Classic Ford Mustang Performance Suspension - Project 'Stang

We added a trick Fly-Ford lower spring perch to the Global West upper control arms to ensure the special high-rate springs would be properly supported (see "Perched" sidebar).

Because the new Global West coil spring is shorter, we did not need a compressor to install it. We just lined it up with the lower spring perch, guided the spring in place in the shock tower, and bolted the spindle to the upper control arm.

Once the upper portion of the system was reassembled, Moore replaced the stock lower arm with a new tubular Global West arm that offers the advantage of a serviceable ball joint. The ball joint in a stock replacement lower arm cannot be serviced.

Next, we bolted in the Global West adjustable strut arm with its heavy-duty spherical bearing. The bearing eliminates deflection that can cause significant alignment changes during hard cornering.

We dropped the single-adjustable Koni Classic shocks in from the top, securing them to the new Global West upper arms. To start, we adjusted the shocks in the middle of the adjustment range.

The final addition came down to a Global West 1-inch-diameter front antiroll bar and its polyurethane end link bushings to tie both sides of the front suspension together during hard cornering. We decided to wait on the alignment until we had the rear suspension swapped over, since this would alter the Mustang's ride height.

Fly-Ford's mount is the perfect spring perch replacement for any application, even if your early Mustang or Falcon is completely stock, this mount will reduce deflection and improve handling.

Before we could install the new springs, we had to press the Del-a-lum bushings into the new leaf springs. This required a press. Don't hammer the bushings into place; that will only damage the aluminum. The bushings must also be properly clocked so the grease fittings are in the correct position.

The passenger side fell into place. The clearance for the rear bolts is much tighter on the driver side. Make sure to completely remove all rust from the subframe before attempting to press the aluminum bushings in place. We ended up using a long bolt and nut with large washers to help pull the two bushing halves together into the subframe.

Once we had all the components in place, we ran the Mustang back over to Marlo's Frame & Alignment to put the final tweaks on the front suspension. Now we're ready for some five-bolt wheels, better brakes, and bigger tires.

We started by removing one leaf spring at a time. The stock bushings had long since turned to concrete and needed replacement.

Note the difference in spring arch between the stock Mustang springs (top) and the flatter Global West springs that will clearly lower the ride height.