Adjustable Strut Rods

This is a real weak point in the classic mustang suspension. The rubber bushings allow the strut rod to move backward and forward which allows the alignment to change (BAD). Some folks claim that you can correct or minimize this by replacing the stock rubber bushings with poly bushings. This does not allow the strut rods to move up and down (GOOD) like they should and I have read that in some cases the rods have actually snapped. Not good.
With this in mind I decided I wanted to make a set of adjustable strut rods. These allow the up and down movement that strut rods need (GOOD) and prevent the forward and backward movement that we don't want.



This is the basic plan that I am working with. I found this picture on line a long time ago but I still had no idea how to get the job done. Then I found DazeCars. This is a great web site with several DIY reads. http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/adjustable

step 1 The first thing I did was find a set of used strut rods. I didn't want to use the ones I had on my car at the time in case I made a mess of things. I followed Daze's instructions and cut them to size.



step 2 After they were cut to size I needed to put a thread on them. There is a local machine shop so I dropped them off there. I figured I could use this to see what kind of work they did and if the costs were fair. I can say that if I were to do it again I will put the threads on my self. It is not hard and much cheaper.

step 3 Following the instructions that Daze has laid out I ordered my extra parts. Everything you need to know is on his page. If you can't find it there let me know and I will pass along the info. It did not cost much and they were shipped fast and I got exactly what I needed. Now be sure to read step 6, I did not do this exactly as Daze suggested. I did not order the threaded rod clevis.
step 4 While my parts were on the way, I painted up my strut rods so they will not rust up and will look as good as the rest of my suspension.
Step 5 When my extra parts came it was as simple as putting them together. Daze has really done a good job of making this a really simple process.







Step 6 Now I didn't want this to cost to much money and I have read about a few folks who have done this. Daze does a great job mounting his strut rods to his car. I didn't want the extra expense of doing what he did so I went another route. I went to Lowe's and got the proper fitting bolts, nuts (all grade 8), and alum tube. This was much cheaper and I believe will work just as well.


Step 7 Now I have not installed these on my car just yet. I will update this read when I have but this is how I plan to do it. (see pictures that I borrowed from the internet from jsharvey1961 photo album). I am going to carefully drill a hole through the strut rod frame rail that is on the car. I will make sure I have enough clearance to allow the strut rod to move freely but keep it as close to the factory mounting point as possible. Then use the alum tubing to keep it center.



I think these will be a excellent addition to my front suspension!!

good job rich, the only thing I cant make out is if your threaded shaft has a hex on it anywhere so that you could use a wrench to adjust.

nope.. they are round but large enough that you can get a pretty good grip on them by hand. You could probably also use a pipe wrench if you really had to.

Originally Posted by rmousir

nope.. they are round but large enough that you can get a pretty good grip on them by hand. You could probably also use a pipe wrench if you really had to.

they thick enough that you might be able to mill flats on them?

I don't think so. You could but I think you could take it to thin.

Since they're bolted to the lower control arms, they will stay put. no need to do anything else to them.

Originally Posted by RPM

Since they're bolted to the lower control arms, they will stay put. no need to do anything else to them.

If your refering to the adjustable shaft, your gonna be wrong. leave that thing float without lock nuts then your going to spend money everyweek for an alignment. Why else put lock nuts on there??? i forgot to tighten a jam nut on my caltracs and the damn thing moved about an inch.

I do see his point though.. the one end is bolted to the LCA so it turn, and the eye is bolted as well. It is not likely that the adjuster shaft will move on its own, but as you pointed out it could happen.

Originally Posted by rmousir

get a pretty good grip on them by hand.

if you can adjust them by hand, that shows me you need jam nuts. now If you take my throttle rods for example how the threaded ends are both the same then there is a good chance that as it moves the distance between the two points wil not change (but one end will probably fall off over time) but reverse threads will surely change. the jam nuts are 100% needed.
baer tracker sells them on their bump steer kit:


TCP sells them with their UCA's
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when you say jam nuts are you talking about the nuts that are on the thread that you snug up to the adjusting tub to make sure it doesn't move once you have the strut rod adjusted? Or do you mean something else?