Understanding Fox Body Control Arms
What are Control Arms?
The modern car’s handling capabilities hinge on a complex dance of interconnected parts, and at the heart of this dance, for the front suspension, are the control arms. These crucial components are more than just simple linkages; they’re the backbone of your steering and suspension geometry. They connect the wheel assembly to the chassis, allowing for the controlled movement necessary for both smooth riding and precise handling. They control the up and down motion of the wheel, while also helping define the vehicle’s camber and caster angles, factors that greatly affect how the car corners and responds to driver input. Correctly functioning control arms are essential for optimal performance, and upgrading them is often one of the most impactful modifications you can make to a Fox Body Mustang.
Types of Fox Body Control Arms (Factory vs. Aftermarket)
The design and construction of these parts have a direct influence on how the car handles. Understanding the differences between stock and aftermarket options is the first step to maximizing your Mustang’s potential.
Let’s examine the two primary categories: factory and aftermarket control arms.
Factory/OEM Control Arms
Factory control arms, often referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) control arms, are the ones that came installed on your Fox Body from the factory. Generally made of stamped steel, they were designed to provide a balance of cost-effectiveness, durability, and acceptable performance for the average driver of the era. They are often a good starting point but have limitations when it comes to high-performance driving or track use. While durable enough for everyday driving, the rubber bushings commonly found in these arms can flex and deflect under load, leading to a reduction in responsiveness and a less precise feel in the steering. Furthermore, the fixed geometry of these arms offers limited adjustability, restricting your ability to fine-tune your Mustang’s suspension for specific driving conditions or performance upgrades. They also don’t provide the benefits of the weight reduction and increased strength that more advanced aftermarket options offer.
Aftermarket Control Arms
Aftermarket control arms, on the other hand, offer a significant step up in terms of performance, adjustability, and construction. The market is awash with options, each designed to enhance different aspects of your car’s handling. They come in a variety of materials, with steel and aluminum being the most common. Steel control arms often provide greater strength and durability, while aluminum arms can offer a significant reduction in unsprung weight, which can translate to improved ride quality and quicker suspension response. The design can vary widely, too, ranging from simple replacements to more complex systems with adjustable features. Tubular control arms, a popular choice, are often lighter and stronger than their factory counterparts, offering increased stiffness and improved handling characteristics. Boxed control arms are another type, often offering enhanced rigidity and are a solid choice for high-powered applications. The choice of which aftermarket control arm to choose will often depend on your driving style, budget, and the overall goals you have for your Mustang.
Benefits of Upgrading Fox Body Control Arms
Upgrading your **Fox Body control arms** can unlock a wealth of benefits that elevate your driving experience. These benefits extend far beyond simply making your car look good; they directly impact how it performs on the road and track.
Improved Handling and Performance
One of the most significant advantages is improved handling and overall performance. Upgraded control arms, especially those with stiffer construction and improved bushings, can dramatically reduce body roll during cornering. This means the car stays flatter, allowing the tires to maintain more contact with the road, thereby increasing grip and enhancing stability. Furthermore, improved control arms often lead to a more direct and responsive steering feel. The driver experiences a quicker reaction from the car as they turn the wheel, making it easier to navigate corners and react to changes in road conditions. Enhanced control arms can also improve cornering ability overall. They optimize the suspension geometry, allowing the wheels to maintain a more optimal angle relative to the road surface during turns, maximizing tire contact and improving lateral acceleration.
Adjustability and Customization
Another compelling reason to upgrade is the ability to adjust and customize your suspension. Many aftermarket control arms feature adjustable components, such as camber and caster adjustments. These adjustments allow you to fine-tune the suspension geometry to match your specific driving style, tire setup, and performance goals. For example, adding negative camber, which means angling the top of the wheel inward, can significantly improve grip in corners. Adjusting caster, which affects the steering angle and steering return, can influence steering feel and stability. This kind of customizability empowers you to extract the absolute maximum performance from your Mustang.
Durability and Longevity
Beyond performance, upgrading to aftermarket control arms can lead to greater durability and a longer lifespan for your suspension components. Many aftermarket arms are constructed from higher-quality materials and feature stronger designs than their factory counterparts. This translates to greater resistance to wear and tear, especially under the stress of aggressive driving or track use. Upgraded bushings are frequently made from polyurethane or spherical bearings, which are more durable and offer better performance than the original rubber bushings. The end result is a suspension system that can withstand the rigors of hard driving and last for many years to come.
Other Considerations
There are other considerations when making a choice. Some control arms can reduce weight, a change that will reduce overall vehicle mass and can improve handling. This can happen if the arms are made of aluminum or a lightweight steel. Certain arms are also aesthetically more pleasing, giving the car a more sporty look, but this should be secondary to the performance benefits.
Choosing the Right Fox Body Control Arms
Choosing the right **Fox Body control arms** requires careful consideration of your goals and preferences. Don’t just grab the first set that catches your eye. Research and select carefully to get the best results.
Performance Goals
Before making your selection, it’s crucial to evaluate your performance goals. Are you aiming for improved handling on the street, or do you intend to take your Mustang to the track? Perhaps you’re building a dedicated drag racing machine. The intended use will dictate the type of control arm that is best suited. For street driving, a set of quality tubular control arms with upgraded bushings may be sufficient. For track use, adjustable control arms with high-quality bearings may be more appropriate. For drag racing, arms designed for maximum launch efficiency and straight-line stability are critical.
Driving Style
Your driving style is another important factor. Do you prefer a comfortable, relaxed driving experience, or do you enjoy pushing your car to its limits on winding roads? Aggressive drivers will benefit from control arms that provide a more direct feel, greater stability, and more precise handling. Those who prefer a more relaxed approach might be satisfied with a more comfortable setup.
Budget Considerations
The budget always plays a role. Aftermarket control arms come in a wide range of price points. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and remember to balance your desire for high-performance with the reality of your financial constraints. It’s possible to find excellent control arms that deliver significant improvements without breaking the bank. However, it is also generally true that higher-quality components and features come at a higher price.
Materials and Construction
The materials used in the construction of the control arms also influence your choice. Aluminum arms are often lighter, reducing unsprung weight and improving ride quality. Steel arms are typically stronger and more durable, particularly in applications involving high horsepower or heavy use. High-quality construction is a must regardless of material. Look for arms that are well-engineered, precisely manufactured, and feature robust bushings or bearings.
Adjustability Options
The level of adjustability is a defining feature of many aftermarket control arms. Adjustable control arms allow you to fine-tune the suspension geometry, enabling you to set camber, caster, and toe to suit your specific needs. Camber adjustments can improve cornering grip. Caster adjustments can influence steering feel and stability. Toe adjustments affect how the tires point relative to each other, impacting handling characteristics.
Compatibility
When selecting aftermarket control arms, it’s essential to verify their compatibility with other suspension modifications. If you’re also planning to upgrade your coilovers, struts, or shocks, make sure the control arms are designed to work with these components. Ensure that the control arms will fit properly with your wheels, tires, and brake upgrades. Incompatible parts can lead to fitment issues, improper suspension geometry, and ultimately, compromise performance.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation and maintenance are key aspects of ownership. Even the best control arms won’t deliver their full potential if they aren’t installed correctly or properly maintained.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before starting any installation, gather all the necessary tools. This includes sockets, wrenches, a jack, jack stands, a torque wrench, and any special tools that may be required for your specific control arms. Safety is paramount. Always work on a level surface, and use jack stands to securely support the vehicle. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and follow all safety precautions recommended by the manufacturer. Remove the wheels.
Installation Process (General Steps)
The installation process typically involves removing the old control arms and installing the new ones. The removal process usually starts by disconnecting the old control arms from the frame and the spindle (or strut). The steps will vary depending on the control arm design. Refer to your specific control arm instructions for the exact procedure.
Torque Specs
Torque specifications are critical. Over-tightening or under-tightening bolts can cause damage, affect performance, or even be unsafe. Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
Alignment
After installing new control arms, it is essential to have a professional alignment performed. An alignment ensures that the wheels are properly aligned, which is essential for optimal handling, tire wear, and overall performance.
Maintenance Tips
Maintenance, although minimal, is still important. Regularly inspect your **Fox Body control arms** for any signs of wear, damage, or looseness. If your control arms use grease fittings, lubricate them as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep your control arms clean, and consider using a rust inhibitor to protect them from corrosion.
Where to Buy Fox Body Control Arms
There are many reputable manufacturers and brands that specialize in performance suspension components for classic Mustangs. Researching these brands and their offerings can provide a good starting point.
Online retailers and local auto parts stores are often the easiest places to purchase your new arms.
Always compare prices from different vendors, and check for sales or discounts. Consider purchasing parts in a package, and keep an eye out for promotions or clearance items to maximize your value.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even with proper installation, you may encounter some issues. Here’s a brief look at common problems and how to solve them.
Vibrations or Noise After Installation
If you experience vibrations or noise after the installation, it could be caused by several things, including incorrect installation, loose bolts, or worn-out bushings. Double-check your work, make sure all bolts are torqued to the correct specifications, and verify that all bushings are properly seated. A visual inspection of the new components can help.
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear often indicates an alignment problem. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly after installing new control arms, have your car realigned immediately.
Control Arm Failure
Control arm failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, excessive stress, or material defects. Inspect your control arms regularly for any signs of damage, and replace them immediately if necessary. Use quality components to mitigate the chance of this.
Loose Bolts
Loose bolts can cause a variety of issues, including vibrations, noise, and even component failure. Double-check all bolts regularly, and tighten them to the correct torque specifications. Use threadlocker if recommended by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading your **Fox Body control arms** is an investment that will pay off in terms of improved handling, performance, and overall driving enjoyment. Understanding the different types of control arms, their benefits, and the factors to consider when choosing the right ones is key to making a wise decision. By carefully researching your options, installing the control arms correctly, and performing regular maintenance, you can transform your classic Mustang into a true performance machine. Take the time to research and choose the best control arms for your needs, and you will be rewarded with a more responsive, capable, and enjoyable driving experience. The Fox Body deserves the best, and with the right control arms, it can become even more of a legend.