1972 Pro Touring Maverick.....I need your help!

[jhartseil01224]

Hey there I am new to this forum and I have a 1972 Ford Maverick, I've done some searching on here and I am so glad to see plenty of others who are making their mavericks pro touring. The whole reason I joined this forum is to find out what would be the best route for me to follow in order to make this mav a pro-touring bad ass ride. Im 22 years old and this Maverick was my very first car that I bought when I was 15 and unfortunately it had an electrical fire on the inside that destroyed most of the interior. I've held on to this or quite a few years always telling myself that I would start fixing it up. Well I have finally found a little time to do so, even though I am working part-time as well as still going to school full-time. With that all being said I have also joined the ARMY National Guard as well and I am currently in the process of getting my Maverick lined up to be taken to a shop in Algonquin, IL to put this suspension on while I am away for Basic training and AIT. This is where I need your guys' opinions on what the best stuff to get would be or what things I need to really figure out in order to get the right parts for this project, also I will be trying to keep it around $6000 if possible? Is this possible? If I need more how much more possibly? I do know I am wanting a Maverick setup similar to the member GrabberGT, thats the stance I am looking for. Oh I almost forgot this Maverick is an automatic 302 v8 with a 8" REAREND bucket seats, grabber hood, an good ol drum brakes all around so I am also interested in converting to disc all around too. Again if anyone can help me I'd appreciate it very much Thanks alot

[cobragt]

$6000 isn't as much as you think it is. You do need to ditch that auto and get a 5spd. Autocross is way more fun with a manual trans.

[The Stickman]

Welcome to the furom and thanx for serving our country.

[CruizinKev]

welcome aboard!

[Nessumsar]

Welcome! $6k is plenty as long as your keep some perspective. Not knowing much about Ford specifics I would see if you can put some late model Cobra brakes on, maybe an Explorer rear end (will have disks already, and a posi if you find the right one), springs, sways, and wheels/tires. I just picked up a set of '03 Cobra replica wheels from americanmuscle.com for cheap. Springs and sway bars are cheap too, so that should leave you with a good sum to fix up the other bits. I have about $4500 into my car, so it is do-able.

[cobragt]

Mustangs Unlimited is a good place to start http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ They have a lot of suspension and brake parts. And most will bolt on to your Maverick

[jhartseil01224]

Awesome guys thanks so much for the info, I am tring to find some parts soon so I can get this shop to give me an estimate.

[Nothingface5384]

you're pretty much screwed on rear suspension bu8t for the front..


R&P kit
http://www.rrs-online.com.au/rack&pinionproducts.php

coil-over/tubular control arms...can get a kit with standard springs/shocks for about 900 less i think it was
http://scandc.com/new/node/300

another coil over kit
http://www.rrs-online.com.au/frontcoilovers.php

bigger diameter mustang swaybars will work from what i hear but, not sure how well they sit..
maverick swaybars here7/8 front, 3/4 rear...reinforce the mounting area with extra metal
http://www.p-s-t.com/pc-4001-113-ford-maverick-1969-77.aspx


for cheap rear discs onto youre ford 8in..junkyard hunt for 95ish explorer and jack the disc hardware
cheap front would be off any spindle off mustangs/mustang II for 10.5 discs...or 75+ maverick/granada for bigger 11in front discs

[Nothingface5384]

misc front end/steering parts

frontend service kit
http://www.p-s-t.com/p-2232-ford-maverick-1970-77.aspx

centerlink
http://www.p-s-t.com/p-1656-ford-maverick-ms-1970-74.aspx

pitman arm
http://www.p-s-t.com/p-1124-ford-mercury-maverick-comet-1975-77-ms.aspx

inner tie-rod ends
http://www.p-s-t.com/p-1635-ford-mercury-mustang-falcon-maverick-cougar-comet-1971-04.aspx

[GrabberGT]

A good protouring car doesnt have to cost a lot. You can stay with the stock front suspension and make a few mods. Think of what the old timers were doing before all the new guys with their front aftermarket subframes and tubular bits of this and that. Some easy mods for the front suspension are to go to a stiffer lowering spring from an early mustang, can box the lower control arms, stiffer sway bar. 7/8" fonr sway is common. (Anything larger will have to be custom.) And then, last but not least, do a Shelby upper control arm drop.

