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Project Automatic Weapon Part III: S197 Mustang Suspension Install



Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Installing The BMR Support
Here's a shot of Joe popping the BMR radiator support into position. It's an easy swap.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Stock K Member
Next up was the K-member. With the engine gone, it was easy for Joe to drop the stock piece out of the car. Notice the size and structure of this thing-it holds the whole front end together.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Remove The Strut Mount
Joe disassembles the stock K-member and swaps the needed hardware (strut mount) to the new Anthony Jones K-member.
Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Installing The AJE K Member
Paul's Automotive Engineering shop manager, Tommy Honsaker, joins in the fun to make sure the AJE K-member is located correctly. Notice the decreased size. The weight savings with the AJE A-arms was 17 pounds. The AJE unit also retains the needed strength to make sure the front end does not lose any integrity.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Bolting The AJE K Member Into Position
Joe gets the AJE K-member bolted into position.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Attaching The A Arms
The AJE A-arms go in next. The units shown are the nonadjustable variety. After trial-fitting our Bogart Rims and Nitto skinnies, we decided that we needed to tuck the front rim at least an inch. So Anthony Jones whipped up a set of his adjustable A-arms for the project. When you call to order a set, Anthony can help you determine which A-arm is right for your application.
Project Automatic Weapon Suspension The New Look
Here's a look at the AJE front-strut setup with the K-member and A-arms installed.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Lower Control Arms
Once the front suspension had gone through its reengineering, we started on the rear three-link suspension that's specific to the S197 Mustangs. Here's a look at a side-by-side comparison of the stock lower control arm and one of the trick, new billet-aluminum replacement pieces from Steeda. A stock control arm weighs 7 pounds, while the Steeda piece comes in at half that much. So we dropped 7 pounds while picking up increased strength in this area.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Installing The Steeda Lower Control Arms
Joey followed the Steeda instructions and used the factory hardware to install its billet lower. The only tricky part is that the stock emergency-brake line must run through the lower. You must remove the brake line and run it through the Steeda piece.
Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Shock Tower Brace
Part of our Steeda suspension makeover for the '05 Mustang included a rear shock-tower brace. Here, we've already bolted the Steeda brace into position. Final installation includes welding around the flange of the mounting bracket.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Steeda Panhard Bar
Joey starts the installation of the new Steeda Panhard bar by unbolting both sides of the stock bar. The Steeda part is 3 pounds lighter and has larger urethane bushings for improved control of the rear suspension.		 Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Measuring The Length
The Panhard bar works to precisely control the rear tire location, and its length is crucial for that function. Once the stock bar is out, you can measure the stock length. The Steeda Panhard bar has to be the stock length. Our Panhard bar came in at 413?4 inches. The Steeda bar was exactly right, but we recommend that you check it anyway.
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Related Photos

Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Car Goes Under The Knife For A Complete Suspension Build Project Automatic Weapon Suspension A Arms Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Stock Hub Is Reused
Project Automatic Weapon Suspension K Member Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Joe Removes Front Hub From The Strut Project Automatic Weapon Suspension Stock Strut With AJE Strut

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