View Full Version : My NEW, custom Control Arms
I just took delivery of the prototypes for my solid, billet aluminum control arms I had made. I can't tell you how happy I am with the quality of these. Made from solid blocks of billet aluminum, these control arms are Haas CNC machined to the exacting length of the stock arms and will bolt right in. Custom lathed poly bushings are exact fits to the holding brackets for both the upper and lowers. Another unique feature is the built-in grease fittings beneath each of the bushing points. These are anodized clear for a premium look.
Next will be my custom WATTS link, made in the same process which should be completed by the 1st of June. Pics are in the Gallery.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/83PDRM0741-med.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/2989/size/big/password/263233a0dd0b5fe0053e90d33d4b6b a0/sort/1/cat/500)
Those are almost too pretty to be stuck under the car where they can't be seen! Nice work.
hitchhiker
05-11-2004, 11:57 AM
I just took delivery of the prototypes for my solid, billet aluminum control arms I had made. I can't tell you how happy I am with the quality of these. Made from solid blocks of billet aluminum, these control arms are Haas CNC machined to the exacting length of the stock arms and will bolt right in. Custom lathed poly bushings are exact fits to the holding brackets for both the upper and lowers. Another unique feature is the built-in grease fittings beneath each of the bushing points. These are anodized clear for a premium look.
Next will be my custom WATTS link, made in the same process which should be completed by the 1st of June. Pics are in the Gallery.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/83PDRM0741-med.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/2987/size/big/password/263233a0dd0b5fe0053e90d33d4b6b a0/sort/1/cat/500)
These look EXCELLENT! :bounce:
Will you share your cost and vendor information?
Best Regards,
David
MARAUDERCHICK
05-11-2004, 12:11 PM
WOW!!! Those are AWESOME!!!!:bounce:
Please PM me with the vendor and pricing info!!
Gotta have em'!!
Black 04
05-11-2004, 12:58 PM
WOW...they look cool...any info??
Todd, are these only a part of the surprise that you have been hiding?
woaface
05-11-2004, 01:32 PM
WOW!!! Those are AWESOME!!!!:bounce:
Please PM me with the vendor and pricing info!!
Gotta have em'!!I already tried that, he's really good at this secret thing:bows:
But if he tells you, and you come up here to get them (about 30-45 minutes from my house) let me know.
But I agree with Ross..georigous! Nice and thick too...
Come on, now. Todd may keep everyone wondering for awhile, but he will eventually let everyone in on his supplier, won't you Todd? Todd...? :depress:
martyo
05-11-2004, 01:53 PM
I volunteer to beat it out of him!
jgc61sr2002
05-11-2004, 01:54 PM
Todd - The control arms look great. :up: Nice job. :)
Marauder8
05-11-2004, 02:02 PM
Can I get credit for the controls arms I just ordered from you and apply it towards these newer ones..........
darebren
05-11-2004, 02:05 PM
can i get a credit too for the control arms i almost ordered from you and apply it to these new ones?
woaface
05-11-2004, 02:22 PM
Ok...I found the place on my own.
I'll wait 24 hours for a PM from Todd if he doesn't want this to happen and if he has a good reason (or money...or will let me drive his Marauder)...then I'll get to everyone else's PM's...the throngs waiting for an answer!!!
::evil cackle::
Answers to some questions....
No....there are PLENTY more...MUCH BIGGER "secret projects" other than this, Ross
More info will be coming on these. I am NOT marketing these, I have no want to profit from the group here, I had these made and have put Logan/Metco in touch with one another to become sponsors of the site. Folks that I have delt with before here can tell you I don't take a cut or have any financial interest when I help others out. Please don't call Metco right now, folks. They are out for the next 2 weeks at major shows (one being Super Ford in St. Louis if any of you up there want to go try and meet the nice folks from Metco there). Also, you'll see a nice feature on Metco in this month's Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords magazine.
Anyone who thinks they "just ordered from me"...uh...you haven't ordered anything from me....so I don't know what you're talking about.
