Once on the alignment rack at Levy's, the technician first checks all of our suspension mounting and pivot points and tightens them accordingly (we left everything "snug" until the drivetrain weight was on the front suspension). With everything tightened, the tech could accurately check ride height and make the proper suspension adjustments.
Line It Up!
Anytime a front suspension component is replaced, it's wise to have the alignment checked and reset. Since our hardtop was sporting new components up front (control arms, springs, shocks, bushings, steering), our maiden voyage was straight to the alignment shop. We use Levy's Imperial Tire (863/688-7131) here in Lakeland, Florida, for many of our projects and have always been happy with their work.
The caster and camber are adjusted with small alignment shims on the '65-'66 models. A typical shim, shown here, is manufactured in various thicknesses. These two adjustments are set by adding, removing, or swapping shims from the front to the rear stud of the upper control arm (or vice versa). | 
Though there's little in the way of adjustment on a live axle rear-wheel-drive platform like the Mustang, the technician nevertheless sets up all four alignment heads to check and adjust for a four-wheel "thrust" alignment. The alignment computer shows our rear wheels tracking true, and we need only a slight adjustment on our camber and the toe set to specs. | 
Once the caster and camber are set and locked in place, the toe setting can be made. The toe is the inward or outward position of the tire as it travels down the road. Think of pointing your toes inward as toe-in and pointing your toes outward as toe-out, and you'll get the picture. Adjusting the toe requires turning the adjusting sleeves that connect the inner and outer tie-rod ends. This is also how many people center the steering wheel. I guess it's time for a touchup on the adjusting sleeves. |
7 Don't forget to install the inspection plate for that finishing touch. Unless your Mustang already had one (ours was missing), you'll have to pick up an inspection plate and the three bolts that secure it. Our plate is from NPD and the hardware from AMK. | 
8 Our starter, a replacement model from NPD, is easily masked off, painted black, and given the detailer's touch with the correct-looking Autolite ink-stamp decal. Our AMK engine detailing bolt kit from NPD also has the correct starter bolts. With the transmission installed, the starter can be set into place and tightened as well, allowing us to move forward with the installation of the transmission cooler lines. | 
9 Since the original six-cylinder drivetrain had been pulled over three years ago and parted out, we needed a correct-length driveshaft for our 289 drivetrain. A steel driveshaft from a local driveline shop would have worked, but we've used Mustangs Plus' aluminum direct replacement shaft on several projects and wanted the same smooth performance on Project '66. Mustangs Plus' driveshaft comes with new U-joints and slip yoke for a quick and easy installation. |
10 We don't plan to show our hardtop in trailered concours, but we wanted to detail the undercarriage, mostly for our own satisfaction. The Mustangs Plus aluminum driveshaft looks the part of a stocker with a bit of Eastwood detailing paint and some painted ID stripes (per a conversation with our Resto Roundup columnist and MCA Head Judge Bob Perkins). | 
11 We got our Motive Industries exhaust kit through National Parts Depot. Motive Industries' exhaust kits feature the correct muffler designs, tubing bends, and mounting brackets for your show car. Made from 14-gauge aluminized materials, we stealthily ordered the performance turbo muffler option, which up-sizes the tubing from the factory 1.75 inches to nicer 2.25 inches and adds a pair of performance mufflers. At first glance, it all looks stock. | 
12 The H-pipe assembly easily attaches to the Hi-Po manifolds using the studs and nuts provided with the manifolds. Don't forget: you'll need "donut" gaskets at these joints. Notice our starter and transmission cooler lines in place. |