PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: johnbigman2011 on May 28, 2012, 05:35:51 PM

Title: Control Arms
Post by: johnbigman2011 on May 28, 2012, 05:35:51 PM

Has anyone installed 74 control arms on a 72. Or can it even be done?

Can you have custom built control arms fabricated.. (Chrome Moly)??

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: oldkayaker on May 29, 2012, 05:45:43 AM

It is not a direct bolt in, see link: http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/'73-crossmember-with-'78-spindles-control-arms/msg127377/#msg127377 (http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/'73-crossmember-with-'78-spindles-control-arms/msg127377/#msg127377)
 
Almost anything can be modified or custom built.  Due to its popularity with street rodders and a IMSA class, the late Pinto/Mustang II front suspension is well supported in the after market industries.  They make steel and stainless steel controls for the late suspension.  I do not recall anybody offering chrome moly.  The early suspension is not popular and I do not know of any after market control arms.

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: Pinto5.0 on May 30, 2012, 09:58:19 AM

After taking the suspension apart on my '80 & getting a good look at how the front crossmember is spot welded in place I've concluded that it really isn't that hard to swap the late crossmember into the early Pinto.
 
Of course this isn't for everyone...... Especially if you aren't experienced with a welder. 

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: johnbigman2011 on May 30, 2012, 04:22:09 PM

I have thought about that aproach for sure. Just wondered if it would actually fit?/ Say frame width. I've never measured the frame rails.

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: Pinto5.0 on May 30, 2012, 09:42:11 PM

Quote from: johnbigman2011 on May 30, 2012, 04:22:09 PM

I have thought about that aproach for sure. Just wondered if it would actually fit?/ Say frame width. I've never measured the frame rails.

Yeah that's on my to-do list. I want to measure my '73 & '80 to compare. I've never heard of there being early & late front frame rails so I assume there's no differences.

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: Pangra74 on June 01, 2012, 12:02:01 AM

Only difference I know of is the engine compartment is longer from 74 and later for the 2.3 and the tunnel is larger as well. .


Joe

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: OhSix9 on June 01, 2012, 02:32:02 AM

the control arms are an inch longer and the bushings narrower on the early models. you could get a set made if you wanted.   But if you are gonna go that route get rid of the strut rods too and get them made like this

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_articles/StrutRods/StrutRods.htm

pretty basic piece to get built really.


OhSix'

Title: Re: Control Arms
Post by: johnbigman2011 on June 01, 2012, 03:27:26 AM

OhSix, I have an e-mail sent to them to see just what options they offer. Thanks, for the link.