Trailing arms

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I just repaired the front end. Then the car is making a wicked noise from the rear. Dealer thinks its the 4 trailing arms.
Has anyone replaced them?
Does anybody have any?
Does anyone now if the police package ones are correct?
Any one have part numbers?

[Mr. Man]

By trailing arms I suppose you mean control arms and yes many of us have had them upgraded. I doubt that is your problemo tho. Check into your E-brake shoes, wouldn't be surprised to learn the shoes fell apart and are making your noise.:)

[fastblackmerc]

Like Mr. Man said... probably the emergency brake shoes.

You can't go wrong with an upgrade to Metco upper & lower rear control arm though.......

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I have Zack's Z&M control arms. Awesome Product.

[BlkMamba24]

Advantages of upgraded control arms??

[SpartaPerformance]

Advantages of upgraded control arms??


Yes there are. For example when you go with our rear control arms it will tighten up cornering without having any negative affect on ride quality due to the Delrin set up used with the Poly bushing. I don't know your power level but ours are the only ones that are rated for 700RWHP on full weight Panther vehicle and I believe are the most price friendly.

https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32_61

[BlkMamba24]

Yes there are. For example when you go with our rear control arms it will tighten up cornering without having any negative affect on ride quality due to the Delrin set up used with the Poly bushing. I don't know your power level but ours are the only ones that are rated for 700RWHP on full weight Panther vehicle and I believe are the most price friendly.

https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32_61

Hmmm very interesting, putting together a list of things I need now....these just got added

[jsignorelli]

I would bet on the ebrake as well. I replaced the arms with the Sparta units and they are both quiet and very efficient.

[fastblackmerc]

Which ones would you rather have on your MM?

OEM
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Rear%20Control%20Arms/Upper.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Rear%20Control%20Arms/Upper.jpg.html)

Upgraded
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Metco/Rear_ctrl_arms.gif (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Metco/Rear_ctrl_arms.gif.html)

The OEMs look like they are made of paper compared to aftermarket upgrades.

[BlkMamba24]

Which ones would you rather have on your MM?

OEM
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Rear%20Control%20Arms/Upper.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Rear%20Control%20Arms/Upper.jpg.html)

Upgraded
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Metco/Rear_ctrl_arms.gif (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Metco/Rear_ctrl_arms.gif.html)

The OEMs look like they are made of paper compared to aftermarket upgrades.

Wow....this looks like a must have option especially if you do any kind of hard driving

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

The Z&M are black powdercoated. They reuse the original bushing.
No need to greese.

[fastblackmerc]

The Z&M are black powdercoated. They reuse the original bushing.
No need to grease.

Fixed it for you :D:

I never understood why you would want to use the original bushings? Harder bushings make the car handle better. As for greasing the after market ones I do that once, maybe twice a year when I check the brakes... no big deal.

[lifespeed]

The Z&M are black powdercoated. They reuse the original bushing.
No need to greese.

I certainly hope you used new OEM bushings, not literally re-used the ones out of your old control arms.

Greasing is a minor hassle, but the free-floating movement of the greasable Poly (I use Metco's) bushings coupled with the rigidity allows the shocks and air springs to do their thing without parasitic stiction from twisting rubber, while solidly transferring torque and suspension movements to the frame.

[tbone]

I actually enjoy doing minor maintenance tasks like greasing the control arms and u-joints.

[fastblackmerc]

I certainly hope you used new OEM bushings, not literally re-used the ones out of your old control arms.

Greasing is a minor hassle, but the free-floating movement of the greasable Poly (I use Metco's) bushings coupled with the rigidity allows the shocks and air springs to do their thing without parasitic stiction from twisting rubber, while solidly transferring torque and suspension movements to the frame.


I actually enjoy doing minor maintenance tasks like greasing the control arms and u-joints.

What they said......

[fordmike65]

Don't wanna hi-jack this thread, but I think my next mod will be a set of aftermarket trailing arms & Watts-link. I see a few out there. Which do you guys prefer? They're not cheap, so hoping to make a one-time purchase on the best set-up. Mike

[Mebot]

I've never heard the term "trailing arm" before...

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away...

[SpartaPerformance]

Don't wanna hi-jack this thread, but I think my next mod will be a set of aftermarket trailing arms & Watts-link. I see a few out there. Which do you guys prefer? They're not cheap, so hoping to make a one-time purchase on the best set-up. Mike


I can honestly say ours are the best!!
• Maintenance free no greasing required due to Delrin sleeve.
• Delrin sleeve allows floating bushing bushing which does NOT affect ride quality
• Custom made injection molded Poly bushings specific to the car.
• Powder coated
• High strength steel only parts rated for 700+RWHP on full weight car.
• I believe they still are the least expensive.

[JoeBoomz]

Our stock control arms are twisting and bending, on both Marauders. Need to replace them soon...

