The well-known black S197 Ford Mustang has returned to the shop to get another suspension upgrade.  This time, the rear suspension is the area of focus.  This J&M Upper Control Arm (UCA) will eliminate the unwanted control arm flex and also has the ability to change & correct the pinion angle on a lowered car.  Our original StangNet.com write-up (with hi res images on demand) gives a real world overview and interpretation on how to perform the UCA installation on a 2005 Ford Mustang GT.  StangNet Staff member bigcat shows us just how it's done.

Tools needed: 18mm socket, 21mm socket, 1 ½” wrench, 18mm wrench, 21mm wrench extensions, ratchet, jack, jack stands, (optional: ramps), & magnetic angle finder.

NOTE: Any time a suspension fastener is loosened or removed, Ford specifies a new fastener should be used.

Step 1.  Raise and properly support the vehicle at a comfortable working height.

Step 2.  Using your 18mm socket, remove the nut from rear mounting bolt for the upper control arm.  This is the bolt that holds the upper arm to the rear axle. It is a flag bolt and will hold itself while turning the nut.  You may find it helpful to put slight upward pressure on the axle to remove the bolt.

Step 3.  Using the 18 and the 21 mm wrenches, remove the nut from the front mounting location of the upper control arm.  The nut is 21mm, and the bolt head is 18mm.  A ratchet type wrench is useful for this step.