Final production of the arms will be over the next couple of weeks, with the install to take place May 26th on my car. After that...it's just pushing buttons on the CNC machine, and once Logan/Metco speak...there WILL be an "introductory offer" which will BLOW YOU AWAY, according to the folks at Metco.
That's all I'm at liberty to say now...those of you coming to the Southern Marauders "Breakfast Club" next week will be able to examine these in person...as well as a couple other things...(OOOOPSS...did I just say that?):eek: :shake:
woaface
05-11-2004, 02:25 PM
Please don't call Metco right now, folks. They are out for the next 2 weeks at major shows (one being Super Ford in St. Louis if any of you up there want to go try and meet the nice folks from Metco there).
Damn! He came up with a good answer!
Well if this deal will really "blow me away" I might make a trip down there and see if they can fashion a set of Marauder control arms for the Marquis...you NEVER KNOW! And hey...they're down the street, might as well try...
Fourth Horseman
05-11-2004, 02:29 PM
:up:
Very slick. Nicely done!
Will you be offering these up for sale to the group?
EDIT: NM, I just saw your second post in this thread, TAF.
Marauder8
05-11-2004, 02:32 PM
I have to make a public apology.Those were Zack's control arms I was thinking about.....my bad..........sorry Todd
MARAUDERCHICK
05-11-2004, 02:34 PM
That's all I'm at liberty to say now...those of you coming to the Southern Marauders "Breakfast Club" next week will be able to examine these in person...as well as a couple other things...(OOOOPSS...did I just say that?):eek: :shake:
:D ^^^^^^That's my BUDDY Todd right there^^^^^^:D
tmac1337
05-11-2004, 02:50 PM
The control arms look great. Thanks Todd for having the ingenuity. Now if someone would just come up with a S/C that is just a couple of grand less for those of us on the brink.
duhtroll
05-11-2004, 03:43 PM
Todd -
Just out of curiosity why did you have these made? ZacknMac just did a very similar change, and I am wondering why another set and what the difference is in performance. The appearance difference is obvious.
NOT trying to do a "which is better," just a "why do your own when someone already did it" type of thing. That's all.
Thanks,
-A
Andrew...check your email.
tmac1337
05-11-2004, 03:58 PM
Troll these arms look to be spec, exactly proportional, but obviously much improved over the shoddy original. Why reinvent the wheel, just improve it!
marauder307
05-11-2004, 04:24 PM
[QUOTE=TAF]
Please don't call Metco right now, folks. They are out for the next 2 weeks at major shows (one being Super Ford in St. Louis if any of you up there want to go try and meet the nice folks from Metco there).
[QUOTE]
WHERE IN ST. LOUIS?!?!?!? :eek:
WHERE IN ST. LOUIS?!?!?!? :eek:I'm not sure...but it is a HUGE show (supposedly) that begins on Thursday and runs through the weekend. Don't know if it's "public-accessable" or not...try calling any contact you have at your dealer. Maybe they can get you in, as well.
cyclone03
05-11-2004, 04:39 PM
I think they're at The World Ford Challenge at Gateway International Raceway.
Just the biggest all ford race on the planet!
Those arms look great.
By involving another aftermarket manufactor I cant wait to see what other Co's start looking at the Marauder for more new products.
Besides machined aluminum is just too cool.... :banana:
Petrograde
05-11-2004, 04:50 PM
Very nice.....
uh,.. did you say Watt's link?
Very nice.....
uh,.. did you say Watt's link?
Yep........
Petrograde
05-11-2004, 04:52 PM
Yep........
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
:up:
merc406
05-11-2004, 04:56 PM
A couple of holes in the lower ones for effect would be cool. :cool: :up:
A couple of holes in the lower ones for effect would be cool. :cool: :up:
Naw........
Logan
05-11-2004, 05:16 PM
Yeah, Metco will be at WFC... They do a lot of Lightning/Cobra business.
gdmjoe
05-11-2004, 06:56 PM
... Another unique feature is the built-in grease fittings beneath each of the bushing points.
:up:
Out of curiousity ... Why no grease fittings on the upper arms ? Or are they on top of the arm and just not visible due to the angle of the pic' ?
