busted... what now?

[iLkYsPoNy]

Well people I haven't had a chance to survey the damage but Friday night my balljoint/control arm broke on me. LUCKILY.... it didn't happen 20 minutes earlier when I was rippin' on it. I managed to make it to my parking lot before it got too bad but she was def. grinding. I managed to stick my hand in and feel the wheel and it didn't feel too bad, again... LUCKILY.

I'm wondering though, what else should I do when I replaced the control arms (w/balljoints)? I still need to look for damage to make sure nothing crazy happened but it didn't go very far after the grinding started. There's still a lot of dust all over everything so we'll see.

1992 GT with 245/45/17... will a 1.5 in drop be too much? I was getting a little rubbing on TIGHT turns. But, I wonder if new control arms and bushings and everything will make a difference in that?

Pics of car for reference:

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

No one likes my threads enough to post

 

[BK_CAULEY]

i heard the 03-04 cobra control arms give you a better turning radius. that was just hearsay though so research it first.

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

Hopefully someone will chime in as to whether thats true or not and if it is how hard it is to do on my setup...

 

[mustangjoe87]

How about pics of the broken parts.

 

[91 HATCH]

i dont know why you dont get replys



the cobra arms will make a big difference in turning radius

 

[hemi_fan]

I had the same thing happen to my fox 2 summers ago. The ball-joint pulled right out of the knuckle cuz it was worn so badly. It is possible to only replace the balljoints if you're on a budget. The best thing to do though would be to grab yourself some aftermarket arms while you're at it. They wont cost that much more than just the balljoints, and they'll improve handling/turning radius. I also opted to upgrade to 95+ spindles/brakes and 5-lug while I was at it since they require a shorter ball-joint, and I didnt want to change the balljoints twice... although you could just shim the fox balljoints if youre going to go 5-lug in the future.

 

[68keyblr]

What kind of shape is your rack/PS Pump/PS hoses in? You may want to service those items while you are at it as well

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

i dont know why you dont get replys

It's gotta be because I'm such an ass hole? I guess the world may never know...



The power steering items are in great shape (as i say that the car is thinking about breaking there next)... no leaks and no noise.

Are the Cobra arms a direct bolt in? Also, the aftermarket arms are a LOT more than buying just balljoints. Decent balljoints will run about $30 each and the decent set of arms (non-tubular) are atleast $300 from what ive seen.

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

How about pics of the broken parts.

dont worry... they will come.

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

Here's the carnage... not too bad. I thought it would be worse from the sounds it make lol.

 

[ninety15.0]

Nice...im about to do ball joints and tie rod ends this weekend along with those stailess caliper sleeves from MM. Ball joints are about 35 bucks a piece or the steeda X2's are about 130 for the pair. the rod ends are pretty cheap too. Should be a nice change after getting that old crap out of there.

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

I have no idea where to get stabilizer links?

 

[ninety15.0]

I think autozone sells them. they sell selected energy suspension components...and for about 25 bucks i picked up their end links...they have a grade 8 bolt and nuts with urethane bushings. good deal.

 

[PeteyAce]

what would have to be done to change to sn95 or cobra 03/04 control arms?

 

[gruvee87vertgt]

Do what I did...buy the Ford racing control arms for $189..comes with balljoints and new bushings......didnt notice any difference but looks pretty and maybe cheaper than goign another route.

 

[PeteyAce]

but frca for foxes are no cheaper then 300 really...

 

[Shakerhood]

I have the Ford Racing Lower A Arms, they are a Nice Upgrade.

 

[iLkYsPoNy]

I think it's going to come down to timing and money. I might just put a balljoint, sway link, and tie rod on for now. Store it for the winter and save up some cash so I can do the tubular control arms and new k member.