Adjustable Strut Rods
This 'How to' was featured on FordMuscle.com. Check it out:http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/tech-exchange/480549-adjustable-strut-rods.html#post1454225
This is a real weak point in the classic mustang suspension. The rubber bushings allow the strut rod to move backward and forward which allows the alignment to change (BAD). Some folks claim that you can correct or minimize this by replaceing the stock rubber bushings with poly bushings. This does not allow the strut rods to move up and down (GOOD) like they should and I have read that in some cases the rods have actually snapped. Not good.
With this in mind I decided I wanted to make a set of adjustable strut rods. These allow the up and down movement that strut rods need (GOOD) and prevent the forward and backward movement that we don't want.)
Getting started
This is the basic plan that I am working with. I found this picture on line a long time ago but I still had no idea how to get the job done. Then I found DazeCars. This is a great web site with several DIY reads. http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/adjustable
step 1 The first thing I did was find a set of used strut rods. I didn't want to use the ones I had on my car at the time in case I made a mess of things. I followed Daze's instructions and cut them to size. |
Step 7 - Done
I took my completed strut rods to my local Lowes, they have a good grade 8 bolt selection, and sized up what I needed. I ended up with two bolts that fit the eye/bearing of the rod perfectly. Then got a nylon nut and 1" steal sleeves that also fit the bolt perfectly. Added a couple of washers and I was on my way. I drilled my holes carefully with these cool bits (in picture) and bolted every thing together. On the side of the strut rod bracket you can see two weld holes (can sort of see in picture below). I drilled my holes between them. That should add strength and the measurements I had made it a great spot. It went smoothly. I did have to shave one of the steal sleeves down about a 1/4" to get a perfect fit. My install is pretty much the same as the picture above with exception to the washers. I put them on the out side.