:up:
Out of curiousity ... Why no grease fittings on the upper arms ? Or are they on top of the arm and just not visible due to the angle of the pic' ?
They are not on the uppers yet...they had to take a look at the positioning for the ease of access/service once these are installed on the car. They will be on the final version(s). The uppers will be "side-specific" due to the differences in the carrier bolts front/rear.
The lowers were pretty straight-forward with the positioning of the grease fittings.
studio460
05-11-2004, 07:20 PM
ZacknMac just did a very similar change . . .
They did? Have those "similar" changes been made for the current, in-progress run? I've already ordered the Z&M arms, but DAMN, those ARE nice, TAF!
but DAMN, those ARE nice, TAF!
Thanks Shooter...I wish I could take credit...but, these were built by master suspension experts...not me. Glad you like them. :up:
bigslim
05-11-2004, 07:27 PM
Those look nice. They are really beefy looking. Nice to see grease fittings too. Let me know how they are after the install.
Agent M79
05-11-2004, 07:38 PM
Hmmm. CNC machined... Begs for some custom Marauder graphics in that wide blank area...
Fourth Horseman
05-11-2004, 08:17 PM
Why the grease fittings? Not questioning the design decision, I just don't understand why the bushings would need it.
Why the grease fittings? Not questioning the design decision, I just don't understand why the bushings would need it.
Best I can do for now...from their website www.metco-inc.com (http://www.metco-inc.com)...
Q. I've heard that Polyurethane Bushings are noisy, are they?
A. Polyurethane has excellent shock-load characteristics and has a long service/wear life, but does require lubrication. All METCO Control Arms are equipped with grease fittings. Periodic lubrication as with other chassis components is all that is required.
darebren
05-12-2004, 04:57 AM
bushings already pressed in?
Logan
05-12-2004, 05:31 AM
Anything on the "who's is better or what pinion angle is correct" track will be removed.
Dr Caleb
05-12-2004, 08:38 AM
I think it's a testament to how much we love these cars that we are given so much choice.
In the beginning, we had nothing. Now we have so many choices with regards to appearance, suspension, transmission, engines, superchargers, programming and interior, it really is remarkable.
Thanks to everyone who cares enough about this car to take the time to develop yet another product or service that gives me another choice on how to improve my Marauder.
rookie1
05-12-2004, 12:17 PM
Anything on the "who's is better or what pinion angle is correct" track will be removed.
darn and I was soooooooooo waiting for it!
woaface
05-12-2004, 12:53 PM
I think it's a testament to how much we love these cars that we are given so much choice.
In the beginning, we had nothing. Now we have so many choices with regards to appearance, suspension, transmission, engines, superchargers, programming and interior, it really is remarkable.
Thanks to everyone who cares enough about this car to take the time to develop yet another product or service that gives me another choice on how to improve my Marauder.
I second that!
Did I miss something? Oh well...
Petrograde
05-12-2004, 03:23 PM
bushings already pressed in?
Good question!
bushings already pressed in?
Good question!
To answer both of you...these are direct bolt-in. There are no bushings to press out...press in...align...whatever. Undo the stockers (one at a time of course) put the new ones in...shoot some grease...voila...enjoy. Probably take Scott Levin and the boys at Team Ford all of 20 minutes to install...if not less. They inspected these today, first hand and gave a BIG "thumbs-up" :up: All the guys...the Service Manager...folks were coming out of the woodwork to look at these things today. And we're talkin guys who've seen a LOT of control arms. I'm really happy with these now after the response today.
jspradii
05-12-2004, 03:49 PM
Anything on the "who's is better or what pinion angle is correct" track will be removed.
OK. Answers my question about "What is being sanitized". Using "Saniflush":beer: "
marauder307
05-12-2004, 03:51 PM
I'm not sure...but it is a HUGE show (supposedly) that begins on Thursday and runs through the weekend. Don't know if it's "public-accessable" or not...try calling any contact you have at your dealer. Maybe they can get you in, as well.
