I walked into this blindly and now I'm trying to figure it out. The MII front end was installed before I got the truck and it seems something is missing. Is there supposed to be a support arm from the frame rail? I've included the best picture I have right now and can get a better one if needed.

ma115

 

A few more pics.

 

Yes their should be a brace the bolts in the lower arm and attaches back by the frame with a donut type rubber mount. I would look in the hot rod mags and pick up a lower A arm kit to delete this brace and add a true lower A arm. I will try and find a pic and more info.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

 

Here is what I would do if it were mine. Look down the page for the Lower A arm kit. Part # 1WH-M2SET Buy Heidt's Mustang II Front End Components at RJay's Performance Center! This kit eliminates the lower stock arm and the strut rod that you are missing. It will ride and handle better and you can get a better alinement as well.

Or this one on the same page HEICA-103E Heidt's Econo Mustang II Lower A-Arms $255.00 few buck less but still a true lower A arm.
Or this one is the kit to just add the strut rod that you are missing also on the same page. HEISR-101 Heidt's Tubular Strut Rod Kit Plain $125.00

Kevin
LFD Inc.

 

Get rid of the tin foil upper control arms while your at it.

 

You can Pick up the TUBULAR STRUT RODS at Speedway Motors for $55 each. I used them on mine

Tubular Strut Rods

 

There is supposed to be a tubular strut rod from the lower arm running back to the frame. From the pictures, the crossmember may be at the wrong angle. The MII when installed at the correct angles has a built-in anti-dive capability. I would suggest you email Steve Szymanski at Industrial Chassis in Phoenix. Use this link to his web site:

ICMenu

email would be: info@industrialchassisinc.com

Steve has lots of experience fixing incorrectly designed and/or installed Mustang II front suspensions. He is not afraid to tell you if this suspension is installed incorrectly. He is also straightforward and honest.

Just remember, a failure on the suspension can be deadly to you and your family.

 

Mustang II chronicles, failure abounds - THE H.A.M.B.

Check that link out please.

Been down this road many times. I am no fan of this front end on this big of a truck, but at the very least make it safe to drive for the sake of everyone around you.

 

Although i have never met him, I have read much of what El Polacko has written on the HAMB. He seems like a top notch fabricator and is very knowledgeable with these front ends.

I used an MII on my truck (check my gallery) and took his advice about adding gussetts to the crossmember. I even used stock style NEW "tin foil" (as mentioned above) upper control arms. 4000 + miles so far. If i was using a 460 instead a 302, i may have thought twice about using this type of front end.

If you are unsure if the welds are sound, you should have a knowledgeable welder check them.

just my opinion\
Mark

 

this looks like one of the earlier (older) versions. See my gallery for pics of a recent TCI MII install. I can't tell from the pics, but this looks to be missing the lower A Arm.

Sam

 

You guys are awesome!! Although now I'm really scared...Looks like I'll bring some help in on this. I am amazed by the knowledge on this bored and appreciate the willingness to share.


ma115

 

Steve,
Welcome this is Donald (Tacson). Looks like your first post here. I think you have a lot of useful info guys here could use.

Hey fellas this is the creator of the Industrial Chassis Dakota based frontend for 53-56 Ford F100's. Guys seems pretty sharp. We have corresponded a few times over on the Hamb where I lurk for info after sifting thru some craziness. Welcome again Steve and please share any and all info.

 

I have posted in the past but it looks like the board has been redone/upgraded.

I don't post much because I have a ton of other boards I use also.

The Turbo Forums.com
THE H.A.M.B. - Powered by vBulletin
Jalopnik: Obsessed With The Cult Of Cars
My Ride Is Me
MetalMeet - for Metalshaping Enthusiasts & Professional Metalshapers

I try and check on those once a day or so. I have a few social forums too but I will try and help as much as possible.

ma115: you have a Fatman Fab crossmember kit in the truck pictured. No debate about it. Reinforce your frame rails to prevent the spring from twisting the frame rail and add a strut rod or tubular lower control arm. It would also be a good idea to reinforce the spring pocket and use the round head upper control arm attachemtent bolts.

Read this: Warning to MII kit owners, Street Scene Mag - THE H.A.M.B.

and this too: Contender for the worst MII install ever - THE H.A.M.B.


Here is a whole list I have done: THE H.A.M.B.

 

ELpolacko and all the others, again thank you. I will be doing some reading up on things and I appreciate your patience and knowledge as I am sure I will be asking a ton of dumb questions.


ma115