Subframe connectors are a must!

The rear suspension can use stiffer de-arched leafs and a sway bar. If you choose to go with lowering blocks you may consider a locating device like a panhard bar or watts link.

The stance on my car took a lot to achieve. The wheel arches had to be radiused for the wider, lower stance.

My car now has a TCP Coil-Over conversion kit and an RRS power Rack & Pinion with a 7/8" sway bar. The rear has been replaced with a TCI Torque Arm system for a Mustang. If you go this route, do the work yourself or find a friend who works for beer. Keeping the price down, as many will tell you, is largely determined by how much you can do yourself.

Good luck. Feel free to hit me up for specifics.

Also, if you havent found it yet, check out this msg board. ITs nothing but Mavericks. (and comets but they dont count. LOL)

http://www.maverick.to/mmb/index.php

[Nothingface5384]

i read up on youre torque arm suspension a while back...really interesting
ps.. dont buy a 2.5 dual exhaust for a 65 stang...it wont clear section...needs cuttings/rebending to clear even with a mustang tank!

looks like i'll have to sell this and go custom exhaust :-(

[TARAfied]

you're pretty much screwed on rear suspension ...

I have to disagree, the Maverick uses basically the same rear suspension as the Mustang. The 8" rear uses the same flange as the 9" and there a bunch of options for after-market brakes for the 8 and 9" rear and Mustangs.
Street or Track LLC has a bunch of options for any budget. The Mustang, Maverick, Granada, Falcon, Torino, Cougar, etc. etc. use a lot of common or interchangeable parts. I have 76 Granada front Spindles and a 78 Lincoln Versailles 9" rear with disc brakes on my 67 Mustang. Pretty much bolt-in stuff. The spindles and front brakes are reproduced and the Versailles rear end are still out there for a couple hundred bucks. Try Shaun at Street or Track he is very helpful.
http://www.streetortrack.com/
this rear kit is $899
http://www.streetortrack.com/Street-or-Track-10.5-Rear-Disk-Brake-Kit-pr-24048.html
or these brackets will allow use of 94 - 04 Cobra brakes on the 8" rear
http://www.streetortrack.com/Cobra-rear-bracket-kit-for-8-or-9-small-big-Torino-bearing-rear-ends-pr-24456.html
there are a lot of after-market rear suspension kits available for early Mustangs that can be made to fit the Maverick. Total Control, Air Ride just to name a few. (although those kits won't be cheap).
Like GrabberGT said, you can do a lot by going old school as well. I have ORP roller bearing parts on the front, lowered the UCA per the 65 Shelby R trick and added 5 leaf rear springs, sub-frame connectors, gas shocks, bigger antisway bars, poly bushings, etc. It may not out corner the best of the best but it is way better than original.
link to ORP, John at ORP is also a great guy and will even help you fab up the parts yourself!
http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/

[cobragt]

Check out this Maverick http://spectreperformance.com/blog/2011/02/23/winter-warm-up-spectres-1st-2011-track-test/

[Nothingface5384]

