarriage. I plan on dropping the end back down once I replace the control arms. My best time at the track so far is an 8.02 (1/8th) with a 1.77ish 60'. would it be better to keep the stock springs on and cut them so the suspension in the rear is softer then if I put the sportlines back on?
If all you'll be doing is drag racing, then it would be a good idea to get some LCA's with spherical bushings, drag shocks/struts, and drag springs.
If you want your car to handle well and perform reasonably well when launching on the track, I'd recommend getting a pair of MM adjustable LCA's with a spherical bushing on one end and a poly bushing on the other end and reinstalling the sportline springs in the rear. I'd also inspect the UCA's and if the bushings look worn, buy new factory replacement UCA's from Ford.
Do you have SFC's? If not they are definitely worth it.
I don't race that often at all, I haven't been to the track in over a year. But I am looking to take it there from time to time again. I DD the car so I would rather it handle well and hook pretty good. I like your idea with ordering the MM LCA's and replacing the upper LCA's. I don't have SFC's yet I really want to get them though.
edit: over $400 for the adjustable MM LCA's! whew thats a lot more then most of them out there
edit: over $400 for the adjustable MM LCA's! whew thats a lot more then most of them out there
They're expensive but worth it. Since you DD your car you could save some money and get the non-adjustable ones. It's what I have and was a night and day difference from stock both in the ability to launch AND in the ability to handle the corners.
BTW your 60' is actually quite good with the stock chit in the rear.
Sonic04GT
Member
These are the nonadjustable ones with the poly and spherical bushings. For a 79-98
Maximum Motorsports Rear Lower Control Arms (79-98) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!
Haven't heard much about them but Steeda is typically a good choice too.
Steeda Aluminum Rear Lower Control Arms (79-98) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!
Maximum Motorsports Rear Lower Control Arms (79-98) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!
Haven't heard much about them but Steeda is typically a good choice too.
Steeda Aluminum Rear Lower Control Arms (79-98) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!
No kidding. The MM heavy Duty LCA's and Ford UCA's should be fine and with SFC's you'll be in good shape. You haven't mentioned tires so I assume you're running street tires? Might want to invest in some stickies.
Sonic04GT
Member
That's what I'm about to throw on my '04
Obviously the correct ones for my year though hahaHow long did they take to install? Trying to figure out how much labor is gonna cost.
I can't even put my car on ramps in this stupid ass gated community. Just did my UD pulleys by unbolting the coolant resevoir and moving it to the side then coming through the top. Crank pulley was a pain not being under the car. The folks that had the house before us converted half the garage into 2 extra bedrooms so I'm all around screwed. I hate paying mechanics.
If you're on a tight budget here are those Summit ones you were looking at probably haha $80 man
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/822898-rear-lower-control-arms.html
That's what I'm about to throw on my '04
How long did they take to install? Trying to figure out how much labor is gonna cost.
I can't even put my car on ramps in this stupid ass gated community. Just did my UD pulleys by unbolting the coolant resevoir and moving it to the side then coming through the top. Crank pulley was a pain not being under the car. The folks that had the house before us converted half the garage into 2 extra bedrooms so I'm all around screwed. I hate paying mechanics.
If you're on a tight budget here are those Summit ones you were looking at probably haha $80 man
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/822898-rear-lower-control-arms.html
Took me about an hour and a half to install, although if I did it again it would probably take less time because I know what I am doing now.
You should see if there is anyone on stangnet in your area that would lend a hand or at least let you use their tools.
Whatever you do don't buy the summit crap... it's complete garbage compared to the MM stuff.
Sonic04GT
Member
Yeah I wish I would have done it while I was at Fort Hood. Met a guy there that did all his own work but never got around to it. Was just quoted $300 to installed the longtubes next week so I might just have him throw the LCAs on for an extra $150 since I was expecting to spend $400-500 on the headers alone.
Sounds like a good deal to me. Otherwise, there are a lot of forum members in FL and I'm sure someone would lend you a hand. I know I'd lend a hand to a forum member who was willing to drive to my house.
I pulled that 60' time with my drag tires..275/45/17 MT et streets launching at 5k rpms and hooking. Track prep was great. Also had about 100lbs in stereo equipment in the trunk. My DD tires are Nitto 555 315/35/17's. I'll check those steeda LCA's out. I'm going to the steeda stampede in Pampano this Saturday so they might have them on sale. If not I think i'm going to go with the MM non adjustable ones with factory UCA's
The build quality of the MM non-adjustable LCA's is incredible. I haven't seen the steeda's but I would bet they aren't even in the same league as the MM LCA's with regard to quality.
Sonic04GT
Member
There's a Steeda Stampede in Pompano this weekend?!?! I've never been to one and I have family coming down this weekend. SONOFABITCH.
Good to know
Sonic04GT
Member
Hey I am always willing to help anyone work on THEIR car. Just as long as I don't have to work on my own car...... I don't know my elbow from my butthole, but I would help work on anyone elses car.
That's comforting. Wanna help me do my cams? 
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