[MOTOWN]

I can honestly say ours are the best!!
• Maintenance free no greasing required due to Delrin sleeve.
• Delrin sleeve allows floating bushing bushing which does NOT affect ride quality
• Custom made injection molded Poly bushings specific to the car.
• Powder coated
• High strength steel only parts rated for 700+RWHP on full weight car.
• I believe they still are the least expensive.

Totally disagree with yours being the best, or even close! steel control arms will rust! as i have seen on several Marauders, the Metcos are aluminum which weigh less, and will not rust.

I have the Metcos and the quality speaks for itself.

[fastblackmerc]

Don't wanna hi-jack this thread, but I think my next mod will be a set of aftermarket trailing arms & Watts-link. I see a few out there. Which do you guys prefer? They're not cheap, so hoping to make a one-time purchase on the best set-up. Mike

Metco FTW :up:

[fastblackmerc]

Totally disagree with yours being the best, or even close! steel control arms will rust! as i have seen on several Marauders, the Metcos are aluminum which weigh less, and will not rust.

I have the Metcos and the quality speaks for itself.

I agree.......

[fastblackmerc]

I can honestly say ours are the best!!
• Maintenance free no greasing required due to Delrin sleeve.
• Delrin sleeve allows floating bushing bushing which does NOT affect ride quality
• Custom made injection molded Poly bushings specific to the car.
• Powder coated
• High strength steel only parts rated for 700+RWHP on full weight car.
• I believe they still are the least expensive.

Who did or how was the testing done to backup the 700+ HP claim?

[92BlackGT]

my concern with the poly bushings on both sides of the control arms is the binding when going over uneven surfaces. the control arm bolt on the axle side will be at a different angle vs the bolt on the body side when only one side of the axle moves up or down relative to the other side of the axle. this may be leading to the failure of poly bushings i've seen people having.
i'm curious why there isn't a control arm with a spherical bearing on the axle side to allow bind free movement of the axle? or are the poly bushings a 3 peice design that has a hard center section and softer outer sections? just curious

[MOTOWN]

my concern with the poly bushings on both sides of the control arms is the binding when going over uneven surfaces. the control arm bolt on the axle side will be at a different angle vs the bolt on the body side when only one side of the axle moves up or down relative to the other side of the axle. this may be leading to the failure of poly bushings i've seen people having.
i'm curious why there isn't a control arm with a spherical bearing on the axle side to allow bind free movement of the axle? or are the poly bushings a 3 peice design that has a hard center section and softer outer sections? just curious

You do not want a spherical bearing in a control arm on a dd street car, it would literally rattle your teeth out!:shake: sorta like solid motor mounts! a no no unless its a track only car.

[92BlackGT]

You do not want a spherical bearing in a control arm on a dd street car, it would literally rattle your teeth out!:shake: sorta like solid motor mounts! a no no unless its a track only car.

not true. i've got Maximum Motorsports lower control arms on my Mustang with spherical bearings on the axle side and 3 piece poly on the body side. there was a very slight increase in NVH and I feel the ride quality improved over the poly/poly control arms that were in there when i bought the car. now, spherical bearings on both sides of the control arms would definitely make the ride more harsh.

[MOTOWN]

not true. i've got Maximum Motorsports lower control arms on my Mustang with spherical bearings on the axle side and 3 piece poly on the body side. there was a very slight increase in NVH and I feel the ride quality improved over the poly/poly control arms that were in there when i bought the car. now, spherical bearings on both sides of the control arms would definitely make the ride more harsh.

Ummm yeah ok, been there done that, but hey if you like it thats all that matters!

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

So trailing arms are the rear control arms. The bushings have literally failed on all 4. Dealer quoted over $750 for repair.
So, I ordered from Wes the Sparta control arms and shipped them directly
to my dealer. They deal with a lot of CHP Crown Vics and replace them all the time. The part has been upgraded 5 times since 2004. The replacement part is the police package unit.

[lifespeed]

So trailing arms are the rear control arms. The bushings have literally failed on all 4. Dealer quoted over $750 for repair.
So, I ordered from Wes the Metco control arms and shipped them directly
to my dealer. They deal with a lot of CHP Crown Vics and replace them all the time. The part has been upgraded 5 times since 2004. The replacement part is the police package unit.

Get the Watt's link too!

[lifespeed]

my concern with the poly bushings on both sides of the control arms is the binding when going over uneven surfaces. the control arm bolt on the axle side will be at a different angle vs the bolt on the body side when only one side of the axle moves up or down relative to the other side of the axle. this may be leading to the failure of poly bushings i've seen people having.
i'm curious why there isn't a control arm with a spherical bearing on the axle side to allow bind free movement of the axle? or are the poly bushings a 3 peice design that has a hard center section and softer outer sections? just curious

Polyurethane has some freedom to flex, although it is stiffer than rubber. In the Panther application, the control arms are not required to triangulate the axle and resist lateral forces. Also, the way the Metco bushings and arms are designed allow for flexing during unequal left/right articulation.

