This is topic New Prototype Adjustable Upper Control Arms For Fox Mustangs in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
So, I've wanted to get a set of upper control arms for my Mustang for awhile now, but I thought the nice adjustables were a little too expensive. I told my buddy who has a custom fab shop here in Sacramento and he started looking into getting parts for the arms.

Now it's a couple months later and this is what we've got. Single adjustable upper control arms for Fox Mustangs. They give you the ability to adjust 1" total. 1/2" longer or shorter than the stock control arm length.

-Made In Sacramento, CA USA

-The set pictured is made from 250 dom and 250 plate steel with laser cut ends. MIG Welded. We are going to get his TIG welder up soon for new sets. Also will be looking into powder coating options.

-Price will be $160 per set

What do you guys think?

Opinions Shared So Far:
-Longer Heim Joint Thread Capacity for strength
-Double Jamb Nuts so they dont loosen
-Hassle to adjust due to single adjustable

 -

Also, if you need any sort of Custom Fab/Welding etc they do it all. Sub Frame Connectors, Sheet Metal Work, Mini Tubs

Sacramento Kounty Kustoms
4536 auburn blvd ste f, Sacramento, CA.
(916) 993-8553

Behind TAP Plastics and Rex Hutchison Race Engines

[ November 02, 2012, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: FivePTSlow ]
 
Posted by LXjames (Member # 10791) on :
 
They look good but I say give them to someone who is at 7th every time there's a function and see how they hold up. I wouldn't buy them for price and looks. Give them to someone who has the ability to brake them and then you can put a price on them.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by LXjames:
They look good but I say give them to someone who is at 7th every time there's a function and see how they hold up. I wouldn't buy them for price and looks. Give them to someone who has the ability to brake them and then you can put a price on them.

Good ideas for sure. I plan on putting them to the test asap in my car as soon as my Turbo50 Motor is broken in and the weather is clear. I'm probably somewhere around the 400 rwhp level, so it's a good first test.
 
Posted by 87droptop50 (Member # 7185) on :
 
What the advantage of having adjustable upper control arms ?
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 87droptop50:
What the advantage of having adjustable upper control arms ?

You can adjust your pinion angle for different applications.
 
Posted by SwEeT 03 Gt (Member # 10283) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 87droptop50:
What the advantage of having adjustable upper control arms ?

pinion angle, larger tires iirc
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
I've never had adjustable uppers. My tubular upper/lowers with wild rides torque boxes work good enough for me.
 
Posted by SETONKILL (Member # 7277) on :
 
Your going to want two nuts so can jam together so the dont come loose on you
 
Posted by SwEeT 03 Gt (Member # 10283) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by LXjames:
They look good but I say give them to someone who is at 7th every time there's a function and see how they hold up. I wouldn't buy them for price and looks. Give them to someone who has the ability to brake them and then you can put a price on them.

or since he lives in sac he can hit the race track and really give em a beating
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SETONKILL:
Your going to want two nuts so can jam together so the dont come loose on you

Good idea as well
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SwEeT 03 Gt:
quote:
Originally posted by LXjames:
They look good but I say give them to someone who is at 7th every time there's a function and see how they hold up. I wouldn't buy them for price and looks. Give them to someone who has the ability to brake them and then you can put a price on them.

or since he lives in sac he can hit the race track and really give em a beating
This is the plan. I have slicks already waiting to be put on.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I've never had adjustable uppers. My tubular upper/lowers with wild rides torque boxes work good enough for me.

I had southside machine(iirc) box control arms with poly bushings(no heim joints or spherical bushings) on my last 5.0 and I had major suspension bind that would all of a sudden let loose and send me into the next lane of traffic. That's why we wanted to go with the heim joint setup. Also looking into making adjustable lower arms with adjustable spring perches etc
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I've never had adjustable uppers. My tubular upper/lowers with wild rides torque boxes work good enough for me.

I had southside machine(iirc) box control arms with poly bushings(no heim joints or spherical bushings) on my last 5.0 and I had major suspension bind that would all of a sudden let loose and send me into the next lane of traffic. That's why we wanted to go with the heim joint setup. Also looking into making adjustable lower arms with adjustable spring perches etc
Oh I see. I can change the pinion angle with my torque boxes I have, does that eliminate the need for adjustable uppers?
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I've never had adjustable uppers. My tubular upper/lowers with wild rides torque boxes work good enough for me.

I had southside machine(iirc) box control arms with poly bushings(no heim joints or spherical bushings) on my last 5.0 and I had major suspension bind that would all of a sudden let loose and send me into the next lane of traffic. That's why we wanted to go with the heim joint setup. Also looking into making adjustable lower arms with adjustable spring perches etc
Oh I see. I can change the pinion angle with my torque boxes I have, does that eliminate the need for adjustable uppers?
That would be an interesting setup to see. I've never seen adjustable torque boxes before.