I have to disagree, the Maverick uses basically the same rear suspension as the Mustang. The 8" rear uses the same flange as the 9" and there a bunch of options for after-market brakes for the 8 and 9" rear and Mustangs.
Street or Track LLC has a bunch of options for any budget. The Mustang, Maverick, Granada, Falcon, Torino, Cougar, etc. etc. use a lot of common or interchangeable parts. I have 76 Granada front Spindles and a 78 Lincoln Versailles 9" rear with disc brakes on my 67 Mustang. Pretty much bolt-in stuff. The spindles and front brakes are reproduced and the Versailles rear end are still out there for a couple hundred bucks. Try Shaun at Street or Track he is very helpful.
http://www.streetortrack.com/
this rear kit is $899
http://www.streetortrack.com/Street-or-Track-10.5-Rear-Disk-Brake-Kit-pr-24048.html
or these brackets will allow use of 94 - 04 Cobra brakes on the 8" rear
http://www.streetortrack.com/Cobra-rear-bracket-kit-for-8-or-9-small-big-Torino-bearing-rear-ends-pr-24456.html
there are a lot of after-market rear suspension kits available for early Mustangs that can be made to fit the Maverick. Total Control, Air Ride just to name a few. (although those kits won't be cheap).
Like GrabberGT said, you can do a lot by going old school as well. I have ORP roller bearing parts on the front, lowered the UCA per the 65 Shelby R trick and added 5 leaf rear springs, sub-frame connectors, gas shocks, bigger antisway bars, poly bushings, etc. It may not out corner the best of the best but it is way better than original.
link to ORP, John at ORP is also a great guy and will even help you fab up the parts yourself!
http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/

I was referring to rear suspension not brakes but thanks for the info.
grabber gt modded a torque arm suspension from a maverick, he did alot of cuttings to narrow and reweldings...and i think redid a shock mount?

onlything air ride has that might for for the rear of mav is putting air over leafs.

[TARAfied]

I was referring to rear suspension not brakes but thanks for the info.
grabber gt modded a torque arm suspension from a maverick, he did alot of cuttings to narrow and reweldings...and i think redid a shock mount?

onlything air ride has that might for for the rear of mav is putting air over leafs.
sorry 'bout that.
air ride has a a 4 link set-up...
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-components/airbar/1964-1970-ford-mustang-airbar-system.html

[Bryce]

Check out my build thread, it will give you an idea what other options are out there. I did all the design and fabrication work on my custom suspension. Front and rear.

[GrabberGT]

sorry 'bout that.
air ride has a a 4 link set-up...
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-components/airbar/1964-1970-ford-mustang-airbar-system.html

This 4-link setup will not fit the Mav without hacking it and the car up first. The only thing bolt on would be the housing brackets. The trailing arms are even the wrong length.

[TARAfied]

thanks, bummer

[Nothingface5384]

the air over leafs from ridetech should work well though

[Bryce]

What about air under leafs. Instead of blocks how about an air bag. Then you could lower your car by filling the bag with air. I know there needs to be something to take side loads, but it would be something cool to look in to. Maybe that will be my next project.

[Nothingface5384]

A good protouring car doesnt have to cost a lot. You can stay with the stock front suspension and make a few mods. Think of what the old timers were doing before all the new guys with their front aftermarket subframes and tubular bits of this and that. Some easy mods for the front suspension are to go to a stiffer lowering spring from an early mustang, can box the lower control arms, stiffer sway bar. 7/8" fonr sway is common. (Anything larger will have to be custom.) And then, last but not least, do a Shelby upper control arm drop.

Subframe connectors are a must!

The rear suspension can use stiffer de-arched leafs and a sway bar. If you choose to go with lowering blocks you may consider a locating device like a panhard bar or watts link.

The stance on my car took a lot to achieve. The wheel arches had to be radiused for the wider, lower stance.

My car now has a TCP Coil-Over conversion kit and an RRS power Rack & Pinion with a 7/8" sway bar. The rear has been replaced with a TCI Torque Arm system for a Mustang. If you go this route, do the work yourself or find a friend who works for beer. Keeping the price down, as many will tell you, is largely determined by how much you can do yourself.

Good luck. Feel free to hit me up for specifics.

Also, if you havent found it yet, check out this msg board. ITs nothing but Mavericks. (and comets but they dont count. LOL)

http://www.maverick.to/mmb/index.php

just a few questions to you.
can you still do the shelby mod if you have the reinforced plates in the way?
do you still use subframe connectors with the torque arm suspension you have?
and would you ever be willing to mod another up for other mav guys :-D
whats youre 9in narrowed to...flange to flange? 51.5?

