Hello, Im new at posting comments on these sites. So first of all let me tell you about myself. Im a 33 yr old married woman with 2 children, and a proud owner of a 1974 Maverick. Ive always wanted a Maverick since i was the age of 12, for some reason, and who knew i would ask for one as a project car. LOL.. I think my husband posted a comment of me entering it in a few local car shows. I totally enjoy driving it, and yes i am a show off when driving down main st. Even if some idiot trys to provoke a race in his Panzy ass piece of crap. Which i never turn down. Almost got yelled at by hubby for driving 75 in a 55 with 2 highway patrol officers behind me.... THEY PASSED ME.. probably couldnt believe a Maverick was going that fast lmao.. Yes my husband turned me into a monster. My brother still calls my car a granny car, but i always laugh at him and say at least i dont drive a mini van. I do have lots of plans for my car. And my recent want is a new suspention. I rather have my car running right then looks right now. Even though it really is a nice looking car other then the driver side door. So my question is.. Any advice for what kind of suspention i should get? Stock with RNP conversion, a mustang 2, or a M2 conversion, air ride, or fat man strut system.. what are the pros and cons of these options.. if anyone can tell me. I drive the car daily, some highway, no serious racing just yet (hehehe) Thanks... Sweet Maverick Lady.......
whats wrong with the factory stuff and urethane bushings ?? is it a manual or power steering car if it's stock just rebuild it, if your tricky you can do the "shelby" conversion moving the upper mounts lower and back (search it on google) you can replace everything but the balljoint covers with urethane tightens up the steering quite a bit have the steering box rebuilt and replace the ragjoint between the column and steering box and drive it.
Budget is not an issue, as much as the drivablity. We live in the mountians, with pot holes.. go figure with california.... My husband says he does not want to wear a kidney belt LOL..
rebuild it stock with the urethane and don't put slapper bars in the back :evilsmile you could use softer springs and thicker sway bars to soften it up in the front but I wouldn't in the back if you make any sorta power if you want ultimate handling and sky is the limit for budget.. buy a new mustang.. if thats not a option... fatman enterprises makes a retrofit pinto style subframe kit for all mavericks and comets some assembly required.. global west makes tubular control arms and coil over conversions for the front suspension pieces (pricey...$$$$$$) and sway bars and bits and bobs.. there are other "mustang" conversion outfits that make various pieces (luckily) there are strut style conversions (fabricated race style) and half a dozen others.. how big is that budget ??
Strut suspension systems are ok, but are mainly used by the factory becuase they're cheap and they do get the job done. If budget is not an issue, then I point you towards an Art Morrison C5 vette conversion. Then go to DVS restorations and get their mustang cobra IRS conversion kit. The mustang II suspensions are also a very good choice. Heidt makes a really good II and they take into account ride height and chassis width to make sure the angles are still good. Rod and Custom makes the most complete mustang II kit. You could go all out and have Art Morrison make a custom frame and suspension for your car. The stock suspension was designed to keep the front end from hitting the ground. That's about all it's good for. It bump steers like crazy and the lower arm does a terrible job of positioning the bottom of the spindle. You can fix the geometry problems with a "shelby kit" or similar aftermarket relocation kit, but it won't fix the inherrent flaws with the design.
hi this is the mav ladys' hubby. the biggest thing about this budget thing is this is a driver not a show car its a daily driver. we want a reliable car that we can go down to the local parts store to get parts for it. remember this is a car that my kids are going to be in. thanks
there is still a huge difference in budget when it comes to suspension.... rebuild stock /slightly improved figure approx 500 for everything new,... to the C5 option, up to 11 grand for art morrison to build it for you. a rebuilt stock set up is plenty safe for anyones kids to ride in. have fun with it.
I'd rebuild the suspension stock, and add a 7/8" front swaybar and 3/4" rear bar with polyurethane bushings. New 3-leaf rear springs (if you want a soft ride) and cut the front coils so that the front sits at the appropriate height. That's just Me though...
didn't I say this > 1 exception is don't use urethane strut rod bushings (the big bushings in the front where the alignment rods go thru the front frame that keep the front from moving back and forth) I have had several alignment shops tell me not to use them there they can break the rods themselves. Other then that I spent 2 months finding all the parts as cost allowed in urethane now it's rock solid and it doesn't squeak.
I didn't read your post. And I agree. The only place I like the urethane is the sway-bars. I use rubber for everything else. Only exception is if it's mainly a race car....
