For proper suspension alignment on lowered Mustangs, caster/camber plates have always been a good idea. We've covered their installation on Fox and SN-95 Mustangs in the past, and this time we're taking a look at a set of plates being installed on the current Mustang.
Maximum Motorsports has always been a supplier of top-quality caster/camber plates for Foxes and SN-95s. The tradition continues with this version for S197s, which includes all Mustangs produced in the five-year run from '05 to '09.
A requirement for any lowered '05-'09 Mustang, the Maximum Motorsports plates have separate adjustments for both caster and camber to provide the largest continuous range of alignment settings possible, thus allowing correction of the excessive negative camber caused by lowering. Even a car lowered as much as 2½ inches can be aligned to factory specs.
Installation takes a couple of hours. We recently stopped in at MM's in-house shop to see the plates being installed on the company's Screaming Yellow '05 Mustang GT test car.
Maximum Motorsports' caster/camber...
Maximum Motorsports' caster/camber plates are loaded with features, including a large, continuous range of camber adjustment on lowered cars, which is possible without affecting caster. The caster adjustment range is also large and allows correction for OEM production tolerances. Caster and camber are easily adjusted at the top of the strut tower, and the range of suspension travel can be shifted to allow for added bump travel on lowered cars. The plates have Teflon-lined spherical bearings that eliminate deflection and precisely locate the strut shaft. All of the parts are plated or powdercoated for long-lasting protection.
Assembly of the caster/camber...
Assembly of the caster/camber plates is done before installation. Install the two stud plates from the bottom of the bearing plate, with the studs protruding through the slots. Position the stud plates so the large radius, located between the two studs of the plate, faces the spherical bearing.
Though installed later on...
Though installed later on the strut, the upper spring perch fits to the plates like this. This image illustrates how it fits in relation to the caster/camber plate assembly.
Place the caster plates on...
Place the caster plates on top of the bearing plate (this is the passenger side), making sure the raised lip around the spherical bearing protrudes through the center slot of the caster plate.
Wrap one of the supplied rubber...
Wrap one of the supplied rubber bands around the studs to hold the stud plates in position while the caster/camber plates are being installed.
Disconnect the sway-bar endlink...
Disconnect the sway-bar endlink from the strut.
Loosen the strut-to-spindle...
Loosen the strut-to-spindle mounting bolts, but don't remove them yet.
With the car on jackstands...
With the car on jackstands and the wheels removed, disconnect the brake-line bracket and ABS sensor line from the strut.
Next, remove the four upper...
Next, remove the four upper strut-mount nuts, located underhood on the top of the strut tower.