Classic Mustangs List Archive

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Mail From: (email redacted) (email redacted)

I am planning to rebuild the front suspension on our '66 6 cyl. coupe. I
would like to do it right the first time. I have read many articles and books
and feel pretty comfortable with the project. Can anyone give me some
pointers on which parts I should rebuild and those that it is wiser to
replace.

I am considering a "deluxe" kit form Mustangs Unlimited. The kit includes
complete upper and lower control arm assemblies along with inner and outer tie
rods, strut bushing kits, spring seats, sway bar end links etc. I would also
like to add new shocks and perhaps springs. The whole project appears that it
will cost around $600 in parts. Is this overkill? I would appreciate hearing
about others experiences. Should I use rubber or poly bushings? (a Sunday
driver). Are the springs usually tired or are they generally OK? What is the
quality of the parts in the kits? Do they vary?

Thanks
Jim Covart
'66 Sprint Coupe

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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Rautenberg, Jeff (email redacted)

Jim,

Besides rebuilding my brakes in my previous email, I also rebuilt the front
suspension in my '65 coupe about two months ago. I used a kit from
Performance Suspension Technology (PST) that pretty much included everything
the MU kit came with, but uses Polygraphite bushings. The polygraphite may
be a little stiffer than you want for a Sunday driver, but mine will be a
daily driver. I also added KYB shock on all corners, replaced the front
coils with 1" dropped coils, and added a larger front sway bar. These all
came from a MU kit.

Regardless of the kit you use, the job is really very simple. This was my
first suspension rebuild, and I didn't have a single problem. A coil spring
compressor is the only special tool you'll need.

One recommendation - the inner and outer tie rods I got were bare steel (as
they were originally). Before installing them, I'd either clear coat them
or paint them with cast iron paint so they stay nice looking. I didn't even
think about it when I put mine on, and started noticing some rust after
about a week, so I painted them on the car! Oops.

Good luck!

Jeff Rautenberg


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