For all those interested...I dunno if I'll be able to make it. Hopefully they'll be doing something Friday evening, that's my only open window (got reserve duty this weekend :depress: ) Be careful...it's in East St. Louis, one of the most notorious towns in all the Midwest...
www.gatewayraceway.com/mapDirections.html
gonzo50
05-12-2004, 04:11 PM
In the beginning, we had nothing. Now we have so many choices with regards to appearance, suspension, transmission, engines, superchargers, programming and interior, it really is remarkable.
Wow Todd, they look awesome !!! :bounce:
Can't wait to hear about their performance on the roads.:burnout:
Will definitely be waiting for the finished product. :up:
Wow Todd, they look awesome !!! :bounce:
Can't wait to hear about their performance on the roads.:burnout:
Will definitely be waiting for the finished product. :up:
Come on up next Saturday for the "Breakfast Club", Carlos...and inspect them yourself!!! :up:
Fourth Horseman
05-15-2004, 04:41 PM
I know we're not supposed to get into a discussion comparing these two designs, but I'd really like to hear from somebody who has driven both once TAF's design becomes available. Maybe somebody with some time on both the Z&M and TAF designs could PM me? Both look really solid to me, so I suspect there'll be very little difference in feel between the two.
Donny Carlson
05-15-2004, 04:49 PM
I know we're not supposed to get into a discussion comparing these two designs, but I'd really like to hear from somebody who has driven both once TAF's design becomes available. Maybe somebody with some time on both the Z&M and TAF designs could PM me? Both look really solid to me, so I suspect there'll be very little difference in feel between the two.
My Metco control arms -- and hopefully Watts link -- will be on my car at MVII in Indy. Any interested party is more than welcome to drive my car, comparison or not. Maybe we can put it up on a lift, too, so you can see the install.
Fourth Horseman
05-15-2004, 08:49 PM
My Metco control arms -- and hopefully Watts link -- will be on my car at MVII in Indy. Any interested party is more than welcome to drive my car, comparison or not. Maybe we can put it up on a lift, too, so you can see the install.
I'd really appreciate a chance to look at your setup at MVII, Donny. Thanks!
Once mine are installed (May 26th is the date, right now)...my keys are available to anyone in the area.
woaface
05-16-2004, 06:19 PM
How big of an area are we speaking of;) :D
How big of an area are we speaking of;) :D
James, you should meet me in Anderson at METCO on the 26th...you could be one of the first, if you like.
woaface
05-16-2004, 06:22 PM
James, you should meet me in Anderson at METCO on the 26th...you could be one of the first, if you like.
Oh! I thought you had them and were getting them installed down in GA.
Then we shall plan to meet. Thanks Todd:up:
Marauderman
05-17-2004, 06:52 PM
Once mine are installed (May 26th is the date, right now)...my keys are available to anyone in the area.
So...They won't be on for this Sat meet-----shoot--was gonna test drive them against my M & Z arms for a report for others whom have asked-----oh phooey!!!
Metco
05-24-2004, 06:00 AM
they are going on todds car this week we also have material for the watts link will be starting that also should be a fun week for todd.aaron
they are going on todds car this week we also have material for the watts link will be starting that also should be a fun week for todd.aaron
I can't WAIT Aaron...I'll give you a call, but I plan on being over there mid-late morning on Wednesday :up:
Donny Carlson
05-24-2004, 05:52 PM
I can't WAIT Aaron...I'll give you a call, but I plan on being over there mid-late morning on Wednesday :up:
Don't forget to pick up my control arms, Todd!
Don't forget to pick up my control arms, Todd!
Excuse me? Who are you? OH! The guy with the happy, camera, "trigger-finger"....
Yeah....I'll THINK about bringing them back......maybe. ;)
Donny Carlson
05-24-2004, 06:18 PM
Excuse me? Who are you? OH! The guy with the happy, camera, "trigger-finger"....
Yeah....I'll THINK about bringing them back......maybe. ;)
Wha, you don't want to ding up the prototype arms when you smack me upside the head, do you? Use MY control arms!:up:
Then, I'll have a custom set, one side normal, the other with a Donny-head size bow in it!
