[butchd88]

can a 66 strut rod be threaded so caster can be adjusted like a 67,i was thinking if the stop behind the rear washer was to be ground down i could thread the rod further back.i know they make adjustable rods,global-west and other companies,very expensive.
please help with any ideas,thanks butch:?:

 

[Steves66]

In a short answer... Yes.

There is a site online that I will give you when I can find it, but basically you can use your old struts, cut down and threaded for adjustable for about $150/pr.

Well, found it right away... check it out here

DazeCars, Home Made Mustang Adjustable Strut Rods

 

[66 restomod]

I have the ones manufactured by Rosehill (a buddy of Daze) on the 66. Well made and I think a bargain for $250.
Pictures of ours: Adjustable Strut Rods
I was tempted to do the Daze style but I just ran out of time to make them...

Rosehill Performance Parts

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

 

[Boomyal]

how do you adjust the caster without adjustable strut rods?

 

[RF Mustang]

Boomyal; There are shims between the upper Control arm and the wheel well where it attaches. Its a PIA ! You add or remove shims on the front or rear mounting bolt.

 

[Boomyal]

Boomyal; There are shims between the upper Control arm and the wheel well where it attaches. Its a PIA ! You add or remove shims on the front or rear mounting bolt.

I'll have to get an opportunity to study the front end better but I thought the shims on the UCA adjusted the camber, ie, moved the UCA in or out laterally, not front to back?

 

[66 restomod]

Adjusting both camber and caster is done by adding or removing shims. It is a PITA to get it right on a 65 or 66. That is why I went with the the adjustable struts to dial it to the correct caster. I have +3.0 degrees of caster on both sides on my 66.
If you want to completely do away with the shims on a 65-66 you can uses vario-camber kit along with the adjustable strut rods. This would make alignments a breeze. I am thinking of doing it this summer.
here is the kit: Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus :: Suspension and Handling :: Camber & Caster Kits :: 1965-66 Vario-Centric Camber Kit
The other thing with this kit is it moves the camber adjustment to the LCA. The shims are removed from the UCA and this will pull the top of the tire inward about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This could be useful if you have rub issues with the front tires on fender lips.
Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

 

[Boomyal]

Adjusting both camber and caster is done by adding or removing shims. It is a PITA to get it right on a 65 or 66. That is why I went with the the adjustable struts to dial it to the correct caster. I have +3.0 degrees of caster on both sides on my 66.
If you want to completely do away with the shims on a 65-66 you can uses vario-camber kit along with the adjustable strut rods. This would make alignments a breeze. I am thinking of doing it this summer.
here is the kit: Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus :: Suspension and Handling :: Camber & Caster Kits :: 1965-66 Vario-Centric Camber Kit
The other thing with this kit is it moves the camber adjustment to the LCA. The shims are removed from the UCA and this will pull the top of the tire inward about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This could be useful if you have rub issues with the front tires on fender lips.
Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

Did you use the Vario Centric Camber kit and the adjustable strut rods, 66? I am going to do the Shelby Drop on mine and get the nauseating wandering and vague steering aligned out of mine at the same time.

I'm not interested in doing a lot of component mods to my suspension but reasonable things that will make it easier for the alignment proceedure, I would willingly do.

I had previously installed grenada discs and wider 14" grenada rims using radial tires and I do not think any previous alignment work attempted to compensate for these things. Based on all that I have been reading, I am sure they did not have a clue.

 

[v8only]

I know someone running the adjustable setup, and he said it's noisy as all hell

 

[Boomyal]

I know someone running the adjustable setup, and he said it's noisy as all hell

I assume that would be due to eliminating the big doughnut bushing?

 

[v8only]

sounds about right. I didn't talk in great length about it, but he said that he's thinking of going back, and that on a street driven car, it would be his first suggestion.

I haven't been in his car though, and too noisy for one is acceptable for another, so kind of take it with a grain of salt I suppose...if you're the kind who can't stand poly bushing noise, body creaks, and noisy mods, then stay away. However, if you're like me...loud mufflers, loud everything, then who cares right

 

[66 restomod]

The adjustable strut rods have a heim joint that only pivots.
It is a solid connection with no slop or rattle on my car.
It also helps to steer straight under hard braking because there is no rubber to compress as the front end dives down.

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

 

[Boomyal]

The adjustable strut rods have a heim joint that only pivots.
It is a solid connection with no slop or rattle on my car.
It also helps to steer straight under hard braking because there is no rubber to compress as the front end dives down.

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

yabut, did you use the Vario Centric Camber kit as well? Will one work without the other?

 

[66 restomod]

I have not installed the camber kit yet. I am planning to install them when I put a set of roller spring perches on and cut off 1/3 of a coil on my spring. I will need to realign it again.
The adjustable struts can be used alone. You will still need to shim for camber and get caster in the ballpark. Then adjust the caster to be even for both sides with the adjustable strut rods.
The main benefit of the rods is that they do not bind or deflect the LCA while cornering or braking. If you have ever hit the brakes hard and felt the car dart to one side, it is probably because of the forward rubber bushing compressing and changing your caster and toe settings.

Good Luck and Be Safe
Ron

 

[Gary 69 mach I]

I know we are talking about 66 models, but what about a 69.That is what i have. Is it ok to cut the spring on my car as you where talking about you did Ron?

 

[66 restomod]

It is common to cut part of a coil to lower the front end. How much to cut off will depend on the strength of the spring and how much you want to lower it. I want to lower the 66 about 3/4 of an inch and have been been told by others to cut about 1/3 of a coil on the 620 springs
Good Luck and Be safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification