UCA install questions...

[RSKtakR]

I have never installed a UCA before, and there are no instructions.. this is a solid UPR UCA.. are there any instructions online to install this? I did a quick search here and didnt really come up with anything that is actual "installation instructions" ?

 

[wproctor411]

Here's a basic run down:
http://www.americanmuscle.com/jm-adjustable-upper-control-arm-0509-install.html

I would recommend having a shop install it unless you can get a drive-on lift or have a method to apply load to the suspension while in the air.

 

[AMDanBailer]

Here's a basic run down:
http://www.americanmuscle.com/jm-adjustable-upper-control-arm-0509-install.html

I would recommend having a shop install it unless you can get a drive-on lift or have a method to apply load to the suspension while in the air.

The instructions posted above will be the same thing you need on your 2011.

The installation itself is pretty easy, just make sure that you have a safe way to load the rear suspension(trying to load a suspension with the car on 4 jack stands can get pretty sketchy). I would recommend just using jackstands for the rear of the car, so that when you use your floorjack to load the rear suspension you don't have the car roll or fall forward.

Other than that, prepare for more traction and quicker 60' times!

 

[cshiznitzj]

The instructions posted above will be the same thing you need on your 2011.

The installation itself is pretty easy, just make sure that you have a safe way to load the rear suspension(trying to load a suspension with the car on 4 jack stands can get pretty sketchy). I would recommend just using jackstands for the rear of the car, so that when you use your floorjack to load the rear suspension you don't have the car roll or fall forward.

Other than that, prepare for more traction and quicker 60' times!

This is exactly what I did. Easy install. Bring a big bar for the bolt under the back seat it. It is torqued above 300 ft-lbs during factory assembly.

 

[RSKtakR]

When you all say "load the suspension".. what does that mean? If the axel is supported by 2 jackstands and I have the wheels off wont the suspension be loaded since the suspension will be in the compressed or loaded position?

 

[cshiznitzj]

You will need to use the jack on the pumpkin to load the suspension to align UCA bolt with the bushing in diff while it sits on jack stands. After all bolts are started and somewhat snug, all fasteners should be torqued while the suspension is loaded by the weigh of the car. Easy as sitting the tires on some ramps and torque the 3 fasteners on the mount and the diff-UCA fastener.

 

[RSKtakR]

ok so use jackstands somewhere other then the axel to support the car, then use the jack to lift the pumpkin up and down, and to get the bolts started, then just drop the car on ramps and torque the 3 bolts for the UCA when all the weight is actually on the tires.... that makes sense now.

 

[fdjizm]

I just put jack stands on the axle tubes to load when I installed my LCA's.

 

[RSKtakR]

I just put jack stands on the axle tubes to load when I installed my LCA's.

i did as well.. but since this is for the UCA install, I think the rear end needs to be dropped/not loaded so that there is room up there to do the UCA swap. Then put back up into the loaded position to torque all the hardware.

 

[Sharad]

Thanks for the help guys. Here is our instruction page for the arm only:

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst...11-mustang-upper-control-arm-installation.pdf

Here is the page for the arm and mount:

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst...-upper-control-arm-and-mount-installation.pdf

 

[RSKtakR]

Should I have gotten the aftermarket UPR UCA mount as well?? I dont drag race the car every weekend or anything.. I think my last question is where the hell do all these washers go? I have 1 bolt w/ the nylon nut for it. 2 wide flat washers, and 4 of those aluminum washers that look like they fit into something, keep in mind I have a 2011 if that makes any difference.

 

[BMR Tech]

Should I have gotten the aftermarket UPR UCA mount as well?? I dont drag race the car every weekend or anything.. I think my last question is where the hell do all these washers go? I have 1 bolt w/ the nylon nut for it. 2 wide flat washers, and 4 of those aluminum washers that look like they fit into something, keep in mind I have a 2011 if that makes any difference.

I highly recommend an upgraded upper mount, when upgrading the stock arm.

IIRC, the arm you have is the same arm as the 2005-2010. However, I believe that UPR includes an offset washer to retrofit the older style arm, to the newer style mount. Maybe Sharad can clarify this?

IF that is the case, you will need to utilize the offset washers. (Because 2011+ come from the factory with an upper arm that is longer than the 2005-2010)

Post pics of everything you have, it may make it easier to help ya.

Good luck!

 

[fdjizm]

If the UCA is solid, how does it swivel with the rear end on our 3 links?
(always wondered that)

 

[RSKtakR]

I highly recommend an upgraded upper mount, when upgrading the stock arm.

IIRC, the arm you have is the same arm as the 2005-2010. However, I believe that UPR includes an offset washer to retrofit the older style arm, to the newer style mount. Maybe Sharad can clarify this?

IF that is the case, you will need to utilize the offset washers. (Because 2011+ come from the factory with an upper arm that is longer than the 2005-2010)

Post pics of everything you have, it may make it easier to help ya.

Good luck!

I returned the UCA i had gotten for the 05-10 and exchanged it for a 11+ so I have the correct arm now.. I can post pics of everything tonight

 

[NUTCASE]

a chiltons book could of prevented this entire thread


whenever you get a car always get the chiltons or the haynes manual. it will awnser alot of you questions and alert you to issues before pulling your car apart.

 

[BMR Tech]

If the UCA is solid, how does it swivel with the rear end on our 3 links?
(always wondered that)

Articulation?

With this type of upper arm, the bushing material will be the deciding factor on how well, or how much the arm will articulate when cornering.

Most people who are concerned with cornering, do not choose to go with the soild poly upper.

 

[BMR Tech]

I returned the UCA i had gotten for the 05-10 and exchanged it for a 11+ so I have the correct arm now.. I can post pics of everything tonight

Sweet!

Slap the washers in, bolt the arm in, and go drive it like you stole it!

 

[RSKtakR]

a chiltons book could of prevented this entire thread


whenever you get a car always get the chiltons or the haynes manual. it will awnser alot of you questions and alert you to issues before pulling your car apart.

its a 2011 I havent seen a a Chiltons for it YET.. and there arent any instructions provided w/ the UCA.

Im waiting until I get my LCA relocation brackets and then I will install everything at the sametime.. BTW thanks for the help everyone.

 

[BMR Tech]

Maybe pair these up with whatever you have, it may help you further.

BMR 2011+ Mustang Upper Control Arm Installation Instructions

 

[RSKtakR]

are all the aftermarket UCA mounts the same for 05-12+?