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Upper control arm spacers

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by lnevill, Jan 18, 2008.

  1. Jan 18, 2008 #1
    lnevill

    lnevill Active Member

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    While detailing the suspension on my recently acquired 66 GT350H, I found both upper a-arms to have about 3/4" of spacers between the front bolt and the shock towers. The car is straight and shows no signs of having been hit, but I haven't had it aligned yet. I've also noticed that both strut rods are loose at the bushing ends so they are not being used to set the alignment. I do know the owner that restored the car back in 1985 never drove the car, except on and off the trailer, and never had the car aligned.

    I am wondering if this was something that was "common" back in the day to alter the suspension geometry or if they simply put them there to get the alignment close. Either way, I plan on removing them and getting the alignment done with new strut rod bushings.

    Anyone seen this before or have an idea as to why this would have been done?

    thx
    lee
     
    lnevill, Jan 18, 2008
    lnevill, Jan 18, 2008
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  2. Jan 18, 2008 #2
    zrayr

    zrayr Well-Known Member

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    The shims ( or spacers as you call them ) are the way alignment is set. You need them. Adding/Removing spacers is how the camber & caster is set.

    To be completely safe, the car should be trailered to an alignment shop, and certainly not driven with loose strut rods.

    Many if not most alignment shop don't have a clue how to set the alignment of the '65 & '66 Mustangs or Shelbys. If you don't already belong to a local Mustang club, join one. The members will be a great resource when it comes to the subject of qualified & competent repair shops.


    Z. Ray
     
    zrayr, Jan 18, 2008
    zrayr, Jan 18, 2008
    #2
  3. Jan 18, 2008 #3
    Jerry_Moss

    Jerry_Moss Well-Known Member

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    Hi

    I´d say taht is way more to what is in a regular Mustang.
    In my coupe it is about 7/16 - 1/2 ".
    But take it to a shop and have it checked to be save.
    Maybe it is more because of the shelby drop thing to get
    your wheels straight!?

    Those shims on my Fastback were so rusty i now have them
    made out of titanium.

    Bye Jerry
     
    Jerry_Moss, Jan 18, 2008
    Jerry_Moss, Jan 18, 2008
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