Fourth Horseman
05-24-2004, 10:05 PM
Decided I couldn't wait for a comparison of the two varieties and didn't want to miss the introductory offer, so I placed my order for these babies Friday. They're just so pretty, milled out of aluminum like that. I'm sure they'll perform nicely, too, but they're soooo pretty. :)
Decided I couldn't wait for a comparison of the two varieties and didn't want to miss the introductory offer, so I placed my order for these babies Friday. They're just so pretty, milled out of aluminum like that. I'm sure they'll perform nicely, too, but they're soooo pretty. :)
VERY wise move...you can't beat the intro group-buy price of $379...ANYWHERE!
I'll have the final prototypes fitted on my car this Thursday (yes, it was supposed to be tomorrow, but it needed to be moved)...I'll take LOTS of pics, and have my opinion of the improvements for those of you interested. Remember, the intro, group-buy price of $379 is only good through next Tuesday, June 1st!!!!!
mungce
05-25-2004, 05:16 AM
Taff,
Mighty impressive Marauder that you have built up !
My question is, do the added control bars " really " make a differerece in traction, or are they more for handling ?
Any one have tips for changing wheel sizes ?. I am considering going with 60's in the rear, for a read end lift. Can I use air adjustable shocks, to get the same effect ?
Jim Williams
Ft.Worth, Republic of Texas
Taff,
Mighty impressive Marauder that you have built up !
My question is, do the added control bars " really " make a differerece in traction, or are they more for handling ?
Any one have tips for changing wheel sizes ?. I am considering going with 60's in the rear, for a read end lift. Can I use air adjustable shocks, to get the same effect ?
Jim Williams
Ft.Worth, Republic of Texas
They'll be put on Thursday Jim...so I'll be able to give detailed seat-o-the-pants then for you. What I'm expecting, based on input I got from the experts designing these arms (and experts working with the designers) is a much more solid feeling of the rearend being "planted" in both a straight line handling as well as cornering. This will be even more enhanced with the addition of the upcoming billet, aluminum WATTS-link that Metco is fabricating.
Wheel changes are virtually not available due to our "funky" offsets on our wheels. HOWEVER...I DO highly recommend the rim widening service provided by Lidio at Alternative Auto http://www.alternativeauto.com (http://www.alternativeauto.com/) which will allow you to move the rear tire sizes up to 305/45/18s. You can replace the air-bag, rear suspension with shocks/springs...but you're talking some BIG $s (I'd assume).
SergntMac
05-25-2004, 08:57 AM
Wheel changes are virtually not available due to our "funky" offsets on our wheels. HOWEVER...I DO highly recommend the rim widening service provided by Lidio at Alternative Auto which will allow you to move the rear tire sizes up to 305/45/18s. You can replace the air-bag, rear suspension with shocks/springs...but you're talking some BIG $s (I'd assume).
Jin, you should define your style of driving before you select new tires.
TAF is right, there's not a lot of custom wheel options out there for our MMs, and most that I've seen are not as impressive as the OEM design. TAF's advice on the 9.5 wide wheels through Lidio is solid, they are a great deal for anyone wanting to retain the OEM looks, but bump up the tire sizes. But, there's more to think about with the 305/45 tires.
If you are looking for a drag radial strictly for drag racing, the 305 width will fit on the 9.5 wheel, and that seems to work for most here. Nonetheless, 305 is still a tad oversized for a 9.5 wide wheel. In medium to hard cornering, the sidewall will compress unnaturally, and eventually weaken. It will most likely balloon or bubble at the rim, and most likely on the inside where the resistance is weakest. Drive too hard on 305 wide tires on a 9.5 wheel, and the tires will eventually fail.
If you're looking for a road tire for full time driving, the maximum (and safe) tire width for a 9.5 wheel is 295. But, please don't take my word on this. Call Brad Grisson at 317.247.5320. He's Kenny Brown's tire doctor, and if he's expert enough for Kenny, his advice works for me.
BTW, Jim, do you know you can adjust your rear ride height by tweaking the settings on the Watts link? Air shocks may not be needed to get you where you want to be. Once you take a look at it, you could probably do it yourself.
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