Bushings are definitely wear items, and I have only had mine on the car for about 10K miles. So far no evidence of failure. I know Justbob killed his Metco bushings after 40K miles, but his may be a case of extreme use.

Bottom line, the Panther application is fine with poly bushings. I believe mustangs rely on the rear arms to triangulate the axle, and as such really should have a spherical bearing on one end to allow for twisting of the trailing arm. Different applications.

[SpartaPerformance]

Totally disagree with yours being the best, or even close! steel control arms will rust! as i have seen on several Marauders, the Metcos are aluminum which weigh less, and will not rust.

I have the Metcos and the quality speaks for itself.


I disagree with you disagreeing, Our bushing design is far superior!! No maintenance, free flaoting sleeve means no bushing binding = no negative affect on ride quality. As for rust, they are powder coated, yes if you drive over gravel or other such road conditions perhaps some road debris will affect the coating but after 5 years I haven't had anybody come to me with any concerns. As for weight....dude it's a 4,200lbs vehicle, 4lbs of unsprung weight aren't going to ruin anybodies E.T.


Who did or how was the testing done to backup the 700+ HP claim?

Just like any engineering It's called MATH, my manufacturer has been doing this for a loooooooong time. If he says they'll take it I'll believe him... As for real world testing they are on Sherminator's new set up which is making 700RWHP so there will be my real world test. So far so good but I dunno how many passes he made this season. And don't start with "Ohhhhh there's no conclusive evidence just MATH"..... They blow up nuclear power plants to test out the fortification of the containment walls.

[Mr. Man]

Polyurethane has some freedom to flex, although it is stiffer than rubber. In the Panther application, the control arms are not required to triangulate the axle and resist lateral forces. Also, the way the Metco bushings and arms are designed allow for flexing during unequal left/right articulation.

Bushings are definitely wear items, and I have only had mine on the car for about 10K miles. So far no evidence of failure. I know Justbob killed his Metco bushings after 40K miles, but his may be a case of extreme use.

Bottom line, the Panther application is fine with poly bushings. I believe mustangs rely on the rear arms to triangulate the axle, and as such really should have a spherical bearing on one end to allow for twisting of the trailing arm. Different applications.I know they use control arms but i believe the Mustang uses a 5 link with a panhard bar. I could be wrong :)

[tbone]

I like seeing the aluminum Metcos peeking out from under the car.......:rolleyes:

[lifespeed]

I know they use control arms but i believe the Mustang uses a 5 link with a panhard bar. I could be wrong :)

Depends on the year, the late '80s cars use triangulated upper arms similar to the GM A-body cars of the '60s and 70s.

[lifespeed]

I like seeing the aluminum Metcos peeking out from under the car.......:rolleyes:

I am a sucker for aluminum and stainless steel. :D

[92BlackGT]

I know they use control arms but i believe the Mustang uses a 5 link with a panhard bar. I could be wrong :)

79 - 04 mustangs (except 99 - 04 cobras) use a 4 link rear suspension. the 2 upper arms are at 45 degree angles to control both axle wind up and lateral movement. the upper arms don't do either of those very well.
05+ mustangs use a 3 link w/ panhard bar rear suspension. 2 lower and 1 upper. this design is much better than the 4 link as the upper arm only has to control axle wind up. panhard bar controls lateral movement.
Marauders use a 5 link rear suspension. 2 lower, 2 upper and watts link. the uppers control axle wind up, watts link controls lateral movement.

it seems poly on both sides isn't a big deal for this heavy car. just wish there was an option for spherical bearing on the axle side. a bind free suspension is a predictable suspension.

[RacerX]

WTH is with bashing Sparta Performance??? Tommy has been proven to have a good company with great parts so far and I have not seen any reason to believe otherwise. As far as PC'd steel CAs, by the time those rust enough to cause any issue, we'll all be in electric cars driving themselves...

[fordmike65]

Still on the fence about what arms/links to get. Gonna be a while till I get the cash together anyway. Material not a huge deal as I am in Cali and rust isn't such as big deal out here.

[fastblackmerc]

WTH is with bashing Sparta Performance??? Tommy has been proven to have a good company with great parts so far and I have not seen any reason to believe otherwise. As far as PC'd steel CAs, by the time those rust enough to cause any issue, we'll all be in electric cars driving themselves...

I'm not busting Tommy. Just wanted to know how he can make that claim.

[SpartaPerformance]

WTH is with bashing Sparta Performance??? Tommy has been proven to have a good company with great parts so far and I have not seen any reason to believe otherwise. As far as PC'd steel CAs, by the time those rust enough to cause any issue, we'll all be in electric cars driving themselves...


Nobody is bashing, I just slammed my nuts on the table and people wanna know how they got so big!! :D

BTW, thanks for looking out though I appreciate it.

Really moderators, you "**" out the word l a i d??

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Well the Rear control arms are installed. The E-brake is not broken.
The differential has fallen apart.