Mustang S550 IRS

[hotford]

Looks great

 

[a_d_a_m]

Simply awesome!

 

[boom boom]

Thanks guys. I have decided that this is going to get an intermediate frame because it doesn't seem worth it to fight the rails at axle hump. I mocked up a frame section to match the mustang and it just feels and looks right. Here's some progress on the new rails. I think the shock and the #5 body mount can share the same bracket.

 

[boom boom]

So I got into it and forgot to take a few pictures, but here is some progress. This thing might actually work. I'm sticking with the idea of the horizontal tank over top of the axle(still need to track down a fuel hat-termiantor or otherwise), so I had to figure out a rear crossmeber that gave me the most clearance and also could work as a mount for the sway bar. You'll notice that the sway bar brackets have been cut away, that was necessary for the rear crossmember which it tilted forward at somewhere around 85 degrees relative to the level frame. The rear crossember should be about 1/4-1/2" forward of the trunk pan. It is mocked up but not in final position and doesn't have bracing yet.

The shock is mocked up in these pictures but it's over compressed. In this position it is about 3 inches droop and 1 inch bump. Actually, based on my observations, the rear shocks start to compress the bumpstops at 1" before final stop and the shock has around 4 inches of travel. 2 inches droop, 1 inch free bump and 1 inch compressing bump before stop. I plan to make adjuastable upper mounts but based on all of that, the shock mount will need to be slightly above #5 body mount shown in the pictures.

 

[boom boom]

Building the shock towers. I matched the upper mount bolt pattern to the mustang. Built the tower, positioned it, and then marked it and drilled for the body mount. They will be the attached to the frame later. You can see the upper spring perch in the last picture. I snagged a pair out of the junkyard. I am still undecided on the air spring setup. I want to maintain he factory air ride so I am working on a couple ideas. I did make sure to build the spring perches strong enough for coilovers if I ever want to try something different.

 

[svtmerc]

Did this ever get finished?

 

[BAD MERC]

I was going to address the weight difference as well. I am curious about the difference in unsprung weight. This new heft is rearward and lower which should have handling benefits. Definitely cannot wait to see how this progresses. Hats off to you sir.

 

[burt ragio]

Your project is looking good. I too would like nothing more to have a independent rear suspension set up. Keep the build coming.