I would say it may lessen, but not eliminate the need for adjustable uppers. With this set of uppers I will now have adjustable uppers and lowers, so I have more ability to experiment with angles since I have more adjustment range.
 
Posted by racsirx (Member # 1710) on :
 
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I've never had adjustable uppers. My tubular upper/lowers with wild rides torque boxes work good enough for me.

I had southside machine(iirc) box control arms with poly bushings(no heim joints or spherical bushings) on my last 5.0 and I had major suspension bind that would all of a sudden let loose and send me into the next lane of traffic. That's why we wanted to go with the heim joint setup. Also looking into making adjustable lower arms with adjustable spring perches etc
Oh I see. I can change the pinion angle with my torque boxes I have, does that eliminate the need for adjustable uppers?
That would be an interesting setup to see. I've never seen adjustable torque boxes before.

I would say it may lessen, but not eliminate the need for adjustable uppers. With this set of uppers I will now have adjustable uppers and lowers, so I have more ability to experiment with angles since I have more adjustment range.

These are the ones I have.
http://wildridesracecars.com/store/product.php?productid=16211&cat=249&bestseller=Y
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
 
Posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R (Member # 5400) on :
 
I need some lowers made, basically same idea as the uppers but a delrin rear bushing and heim up front an no spring perch as I have rear coilovers! Also my car has over 700hp and will really be putting them to test! Maybe I will grab the uppers too! I have the same style ones from another company now but for testing purposes I can run the whole set! I'll hit u up!
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R:
I need some lowers made, basically same idea as the uppers but a delrin rear bushing and heim up front an no spring perch as I have rear coilovers! Also my car has over 700hp and will really be putting them to test! Maybe I will grab the uppers too! I have the same style ones from another company now but for testing purposes I can run the whole set! I'll hit u up!

We plan on getting into lowers pretty quick here too. Gotta get some testing on the uppers first
 
Posted by turbo50 (Member # 6700) on :
 
Are they powder coated?

Dan
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by turbo50:
Are they powder coated?

Dan

This initial set is not powder coated. Just rattle can. If there is enough interest and people want to purchase sets we will work on getting them powder coated for sure.
 
Posted by Brandonn (Member # 632) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
 
Posted by racsirx (Member # 1710) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
If necessary we can just get a heim joint with longer threads for strength. Mike thinks they will hold up just fine unless over 800hp, so we will test them to find out.

Thanks for the opinions guys keep them coming. We would like to put these into production soon.
 
Posted by Brandonn (Member # 632) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
Na man ill let all the "race car fabircators" keep there dreams alive LOL
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
Na man ill let all the "race car fabircators" keep there dreams alive LOL
These aren't being built to be the end all be all control arm. They are meant to be an affordable sturdy option. We're not trying to appeal to the 2000hp crowd. We want to appeal to the every day Mustang guy who wants good quality for good prices. We've never claimed to be anything close to a "race car fabricator"

Sac Kounty Kustoms does just about anything and everything, but what they're known for mostly is body drops, air ride, chassis/frame modification, custom fab, and sheet metal work. They have to make stuff that will last and stand up to abuse on a daily basis.

We've been kicking around the idea of control arms for awhile now. If they wind up not being sturdy enough we will adjust accordingly until the product is durable enough for any street driven stang and most track applications.
 
Posted by Brandonn (Member # 632) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
Na man ill let all the "race car fabircators" keep there dreams alive LOL
These aren't being built to be the end all be all control arm. They are meant to be an affordable sturdy option. We're not trying to appeal to the 2000hp crowd. We want to appeal to the every day Mustang guy who wants good quality for good prices. We've never claimed to be anything close to a "race car fabricator"

Sac Kounty Kustoms does just about anything and everything, but what they're known for mostly is body drops, air ride, chassis/frame modification, custom fab, and sheet metal work. They have to make stuff that will last and stand up to abuse on a daily basis.

We've been kicking around the idea of control arms for awhile now. If they wind up not being sturdy enough we will adjust accordingly until the product is durable enough for any street driven stang and most track applications.

bro calm down wasn't.meant for you or your boys shop. was meant for the guys who think they build the dopest race cars ever. when in reality he is a joke. I build literally the fattest door cars on the planet. I have built cars that have gone up side down at 260 mph. I also worked a at Chris Alstons chassis works for ten years, so i'm not just trying to be a Dick,I kinda know what i'm talking about. good for you and your Buddie on taking the tine and resources to do what you have. and i'm not kidding I'll never knock some one for trying bud.if you have any real questions about Abby thing let me know i'm always willing to help.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
Na man ill let all the "race car fabircators" keep there dreams alive LOL
These aren't being built to be the end all be all control arm. They are meant to be an affordable sturdy option. We're not trying to appeal to the 2000hp crowd. We want to appeal to the every day Mustang guy who wants good quality for good prices. We've never claimed to be anything close to a "race car fabricator"

Sac Kounty Kustoms does just about anything and everything, but what they're known for mostly is body drops, air ride, chassis/frame modification, custom fab, and sheet metal work. They have to make stuff that will last and stand up to abuse on a daily basis.

