Front end needs a lift

[MaSnaka]

My Classic Roadster built in 1997 has a 390 fe motor. I believe it has the original Mustang II front suspension (no mods). The problem I have is there is very little clearance between the tire and the top of the fender...so when I hit a little dip or bump in the road you guessed it, the rubber hits the fiberglass. The bottom of my oil cooler cowel is only about 3-3 1/2" above the road as well. Front tires are 235/60/15 on 8" rims. Is the clearance to the ground normal? Do I need to upgrade to a coil over shock to increase my tire clearances and raise the body up off the ground a little more? My thought is that the weight of the motor is causing the front to sag low. Any other thoughts or suggestions would be helpful, Thanks. John

[Tim Brewer]

You should already have coil overs and just need to tighten the coils up a bit. The bottom of your A-arms should be close to level as possible as well.
Tim

[416rICH]

I would call classic roadsters and order the springs
for big block engines.If you don`t have coil overs
you may want to upgrade these at the same time.

[NOSMS]

If you want to change over to a coil over set up we are making arms which you can use for the lower. Check out my photos for a picture of them.

Mike,

NOSMS

[MaSnaka]

Tim, I checked out the lower A-arms and they are level. I understand coil overs to be one unit, shock and spring. In my set up there is a coil spring and the shock is mounted through the center of it but they seem independant of each other. I don't see where an adjustment could be made to tighten the spring or adjust ride height. I have about 2-3" of suspension travel before the tires bottom out inside the fenders when wheels are straight...less during a turn. Thanks, John

[woody2]

Why not try a local spring shop?

[MaSnaka]

Ok guys...I ordered through CRII the tubular A-arm kit with a set of coil-overs all around. I was told to expect delivery in about 3 weeks. I'm sure I'll need some guidance through this upgrade. So stay tuned and I'll just have to keep taking it easy on the bumps. Thanks John

[Hray]

MaSnake:

by reading your previous post you indicate a lower A-arm being level, this is good generally, you also mention A-arm, this would indicat they did not use the stock stock mustang lowr arm with the trailing rod back to the frame.

If indeed you already have upper and lower mustang II A arms by simply converting to tublar arms and coil overs may not get you the desired result. yes the coil over can raise your ride height but it will also stiffen up the ride (I think). and it will not leave the lower arm horziontal to the ground. you may find you need to change out the spindles and get a raised spindle, this will raise the overall height of the entire car and give you more travel.

I am sure you will figure it out. If indeed you do not have a need for those used parts from your car I surely could use them for my 1991 CR. especially if you have a lower A-arm and not the single arm with trailing rod back to frame.

I have limited experience on Cobras but have done many street rod upgrades with stang II parts.

Take care Ray