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Source to buy suspension brackets and parts

68EFIvert

Well-Known Member
I have started a new project and will be modifying the existing 4 link in the car. It is not on my Mustang but I put the thread here instead in Gum Flapper's Lounge because I feel it could be useful for people doing this to a Mustang. My Volvo P1800 came from the factory with a 4 Link/Panhard bar setup. I need to swap out the original axle and in its place I will put in an 8.8 that I will narrow. I need to add brackets to the new axle and don't think the original mounts are strong enough for what I want.

I have looked around on the net at a few places that sell pre-fabricated brackets. The generally look pretty strong but I would like to hear from you guys to see if you build your own or have a place you like to use that builds nice quality components. Thanks for the help!
 
I built my 4 link using a triangulated 4 link kit I bought off ebay back around '03. I'll see if I can dig up more details on it. UB machine also sells all sorts of bracketry for very fair prices.
 
Here's the link to UBMachine...


I know the explorer rear is more attractive because of 31 spline and disks... but the fox rear might lend it self better to your installation since the 4 link mounts are already there.

Thinking about this a little more, didn't you recently buy a plasma cutter capable of cutting heavy plate? If so it's a no brainer... build or modify your own brackets.
 
Thanks for the link! I placed my order today for a m2 front suspension for the Volvo. It is going to have 14" Wilwood brakes with 6 piston calipers.
Anyways, got a little sidetracked there. I told the builder I was going to put in an 8.8 and he said that he has some brackets for the car he has designed and will give me! Pretty cool.

I am not worried about brakes for the rear. I will be adding some BIG Wilwoods back there as well. I will look into how wide the mustang 8.8 is. I wonder if it is as easy and cheap to narrow as an Explorer is?
 
The Fox 4 lug drum brake rears are 59.25" wide, the SN95 with 5 lug and disk brakes are about 1.5" wider, maybe 2" wider.

For the for the 4 link I like how the fox has the upper control arms mounted to the housing. The further away from the axle centerline the better leverage the link will have holding the rear in place. I'm not a fan of the upper links being mounted to the top of the axle tubes... lot's of folks do it that way, I can't say its bad, just beleive that further out provides better control.

If you haven't already, read up on 4 link geometry... if you're looking for traction, then be sure to set it up so it's not unloading the tires when you get on it or under hard bracking. The general rule of thumb is to draw an imaginary line along the axis of the upper and lower links... the intersection point (Instant center) should ideally intersect at the car's center of gravity. You do not want them totally parallel to eachother or splayed away from eachother as you'll never reach the instant center.
 
I appreciate the help. I know you have buun the and done that. I don't plan on designing my own setup. I plan on using the factory body mounts (reinforced) and replicating factory mounts on the axle side. I will buy new stronger bars to the length I need.

Since i don't want to use the atock spring combo the part I will need to design is upper coil over mounts. For that I plan on using tubing to tie into the frame rails then welding in tabs to mount the shocks. I will also have to make an adjustable panhard mount on the axle.

Having the front suspension guy provide me with the rear axle bracket will save quite a bit of time. His brackets are welder series. They will come to me as flat pieces the have relief cuts where you bend them to form the actual bracket. After they are bent you weld the corners.
 
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