LCA spacers?

[MPTech]

I reread the mk4 build manual and this section is pretty brief and provides no help / diagram for this issue.

When I assembled my FFR LCAs several months ago (back in April), I noticed that the frame tabs had a significant gap on the rear arm mounts, but I didn't think anything of it and just cranked the bolts down (but didn't torque them yet). I did notice that the tabs were now bent.
Recently, my buddy Rich (Rich GRSC) was looking over my work and informed me that I should remove the bolt, straighten the tabs and install a spacer to take up the gap. This makes MUCH MORE SENSE. Did I miss something in the manual, or is this just not addressed? I also don't remember seeing any washers/spacers for this. Seems like it should be in the manual if this is what is expected. I'm going to re-do them this weekend and just wanted a second opinion.
Rich's suggestion seems better than the bent tab I'm currently sporting.

[AC Bill]

Many builders have had to do that, although I wouldn't be overly surprised if some had simply left the ears bent slightly. Not sure exactly what the consequences of that would be in the long run..
You would think that this info would be included in the manual, and spacers provided..but they are not. Even better would be, that the LCA's were the correct size for the brackets, or the brackets were welded in, with proper spacing for the LCA's..
Use grade 8 washers, and tighten the bolts up enough so that the inner sleeve does not move. In other words it's firmly sandwiched between the brackets/washers.

[Jeff Kleiner]

You don't want to bend the tabs in because they may pinch the poly bushings themselves rather than the steel sleeve in the center. The frame tabs are wide at the rear to accept donor lower control arms. The Mk4 complete kit manual addresses the need to use the provided spacer (just a big fat washer really) when using the FFR arms and even includes a photo. As I recall it was noted in the Mk3 manual as well and spacers were included with the LCA hardware. I haven't seen a Mk4 base kit manual but would expect that it is referenced in there somewhere. No matter, Rich caught it so now you are aware and can make a correction.

Carry on!

Jeff

[Gopher]

I have the spacers FF sends and you can have them if you want .I went the billet route and the nightmare that went with using them.If I had to do it over I would just put Hiem joints on the FF lca's instead .

[SCFFR]

I just installed the FFR LCAs on my MkIV base kit. I was aware of the spacer issue from reading several posts on the subject. I also did a quick check in the MkIV assembly manual and did not see any mention of the spacer however the fasterner kit for the LCAs do include several large washers that can be used as spacers. I substituted these plain washers with some Grade 8 ones which were just a little thicker and filled the space better. On one side, the washer fit on the front side of the bracket but on the other side, it fit toward the rear. Regardless, the spacer will do the trick.

[AC Bill]

I don't actually recall seeing anything mentioned in the newer MKIII manual re the use of a spacer? I used BBK LCA's, so I may not have delved into it as much as I would have, if using the FFR ones..

My BBK "Grip" LCA's were the performance upgrade replacements for stock Mustang arms, so you think if the FFR brackets were designed specifically for a width allowing for donor LCA's, I wouldn't need a spacer for them, but I did. I would think the BBK ones would be the same as the donor arm's width..:confused:

[Jeff Kleiner]

Out of curiosity I took a look back at my paperwork last night (hey, even though my wife calls me a hoarder sometimes it comes in handy!). It is not mentioned in the Mk3 manual which only discusses installation of donor arms, however it is addressed in the supplemental assembly instructions that came with the FFR tubular LCAs. I bet the Mk4 base manual is the same, presuming the use of OEM arms and only mentioning the spacers in the supplemental instructions.

Jeff

[JimiD]

page 31 of the MKIV manual.

[MPTech]

Thanks Guys!

I think the conclusion here is that it is listed on page 31 of the Complete Manual, but omitted in the Base Manual. I'll have to dig up my other paperwork, but it sounds like it was included in the supplemental paperwork for the FFR LCAs. Like I said, I installed them back in April, so I can't recall and don't remember seeing the washers, but I'll check my spare parts pile tonight.

Thanks again for clearing it up.