suspension Suspension!

[73GRAND]

I'm looking to restore the front and rear suspension on my 73 Grande' (351-C Ram Air) which is pretty much stock. I'm considering the "Grab-a-Trak" or simular kit. The price is very good but are these kits quality parts? Seems too good to be true seeing that you get shocks, coil and leaf springs, sway bars, and more for under $500.00. What do you think...should I do it?

73GRAND

 

[fasterthanthem]

You might want to post this in the correct section in order to get a better response. This is the 2010 mustang forum.

 

[coupe5.0]

I bought grab-a track stuff for my car. Seems to be decent stuff for the money, and havent had any problems. I dont put a lot of miles on it, but havent had any problems.

 

[Rusty67]

Do you want to keep stock parts on there or are you looking to upgrade ?

 

[73GRAND]

Have considered upgrading. Mustang Monthly shows rack and pinion avaialable for 65-70 but not 71-73 yet. Coil over is another option that, from what I hear, is a great improvement but costs $$$.

What are your thoughts on upgrading...much appreciate your help.

73 GRAND

 

[Rusty67]

Well, it all depends. What are your goals for the car ?

 

[hossdoc]

Also, what is your budget and fabrication skill level?

I know TCP's rack has been adapted to this car by at least one guy, but no one makes and off the rack kit for the 71-73.

 

[73GRAND]

My goal is for the car to handle better. Yes, that's a very general statement and can mean most anything. I'm not interested in competition or extreme high-end performance, on the other hand, the suspension and handling of my 73 stang (which is in good condition) is a plow horse compared to that of today's Mustangs. In a nutshell I'm willing to spend a couple of grand upgrading the car and I would like it to handle more like "todays" Mustang as opposed to 1973. I did e-mail the TCP tech folks and they related they will have their rack and pinion units available for the 71-73 Mustang next year (summer 09).

 

[hossdoc]

Heard that from them before. Skip the rack and contact lee mfg for a rebuilt steering box. I went with someone else; that was before I really knew about the guys at lee. However, my box was rebuilt for about $200 and feels great. It is 2.5 turns lock to lock. As far as improving the feel of the suspension, you don't have to spend a couple of grand if you have a few skills. Opentracker makes some great stuff. I have followed John's lead and tweaked stock replacement componants for a third the cost of TCP's coilover conversion. My '71 now drives great. However, if weight savings and adjustability is what you want...

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

+1 on Lee mfg. I had them rebuild my standard ratio box to 12.1 variable and the steering feel is that of a modern car. I also used some grab-a-track parts in the front and overall I've been very happy with the handling. I went with the 1.25 front sway bar, 620lb springs and a variety of bushings and other parts. The only thing I would change is to NOT go with the Edelbrock IAS shocks, ride is not much better than air shocks.

 

[Stang_1973]

Do you have the contact info for this Lee mfg? I have been wanting to do this sort of upgrade for quite some time.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

Here you go.

Lee Manufacturing
11661 Pendleton St
Sun Valley, CA , 91352-2502
Phone: 818-768-0371
FAX: 818-768-2687

 

[Rusty67]

This guy is also a well known and reliable source to get your box rebuilt with the proper equipment:
http://www.stangerssite.com/