View Full Version : Sway Bar + Control Arms + Watts Link + Tires + Alignment = WOW
Agent M79
11-12-2004, 11:24 AM
So I got new tires this week along with a balance and alignment. Just a couple of weeks ago I had control arms and watts link installed. Last year, a rear anti-sway bar.
I took a couple of corners today faster and with less "mechanical protest" than ever before. How does something this size do that?
Once I have the front end taken care of, I am pretty sure I won't have to brake for corners.
NAVCHAP
11-12-2004, 05:05 PM
Concur, I have upgraded sway bars, control arms, watts link, performance tires, all wheel alignment, and the widened rear wheels don't hurt either. -kjs-
TripleG
11-12-2004, 05:25 PM
Concur, I have upgraded sway bars, control arms, watts link, performance tires, all wheel alignment, and the widened rear wheels don't hurt either. -kjs-
Since doing these upgrades, the MM 300A handles great. But after installing the frount sway bar I did start feeling a little steering wheel jitters around 38 mph. It goes away around corners and at higher sppeds - good thing for that. So I'm planning on doing new tires and wheel alignments in the spring.
Anyway it's time to put on the snow tires, it snowed today about 2". :banana:
Warpath
11-12-2004, 07:03 PM
You should consider next upgrading the axles. They're like overcooked pieces of asparagus. They flex alot through corners.
BK_GrandMarquis
11-12-2004, 07:46 PM
You should consider next upgrading the axles. They're like overcooked pieces of asparagus. They flex alot through corners.
Upgrade with what? A 31 spline axle or something custom? I can always use another way to spend more money on my baby. :D
FordNut
11-12-2004, 07:56 PM
Upgrade with what? A 31 spline axle or something custom? I can always use another way to spend more money on my baby. :D
Go ahead and have a custom 9" fabricated!
martyo
11-12-2004, 08:08 PM
You should consider next upgrading the axles. They're like overcooked pieces of asparagus. They flex alot through corners.
That's what I did on Hell Boy!!
Forget the axles...you need THESE!!!! Just ask anyone who's driven my car in the last couple of days....WOW!!!
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/83IMG_1832-med.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/5848/size/big/password/263233a0dd0b5fe0053e90d33d4b6b a0/sort/1/cat/all)
martyo
11-12-2004, 08:16 PM
^^^^ Yep, Todd has the best dialed in MM that I have ever driven!!!
Joe Walsh
11-12-2004, 08:25 PM
Did you upgrade the axles...or the whole rear end assembly??
I've talked to DTS (Drive Train Specialists) and Mark Williams Enterprises and both will take your MM 8.8" Rear end and perform the following:
-weld axle tubes to the center section
-install 31 spline axles
-install your choice of gear ratio
-install Eaton Posi
-install steel 'main cap' on carrier (left side only as this is the side driven back on hard acceleration)
-install ARP main cap studs
-cut off OEM axle tube ends and weld on 9" ends with larger bearings (same bolt pattern as 8.8" axle ends and the 9" ends have a press fit bearing so the 'C-clips' are not needed)
-install 1350 billet pinion yoke (Mark Wiliams Enterprises)
I figure I'll drop the rear axle and do this mod all at once in conjunction with a S/C & Nittos
martyo
11-12-2004, 08:32 PM
-weld axle tubes to the center section
Did this
-install 31 spline axles
Did this
-install your choice of gear ratio
Did this with 4.10's
-install Eaton Posi
I went with the Auburn ECTED electric locker. When I am staging and before I burn out I electronically lock the rear and it is like having a spool. So far this has worked well for me and I think it is cool
-install steel 'main cap' on carrier (left side only as this is the side driven back on hard acceleration)
Did thison both sides
-install ARP main cap studs
Did this
-cut off OEM axle tube ends and weld on 9" ends with larger bearings (same bolt pattern as 8.8" axle ends and the 9" ends have a press fit bearing so the 'C-clips' are not needed)
I have read about this, but did not do it. It is a good idea though.
-install 1350 billet pinion yoke (Mark Wiliams Enterprises)
Did not do this but it is a good idea for sure. I may go back and do this.
Joe...specific answers for Marty's car are in RED
Did you upgrade the axles...or the whole rear end assembly??
I've talked to DTS (Drive Train Specialists) and Mark Williams Enterprises and both will take your MM 8.8" Rear end and perform the following:
-weld axle tubes to the center section YES
-install 31 spline axles YES (custom from Moser engineering)
-install your choice of gear ratio YES
-install Eaton Posi NOPE (Auburn Gear ECTED electronic locking differential custom built for 31 spline)
-install steel 'main cap' on carrier (left side only as this is the side driven back on hard acceleration) YES
-install ARP main cap studs YES
-cut off OEM axle tube ends and weld on 9" ends with larger bearings (same bolt pattern as 8.8" axle ends and the 9" ends have a press fit bearing so the 'C-clips' are not needed) NOPE, not necessary with our setup
-install 1350 billet pinion yoke (Mark Wiliams Enterprises) Nope
I figure I'll drop the rear axle and do this mod all at once in conjunction with a S/C & Nittos
I guess SICK minds, think alike? :lol:
martyo
11-12-2004, 08:41 PM
^^^^ Is there an echo in here???
Joe Walsh
11-12-2004, 08:42 PM
Thanks...Looks like you've got a bullet-proof rear end assembly....definitely needed if you are pushing 666 through it!!!! :bows:
(Or is it MORE than 666 now???)
