Suspension help !!!

[Innkeepr]

Need some input from the experienced builders here.
Back story on my MK2.
Built using a fox body donor - replaced/upgraded over the years.
I have just done a big list over the last 2 years (heat/def), drop butt mod, dual roll bars, Kirkey seats, rewired new Painless, pwr brakes.
Car was driven for a year, then did the 5 lug conversion and Halibrands ( North Racecars parts) - just over 3K on the car with this set up.
We are putting the body on and a friend pointed out what he calls "a problem".
I never noticed, but here are the pictures of the issue

Drivers side ball joint / UCA
109617

looks ok to me, seems to be enough clearance.

Passenger side
109618

WOW - again, I never noticed - seems way too close.

I have never leaned into it hard enough to flex the tire into the joint.
What can I do to remedy this ? - these are the 15x8 wheels from NorthRacecars.
These are 235/60/15 tires running 23lb of air, alignment had no issues.

Any input is appreciated. I would like to correct this before putting it back on the road.

Be safe,
"E"

[David Williamson]

the easy solution is to add spacers, 3/16 or 1/4 inch. i have spacers on my MK2 for the same reason
David W

[Innkeepr]

the easy solution is to add spacers, 3/16 or 1/4 inch. i have spacers on my MK2 for the same reason
David W

Thank you Dave - Honestly didnt think the solution was going to be that simple.
Next stupid question is "where do you put the spacer/washers"

Thanks for the help.

[David Williamson]

There are manufactured spacers that go between the brake rotor and wheel, any speed shop will have them. The only other item to check is the wheel studs might be too short
David W

[johnnybgoode]

Need some input from the experienced builders here.
Back story on my MK2.
Built using a fox body donor - replaced/upgraded over the years.
I have just done a big list over the last 2 years (heat/def), drop butt mod, dual roll bars, Kirkey seats, rewired new Painless, pwr brakes.
Car was driven for a year, then did the 5 lug conversion and Halibrands ( North Racecars parts) - just over 3K on the car with this set up.
We are putting the body on and a friend pointed out what he calls "a problem".
I never noticed, but here are the pictures of the issue

Drivers side ball joint / UCA
109617

looks ok to me, seems to be enough clearance.

Passenger side
109618

WOW - again, I never noticed - seems way too close.

I have never leaned into it hard enough to flex the tire into the joint.
What can I do to remedy this ? - these are the 15x8 wheels from NorthRacecars.
These are 235/60/15 tires running 23lb of air, alignment had no issues.

Any input is appreciated. I would like to correct this before putting it back on the road.

Be safe,
"E"

Do you have any pics of your dropped butt mod? I'm thinking of doing this myself. Have read several post but always interested in other's experiences. Scott

[Boydster]

Is the current alignment accurate?

[AC Bill]

If you've not had an problem with them rubbing in 3000 miles, it might not be an issue. The bottom of the tire is what flex's the most when hard cornering.

If you decide to go with the spacers, and the extra 1/4" is going to be an issue, you might want to order the longer studs at the same time .

https://www.cjponyparts.com/wheel-spacer-1-4-black-5-lug-pair-1965-1973-1994-2019/p/WHSP27/?year=1965&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwrzl7o6I4wIVF_5kCh2AMw4hEAYYASAB EgJEo_D_BwE

[CDXXVII]

Wheel spacers

Something like this

https://www.cjponyparts.com/wheel-spacer-1-4-black-5-lug-pair-1965-1973-1994-2019/p/WHSP27/

[CraigS]

I agree w/ ACBill. 3000 miles tells me there is no problem so the spacers are just for piece of mind. I'd just go 1/8 inch so no need for longer studs.

[Innkeepr]

Scott -

I can take some pics later, I followed a build thread on the "other" forum, its not a difficult mod, just time consuming.
Will locate the post and link it for you when I get home.

[Innkeepr]

Boydster-
The alignment was done with the 5-lug conversion, so I have to say "yes" and only 3K on it since.

[Innkeepr]

I agree w/ ACBill. 3000 miles tells me there is no problem so the spacers are just for piece of mind. I'd just go 1/8 inch so no need for longer studs.



Craig -
I am going to try both the 1/8th and 3/16 spacer and see what is left on the studs.
Bill is a wealth of knowledge, I am glad he chimed in.

Thanks for the input.

[Richard Oben]

If it doesn't rub it will be fine.

Were the spindles changed? Did the IFS bracket change from FOX to SN95? Of did we use FOX rotors? SN95 Rotors? We have sold hundreds of the exact same wheel with no issues. Can't really tell how much clearance there is. But, Nothing there really moves much. Take a little off of the edge of the ball joint socket if you need to. I would not go with more than 1/8 inch if using a spacer. If you drove it and got it aligned and it did not rub why would it start with the body on? Don't panic at this point. JMHO. Richard.

[Innkeepr]

Richard,

I did not do the install of the parts, a local Mustang guru did. I never noticed how close it was prior to taking the body off to do the mods.
The 5-lug conversion and wheels I got off of you were the 33 spline rear Yukon? with brakes, and the fronts were MKVII Lincoln front rotors
to fit the fox body spindles ( using the FFR adapters )
The alignment was done and I have no issues after 3K miles. Like I said" I never noticed how close it was" before the body was off, and I am
just a bit concerned with it rubbing if I get to hard into a corner.

Next upgrade will be the SN95 fronts and bigger brakes - so I will be calling you again.

Thanks for your input.
"E"

[Big Blocker]

All things being equal (or at least we hope they are), why would one side be closer than the other unless the wheel backspace was different side-to-side. Pull the wheels and swap side-to-side and see if the problem follows the wheel. If it does, the problem is the wheel - or - the way the spindle is mounted to the ball joint adaptor - or - the hub isn't the same on both sides. SOMETHING is allowing the wheel to be closer on one side. ???

Spacers are a "Band-Aid" for non-compatible parts . . . or improperly installed . . . just my 2¢

Doc