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Thread: Suspension setup struggle

  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Suspension setup struggle

    I have a Gen 2 street rod with new Moser 8.8" rear end 4 link setup, no fenders (at this time, hope to go bicycle route soon). A couple of things have me perplexed as it relates to the rear suspension. Clearance from top of tire to body is 1 5/8" on driver side, 1 1/4" on passenger side. Running 315/35R17 on rear. Trying to get more clearance but I run into my driveshaft hitting the floorpan??? I guess my question is, What hole should I be using for the lower and upper control arms? I can adjust the angle of the pinion some by changing to different holes but have concerns of pinion/transmission relationship, dont want any vibrations. But this adjustment might give me a bit more clearance on the driveshaft. If I am the only one with this problem on the Gen II then I must have something wrong. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated. IMG_0653.JPGIMG_0654.JPGIMG_0655.JPG

  2. #2
    Senior Member 33fromSD's Avatar
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    Raise the tail of your transmission up.

    Jim
    33 Hot Rod w/ 302 & Tremec T5; paint color is 68 Ford Mustang GT LimeGold
    https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...s-Build-Thread

  3. #3
    Senior Member Mastertech5's Avatar
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    If you use all the upper holes the frame and body will give you the most clearance for your driveshaft. That is where they are suppose to be unless your building the truck or using full fenders or just want more ground clearance like me. I bought adjustable upper control arms that have radius joints in the ends. I got these specifically to be able to get the driveshaft angle within specs. Regular aftermarket Mustang parts. You probably will have to raise your trans up as 33fromSD said. I haven't got that far in my build yet, but from reading a bunch of threads while waiting for my kit it became apparent that this was a problem for many builders.
    Last edited by Mastertech5; 08-20-2022 at 08:10 PM. Reason: Changed lower to upper. Oops
    33 Hot Rod Stage 1, Gen.2 ordered 11/11/2021 started June 12, 2022, LS3 E-Rod crate engine, Tremec TKX, 8.8 WITH 3.55 Ratio and limited slip with 31 spline axles.17X8 and18x10 Race Star wheels wrapped in Conti Extreme contact DWS tires, Mustang Cobra brakes all around. Electric PS and AC. Hard top, electric windows and bike fenders. First Start 5/31/2023. Go-Kart 6/2/2023.

  4. #4
    Senior Member 33fromSD's Avatar
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    The other thing you can do too which I did was to add limiting straps. You can buy what ever length you need and then get limiting strap clamps to go on to the Moser rear end. I sourced mine through Summit Racing (I think I went with 10" but I'l have to check).

    I'm running full fenders/running boards so I needed to use the lower holes in the frame which when I lifted the car by the frame where the lower suspension was at full hang my drive shaft rubbed slight lightly on the floor pan. With these cars being so light and the roads being so iffy around SoDak I didn't want to take the chance of going over a big dip in the road and having the rear halting up drastically causing the suspension to lift to a full hang situation and end up scrapping the driveshaft on the frame, that would be a very bad so I installed the limiting straps.

    Now when I lift the car by the frame and the suspension hangs, the straps limit the suspension from coming down to full travel and the drive shaft stays about 3/16" away from the floor board.

    In my case since I was using the lower holes in the frame I could just use the upper hole on top in the frame to bolt the straps in place and then the limiting strap clamps on the moser rearend for the other end. See the pics.

    The other thing to note is you really need set the proper ride height once the car is complete and sitting on the tires on it's own weight. This will also change the suspension travel which may or may not help you. Since you're only at go-kart stage right now, I would do enough to keep the driveshaft from hitting the frame, take your lap or two around the block to shake things out and then tackle the final suspension adjustments once the car is done before you do the final alignment.

    fullsizeoutput_8a.jpeg fullsizeoutput_8b.jpeg

    Jim
    33 Hot Rod w/ 302 & Tremec T5; paint color is 68 Ford Mustang GT LimeGold
    https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...s-Build-Thread

  5. #5
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    Thank you guys. really appreciate the insight. I am onboard with the limit straps and will definitely research the adjustable upper control arms. Raising the rear transmission location will be my starting point. Thanks again.

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