05-09 vs 10-14 front control arms on track?

[v2rocket]

Hi,
This seemed the best place to put this question since the regular model forums are broken up by engine rather than year, and track folks are more likely to experience failures...

In late 2009 Ford changed the front lower control arms to a completely different part than they had used 05-09. They also increased the diameter of the ball joint stud from 18mm to 19mm (requiring a different spindle too). The base of the ball joint is larger too.

I am wondering if anyone here knows WHY that change was made?

The 14" GT500 brakes were already in use with a HD version of the 18mm ball joint from 07-09. Were there significant failures of the 18mm joint/arms in that time period, enough to warrant redesigning the whole arm and using a larger joint?

The GT500 being the heaviest car with the biggest brakes makes me wonder.

I ask because I am in the process of retrofitting S197 front suspension to an older non-Ford car, and the early style control arms seem like they would be a good bit lighter weight than the late style.

Obviously Ford had a reason to change it all up - but WHY?

 

[Midlife Crises]

I think there was a break package change that came in with the 19mm ball joint. I have an early build 2010 that has 18mm ball joints.

 

[Samos3]

The later arms are much beefier and have the 19mm balljoint. Probably to handle the extra power of the coming 5.0, the track goal of the coming Boss 302 and ball joints. There are reports of arm failures on the early arms.
But at some point, Ford decided to make the beefier arm available with the 18mm ball joints for the 05 to early 10 as a stock replacement. I think Ford stopped making the earlier arm altogether.
I have these beefier, 18mm arms in my 08. The difference is substantial.
And I think they have the upgraded, smoother bushings, too.

Rockauto listing for beefier arm for 05-09. Compare to pics of other brands.

2008 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Control Arm | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 2008 FORD MUSTANG at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[rawdawg]

I had an 18mm ball joint break on me. Replaced my arms and knuckles with the later year 19mm ball joints. Also welded in Howe Racing threaded bushing and used their screw in ball joints. Did this about 7 years ago and haven't had any issues and still riding on the same set of ball joints. Do they weigh that much more? I couldn't tell. I wouldn't go with lightweight aftermarket arms either.

 

[GriffX]

Grok sais:

Summary of Differences:

Feature	2005 Mustang	2011 Mustang
Caster	+5 to +7 degrees, less aggressive	+6.5 to +8 degrees, more precise steering
Camber	-0.5 to -1.0 degrees, comfort-oriented	-0.75 to -1.5 degrees, more performance-oriented
Control Arm Design	18 mm ball joint, rubber bushings	19 mm ball joint, hydro bushings
Adjustability	Limited adjustment without aftermarket	Better adjustment, especially with aftermarket
Steering	Hydraulic power steering	EPAS, more sensitive to geometry changes

 

[JC SSP]

I always thought the OEM GT500 were the best replacement front control arms?