We've been kicking around the idea of control arms for awhile now. If they wind up not being sturdy enough we will adjust accordingly until the product is durable enough for any street driven stang and most track applications.

bro calm down wasn't.meant for you or your boys shop. was meant for the guys who think they build the dopest race cars ever. when in reality he is a joke. I build literally the fattest door cars on the planet. I have built cars that have gone up side down at 260 mph. I also worked a at Chris Alstons chassis works for ten years, so i'm not just trying to be a Dick,I kinda know what i'm talking about. good for you and your Buddie on taking the tine and resources to do what you have. and i'm not kidding I'll never knock some one for trying bud.if you have any real questions about Abby thing let me know i'm always willing to help.
Im always calm. I dont get upset at people on forums that are trying to help me. I just make sure to get info from as many sources as possible before moving forward. I appreciate the insight and info. We're brand new to the Mustang parts scene, so we need all the help we can get.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by Brandonn:
quote:
Originally posted by FivePTSlow:
quote:
Originally posted by racsirx:
Not bad, but they will take longer to adjust since they are only a single adjustment, you will have to unbolt one end to adjust. With a double adjustable upper control arms you don't have to unbolt them to adjust. For $160 I would be worried on how long they will last, because if you use a cheap heim joint, they will oval out.

He says these are 28,000 load rated and the same that they usebon bagged trucks for years without any problems
The problem with that is a bagged truck wont put the same kinda load on them as your car with slicks and a stick will. in a bagged truck they dont see have the abuse they will in a race car. they may be fine is a 400 hp car but they dont look to have enough thread engagement to hold up to heavy drag racing
We will see. This is why we're going to test them out prior to selling them. With a working load limit of 28,000lbs and my Coupe weighing in at around 2975lbs I would think it's a pretty safe bet, but again that's why we're gonna test them first.
Brandonn, I agree, you should tell them who you work for.
Na man ill let all the "race car fabircators" keep there dreams alive LOL
These aren't being built to be the end all be all control arm. They are meant to be an affordable sturdy option. We're not trying to appeal to the 2000hp crowd. We want to appeal to the every day Mustang guy who wants good quality for good prices. We've never claimed to be anything close to a "race car fabricator"

Sac Kounty Kustoms does just about anything and everything, but what they're known for mostly is body drops, air ride, chassis/frame modification, custom fab, and sheet metal work. They have to make stuff that will last and stand up to abuse on a daily basis.

We've been kicking around the idea of control arms for awhile now. If they wind up not being sturdy enough we will adjust accordingly until the product is durable enough for any street driven stang and most track applications.

bro calm down wasn't.meant for you or your boys shop. was meant for the guys who think they build the dopest race cars ever. when in reality he is a joke. I build literally the fattest door cars on the planet. I have built cars that have gone up side down at 260 mph. I also worked a at Chris Alstons chassis works for ten years, so i'm not just trying to be a Dick,I kinda know what i'm talking about. good for you and your Buddie on taking the tine and resources to do what you have. and i'm not kidding I'll never knock some one for trying bud.if you have any real questions about Abby thing let me know i'm always willing to help.
Im always calm. I dont get upset at people on forums that are trying to help me. I just make sure to get info from as many sources as possible before moving forward. I appreciate the insight and info. We're brand new to the Mustang parts scene, so we need all the help we can get.
 
Posted by v-town coupe (Member # 2771) on :
 
someone needs to create a rear control arm setup like this for the mustang guys:

http://www.detroitspeed.com/1964-1972%20A-Body-Products/041603-rear-spd-kts.html

since the arms rotate it kills the "suspension bind" normally associated with a triangulated four link setup. of course in this kit i posted since the LCA's rotate you have to go to a rear coil over style suspension. they have used this on cars ranging from 350rwhp to 850 rwhp and typically on a heavy car.
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by v-town coupe:
someone needs to create a rear control arm setup like this for the mustang guys:

http://www.detroitspeed.com/1964-1972%20A-Body-Products/041603-rear-spd-kts.html

since the arms rotate it kills the "suspension bind" normally associated with a triangulated four link setup. of course in this kit i posted since the LCA's rotate you have to go to a rear coil over style suspension. they have used this on cars ranging from 350rwhp to 850 rwhp and typically on a heavy car.

This setup doesn't look that much different from a lot of fox setups out there. Am I missing something, how is it different?
 
Posted by FivePTSlow (Member # 7682) on :
 
ttt hopefully going to get to put the arms on sometime next week
 




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