DIY Network

1965 Mustang Restoration: Front Suspension, Disc Brake Conversion and Tilt Steering From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-502

(Continued from page 1)

Next Steve Magnante and Jeff Ford, of Revelation Racing Supply, install a new lower control arm and front RSS MacPherson strut and disc brake assemblies. The conversion from stock drum brakes to disc brakes provides safer and superior braking power. The upgrade from shock absorbers to the MacPherson strut system provides superior front suspension.

advertisement

Installing the new suspension

Installing the New Lower Control Arm and Front RSS MacPherson Strut and Brake System

Tools:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
new brake assembly (disc brake system)
new suspension system
urethane bushings
lubricating oil

	Installing the sway bar

Steps:

• First, install the new lower control arm. The control arm bushing sleeve and pivot bolt are fitted into the bracket, the washer and nut go on by hand, tightened just to snug for now.

• Next, install the end link, washer, and upper bushing onto the sway bar. Then load the end link with another bushing and washer, the spacer, and another washer and bushing.

• The assembled end link can then be installed through the lower control arm and secured with the bottom nut.

• The sway bar is tightened down to product specifications.

• The suspension unit goes in, slipping into the spring tower and up through the mounting plate.

• As the mounting bolts are installed from below through the spring tower, have another person install the mounting plate and nuts from above.

• Holding the bolts secure from below, tighten the mounting nuts to snug for now. The care will need to be aligned to specifications at a professional shop later on.

• To install the new disc brake assembly, remove the castle nut and the ball joint cover as well as the strut suspension mounting bolts.
  

  Installing the new brake assembly

• The brake assembly is seated on the ball joint with nuts tightened down.

• With the brake assembly seated on the ball joint, it takes some maneuvering to line it up with the strut bracket.

• The bracket bolts and nuts are installed and are tightened first by hand, then with a wrench. Don't tighten the top bolts up yet because it is the camber adjustment.

• The alignment specs are basically Mustang alignment specs, but make sure you use specifications included in the instructions.

• With a rubber grommet threaded onto the brake line, the line is secured onto a strut bracket.

• The new brake line is connected to the stock line and tightened up.

• To connect the tie rod to the new brake assembly, spray lubricant onto the connections and unthread the tie rod adjuster sleeve from the inner tie rod end.
  
  
  

  1 | 2 | 3 | 4

  
  
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: 1965 Mustang Restoration: Introduction and Initial Assessment 1965 Mustang Restoration: Mustang History and Resources 1965 Mustang Restoration: Body Disassembly and Prep 1965 Mustang Restoration: Dual Brake Master-Cylinder Upgrade

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	1965 Mustang Restoration: Front Suspension, Disc Brake Conversion and Tilt Steering