[OpiemusRex]

Has anyone installed the handling kits from either Mustangs Unlimited or Laurel Mountain Mustangs?

I am considering purchasing one or the other and leaning towards Laurel Mountain because theirs included new upper and lower control arms as well as a Monte Carlo bar and Midolyne bushings. I have done some research on the bushings and have read no negative reports concerning them. I initially wanted Urethane bushings but have read that they can be noisey.

I am also considering the 5 leaf standard eye leaf springs at 195lbs/in. with the stock height. I hope that this is not too stiff for the street but I would like to update everything.

I would appreciate any input that you may have.

Thanks

[silver69]

what year and engine size, what intended use for car?

[OpiemusRex]

It is the 1971 convertible pictured. It has a 302, pwr steering and brakes, front disks with factory air. I intend to use it as a play toy for weekend cruising and will eventually build the 302 so that is has some punch but want to maintain all the factory equipment. I do plan on installing subframe connectors as well.

[Jonk67]

I got the 'Grab-A-Trac kit from Laurel I believe, a few different suppliers carry the same kit though. There were a couple things I was disappointed with: the LCA slid in the bushings at the inner mount area so the arms started rubbing in the saddle. I have filed them to see if this fixes it but I doubt it. Wish I would have spent a little more and gotten the Moog or McQuay Norris LCA as they are thicker/heavier duty like the originals.

The nuts on the UCA shaft nuts started to unscrew/loosen as I marked them to see, I fabbed a screw to lock the in place, we'll see how that does with time. My advice would be to spend a little extra and get one of the 2 mentioned brands if you can find them.

I don't have any experience with the Midolyne, almost got those but went with Energy poly bushings for the rear leafs (4 1/2 mideye), lubed them liberally with dielectric grease (as far as I can find out it's the same substance that comes in the little tubes, they just don't give you enough). I did not have a squeek in 9mos. of use.
Jon

[silver69]

I would reccomend you use Granada style uca's. the old style squeaks like a pig, sooner or later it will squeak. I had new set from MU and had to remove them, no mount of grease worked for more than a week or so. Got grananda upper arms and bolted right in, they have a trw rubber bushing on each side. I would also get standard springs for the rear I went standard and the butt end of mine seemed so high I lowered it with the spring insulator kit from an old montego and now th ecar looks right. Dont get a stiff spring, get underride traction bars, they help with sway control and hold the axles nice and planted during rubber melting sessions. you must get the subframe connectors especially for a ragtop, it made a HUGE differnce on my facstback. Midolene is great stay away form urathane. I cant answer for the front coils, I went stock and the car seems really low anyway. Roller sring perches are an absolute must.
I have roller perches, sub frame connectors, underride traction bars, stock coils(new) stock leafs(new), new shackle kits, new shocks. had rear sway bar but it captured the rear end so tightly that the shocks felt - locked, removed it. 351C and it corners FLAT, melt tires with no axle hop, takes bumps qutie nicely, just my $.02

[andrewmp6]

I would look more at Opentracker Racing Products - Products Page both of those kits are really just oem replaces with one or two tiny upgrades.Do you have front disc if you don't you should add it to the list.

[OpiemusRex]

Yes, I have front disc brakes and wonder if it is factory or after market. There are so many choices that my head is spinning at this time. Thanks for your input.

[andrewmp6]

If its 11 inch disc single piston caliper its stock disc.