(Or is it MORE than 666 now???)Yep... :D
BTW...I'm still a BIG fan :lol:
http://www.eaglesfans.com/joewalsh/joebar.jpg
wesman
11-12-2004, 08:47 PM
What about some negative camber in the rear for us roadracing types? Is this possible or urban legend? Or prohibitively expensive.
Any body else care to share driving impressions on TAFs car?
Joe Walsh
11-12-2004, 08:47 PM
Yep... :D
BTW...I'm still a BIG fan :lol:
http://www.eaglesfans.com/joewalsh/joebar.jpg
Life's been good to me so far....
Now I wish my Marauder could do 185!!
Life's been good to me so far....
Now I wish my Marauder could do 185!!I had to hear it...click below...
http://www.rockforever.com/thisweek/img/joewalshlw.jpg
stevengerard
11-12-2004, 09:04 PM
I've talked to DTS (Drive Train Specialists) and Mark Williams Enterprises and both will take your MM 8.8" Rear end and perform the following:
-weld axle tubes to the center section
-install 31 spline axles
-install your choice of gear ratio
-install Eaton Posi
-install steel 'main cap' on carrier (left side only as this is the side driven back on hard acceleration)
-install ARP main cap studs
-cut off OEM axle tube ends and weld on 9" ends with larger bearings (same bolt pattern as 8.8" axle ends and the 9" ends have a press fit bearing so the 'C-clips' are not needed)
-install 1350 billet pinion yoke (Mark Wiliams Enterprises)
Did they supply an estimate for this. Is this around 500, 1k, 2k?
Joe Walsh
11-12-2004, 09:10 PM
DTS is @ $1450
MWE is $1814 (includes billet pinion yoke)
BK_GrandMarquis
11-13-2004, 07:40 AM
Forget the axles...you need THESE!!!! Just ask anyone who's driven my car in the last couple of days....WOW!!!
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/83IMG_1832-med.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/5848/size/big/password/263233a0dd0b5fe0053e90d33d4b6b a0/sort/1/cat/all)I didn't get the coil overs. I didn't think they would fit. I did get the QA1 stock replacement shocks though. I was tempted to install them as soon as I got them but it was 30 degrees and a work night. :depress: Sucks to be this far up north when ya wanna work on the car. Even if it's cold, I'll probably try to change them this weekend. :D
BK_GrandMarquis
11-14-2004, 03:27 PM
^^^^ Yep, Todd has the best dialed in MM that I have ever driven!!!
What do you and Todd have your shocks dial in at? I installed my shocks and have them set at 8. It feels pretty good. Not harsh at all to me and I like the feel of more control.
martyo
11-14-2004, 05:40 PM
What do you and Todd have your shocks dial in at? I installed my shocks and have them set at 8. It feels pretty good. Not harsh at all to me and I like the feel of more control.
I have my fronts set very soft right now for the track. I will let you know when I have it dialed in for the street. I can not recall Todd's settings off hand.
Oh Todd?????
I have my fronts set very soft right now for the track. I will let you know when I have it dialed in for the street. I can not recall Todd's settings off hand.
Oh Todd?????Shankin set mine...we played a little with the rear right off and we could make it feel REAL stiff. I'm set pretty low both in the front and the rear right now and will be continuing to play with the settings. THAT'S one of the COOLEST things about this set-up...with 12 settings...go from "mild-to-wild" by turning the dial on the shocks!
FordNut
11-14-2004, 08:19 PM
Shankin set mine...we played a little with the rear right off and we could make it feel REAL stiff. I'm set pretty low both in the front and the rear right now and will be continuing to play with the settings. THAT'S one of the COOLEST things about this set-up...with 12 settings...go from "mild-to-wild" by turning the dial on the shocks!
Sounds like abody could spend a lot of time tweeking those.
So what kind of air filter setup are you running now?
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/6088
So what kind of air filter setup are you running now?
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/6088
Metco carbon fiber intake tube + Lightning MAF + 10" S&B Conical filter.
FordNut
11-15-2004, 07:54 AM
Metco carbon fiber intake tube + Lightning MAF + 10" S&B Conical filter.
That was a new one to me... I haven't seen your car since you changed the MAF and filter.
SergntMac
11-15-2004, 08:16 AM
Geez, what does any of this discussion have to do with the title of the thread? Talk about off-topic.
LOL! Jeeze...I love you guys, y'all crack me up!
FordNut
11-15-2004, 09:18 AM
LOL! Jeeze...I love you guys, y'all crack me up!
Thanks, Mac.
Warpath
11-15-2004, 09:35 AM
What about some negative camber in the rear for us roadracing types? Is this possible or urban legend? Or prohibitively expensive...
The only way I know to do it on a solid axle is to use an old NASCAR trick and make the axle assembly very soft. The vehicle weight will bend the soft axle to give negative camber. The problem is that there is too much compliance in the back and these axles may only last 500 miles. The MM axles are rather soft. They have a lot of camber change in corners (going toward and into positive camber). Once item which makes them soft is the bearings. I don't know how much the 9" bearings improve things if any. But, it sounds like its a step in the right direction.
Yamaha
03-07-2005, 10:15 AM
Forget the axles...you need THESE!!!! Just ask anyone who's driven my car in the last couple of days....WOW!!!
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/83IMG_1832-med.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/5848/size/big/password/263233a0dd0b5fe0053e90d33d4b6b a0/sort/1/cat/all)Hi Todd, just got these. Rears are in. Fronts TBD. Any suggestions on the front install ? What really needs to be apart. Ford shop manual says to remove caliper and rotor but I don't think you need to. Also appreciate the position of the spring adjuster on the shock so I can get close before install. Thanks, Stan 732-422-5703 Sbodnar@corus.jnj.com
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