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?
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?
