Estimated reading time: 6–9 minutes
Rear control arms locate a Fox Body Mustang’s solid axle and carry substantial acceleration, braking, and cornering loads. The job requires stable support for both body and axle, inspection of the torque boxes, correct bushing orientation, controlled axle movement, and final tightening at the position specified by the instructions.
Browse Mustang parts for this vehicle range while preparing the job.
Safety note: Use Ford service information and the part manufacturer’s instructions for the exact vehicle. Never guess lifting points, torque, fluids, wiring tests, or bleeding procedures. Stop when the job exceeds your tools or experience.
Inspect before disassembly
Check upper and lower torque boxes, axle brackets, control arms, bushings, spring seats, brake hoses, parking-brake cables, sway bar, shocks, exhaust, and differential leaks. Cracked seams, elongated holes, or torn mounts need a repair plan before stronger arms are installed.
Measure ride height and axle position and photograph spring, cable, and hardware orientation.
Support body and axle independently
Use approved body support points and a separate controlled jack beneath the axle as directed. The axle can rotate or shift when an arm is removed, and springs may retain energy.
Replace one arm at a time when the kit instructions permit. Never work beneath a car supported only by a jack.
Remove without forcing alignment
Relieve load until the bolt moves freely. Protect brake lines and cables while the axle changes position. Rusted fasteners may require penetrant, correct six-point tools, or professional extraction.
Do not enlarge mounting holes or pull brackets together with bolts.
Install bushings and arms correctly
Confirm upper versus lower, left versus right, offset, grease fittings, spacers, and crush sleeves. Lubricate only where specified and use the supplied or correct-grade hardware.
Adjustable arms require a verified baseline length and a later pinion-angle and axle-location check.
Tighten and verify
Some bonded rubber bushings must be tightened at normal ride height to avoid preload; spherical or other designs may differ. Follow the product and Ford procedure exactly.
Check brake hose, cable, exhaust, spring, and driveshaft clearance. Align the axle, verify pinion angle when applicable, and begin with a low-speed test.
Quick checklist
- Inspect torque boxes and brackets
- Support body and axle separately
- Control spring and axle movement
- Match arm orientation and spacers
- Tighten at specified position
- Check axle location and pinion angle
Before ordering: Confirm the exact vehicle configuration, tested need, included hardware, and installation requirements.
