Here's the completed installation...
Here's the completed installation of the TCP coilover shock on the driver side of our '69 Mustang. If your existing stock or aftermarket upper control arms are in good condition, then they will work just fine with this new system. If you need new upper arms, the TCP versions are the best match for these newly-designed coilovers.
For many years, Total Control Products has been a significant player in the vintage Mustang aftermarket suspension arena. And for good reason. The company's product line is simply top-notch; the quality level and functional aspects of its equipment are as good or better than any other.
A mainstay in TCP's vintage Mustang suspension options are coilover shock conversions. Cool goodies to be sure--about the only drawback is the cost. For the most part, spending upwards of $2,000 or more has been the norm, due to the fact that a typical system, including TCP's outstanding setup that's still offered, requires dedicated upper and lower control arms.
Now the significant benefits of a coilover setup, which include the ability to use softer spring rates for a better ride quality, are available from TCP with its recently introduced "bolt-on" system for well under $1,000. The major upside is that this new arrangement works with stock upper control arms or even arms from other manufacturers. Of course, as we show here, the system also works with standard coil-spring TCP upper arms if you happen to already have a set on your car.
Not only does TCP make excellent Mustang suspension parts, its installation instructions are among the best in the aftermarket, so when we headed to TCP dealer Reenmachine for its top-notch installation know-how, we knew that getting the whole setup installed on our trusty '69 Mustang project car would be a doable procedure in one day.
Starting in the morning, including the installation of a set of new TCP upper control arms and shooting our photos, Reenmachine's Pete Waydo had the package installed in time for a trip to Marlo's Frame and Alignment for a front-end alignment the next day.
Converting the stock front...
Converting the stock front suspension of almost any '65-'73 Mustang to coilover shocks is now a simple bolt-on procedure. The modular shock-tower-adapter system and spherical-stem assembly offers a choice of stock or lowered ride heights. The tower adapter and lower crossbar replace the factory shock mount and lower spring perch, respectively. Lightweight Vari Shock coilovers are available in 16-position single-adjustable or 256-combination double adjustable versions and provide 7&Frac12; inches of suspension travel. Choice of spring rates range from 450 to 850 pounds, suitable for street-friendly ride quality or more open-track-type handling performance. As shown here, the kit includes shocks, springs, tower adapters with reinforcement plate, mounting hardware, and a spot-weld removal tool.
Although our Mustang's stock...
Although our Mustang's stock upper control arms were still good, we decided to step up to a set of TCP upper arms. These are an easy install while the front suspension is apart.
Work began by removing the...
Work began by removing the stock-style front shocks, then removing our car's export brace. The brace needs to come off because the TCP shock-tower adapters are installed underneath it.
With the front of the car...
With the front of the car raised and the wheels removed, the stock shocks and springs need to be removed. Unbolt the shock from the spring perch and shock tower, then remove the shocks and top mounts from the car. Our car had springs that had been trimmed to lower ride height, so they were easily removed by pressing down on the upper control arm. If your car has stock springs, you will need a spring compressor, typically available by the hour from tool rental shops or for purchase at most auto-parts stores.
If you're going to reuse your...
If you're going to reuse your car's upper control arms, proceed right to the coilover installation steps. We decided to install new TCP upper arms to go with the coilovers. Removal of the stock upper arms is done by separating the arm from the spindle and removing the hardware holding it in place on the shock tower.
With everything out of the...
With everything out of the way and sheetmetal on the shock tower inspected for damage, the upper spring seat needs to be removed on '67-'73 Mustangs. Begin by drilling pilot holes for the supplied spot-weld removal drill bit to grab into.
Using the spot-weld removal...
Using the spot-weld removal bit, drill out the three spot welds that secure the stock spring seat to the shock tower. Once the spring seat material has been drilled through, use a pry bar to break the remaining bit of material free.
With the upper spring seat...
With the upper spring seat removed, a grinder is used to smooth flush any remnants of the original spot welds.
Drilling a set of new holes...
Drilling a set of new holes in the shock tower used to be required for installing new arms that have the correct suspension geometry built in. However that's no longer necessary as TCP offers a dropped pivot shaft that relocates the arms one-inch lower than the stock location. Our car already had the one-inch-lower holes so we went with standard TCP pivot shafts in the new arms. Once installed, the hardware is torqued to 95 ft. lbs.