[Nothingface5384]

What about air under leafs. Instead of blocks how about an air bag. Then you could lower your car by filling the bag with air. I know there needs to be something to take side loads, but it would be something cool to look in to. Maybe that will be my next project.

it's actually air over leaf
it should work well, lower ride height stiff de-arc spring for good carry-load and handleing
that and the manual air control unit would be a cheapish way to make the rear handle well
air over leaf
http://www.ridetech.com/store/musclecar/suspension-components-musclecar/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V224

ride pro anolog
http://www.ridetech.com/store/control-systems/ridepro-standard-analog-4-way-system.html

[Bryce]

it's actually air over leaf
it should work well, lower ride height stiff de-arc spring for good carry-load and handleing
that and the manual air control unit would be a cheapish way to make the rear handle well
air over leaf
http://www.ridetech.com/store/musclecar/suspension-components-musclecar/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V224

ride pro anolog
http://www.ridetech.com/store/control-systems/ridepro-standard-analog-4-way-system.html


I know what air over leaf is. I was saying for those guys that want the car to be lower when they park they could put an air bag in instead of a lowering block. There are a lot of other things to consider. but it would work with the right engineering.

If you build a low stance into the suspension with de-arched springs then you really would ever need to raise the car, unless the load changes.

[cobragt]

Lowering blocks are fine, my brother ran them for years on his 66 Mustang. You could run some traction master bars on it and rig up a pan hard bar to keep the rear from dancing around. The mustang did well with out the panhard bar but it would improve it. I'm going to have to do this one my 78 Cobra. Cool thing about my car is it has staggered shocks.

[GrabberGT]

just a few questions to you.
can you still do the shelby mod if you have the reinforced plates in the way?
do you still use subframe connectors with the torque arm suspension you have?
and would you ever be willing to mod another up for other mav guys :-D
whats youre 9in narrowed to...flange to flange? 51.5?

Sorry, I dont remember what the rear end is narrowed to. I went standard Maverick width less another half an inch for more tire room.

I dont see why there would be a problem doing the shelby drop with reinforcment plates. I dont have the reinforcement plates.

The TCI torque arm setup came with SFC's.

[Nothingface5384]

i loooked it up, I seems like standard maverick width is 56.5 width...somereason I though it was alot more narrow then that ha

SFC?

[GrabberGT]

i loooked it up, I seems like standard maverick width is 56.5 width...somereason I though it was alot more narrow then that ha

SFC?

SFC's = SubFrameConnectors

[jhartseil01224]

Where's the best place to get some sub frame connectors? And how can you find out if a rear end is a posi or not? What about a torque arm setup? I greatly appreciate all the help guys I wont lie some of it I dont understand but I;m figuring it out lol. Basically what other stuff do i need for a nice rear end setup that can take some power being forced to it.....eventually that is. I know I am interested in getting a ford 9", a rear sway bar, update my leaf springs. Ive seen this setup,http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gBar.html, and it looks amazing but it A- is expensive as hell, and B- isnt made for a Maverick setup. Any thoughts? I have the front figured out thanks to you all except for should i use mustang spindles? and if so what years would work

[GrabberGT]

Where's the best place to get some sub frame connectors? And how can you find out if a rear end is a posi or not? What about a torque arm setup? I greatly appreciate all the help guys I wont lie some of it I dont understand but I;m figuring it out lol. Basically what other stuff do i need for a nice rear end setup that can take some power being forced to it.....eventually that is. I know I am interested in getting a ford 9", a rear sway bar, update my leaf springs. Ive seen this setup,http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gBar.html, and it looks amazing but it A- is expensive as hell, and B- isnt made for a Maverick setup. Any thoughts? I have the front figured out thanks to you all except for should i use mustang spindles? and if so what years would work

SFC's https://chassisengineering.com/shopDetails.asp?CatId=10&SubCatId=22&ProductId=1545

Torque Arm - Total Cost involved, Griggs Racing, Speedtech, are all doing products for fords. Thats not to say that a BMC or other system cannot be adapted because none of these are actually made for the maverick and will require some modifications.

Sorry, I cant help with the posi questions

I am using 73 mustang disc spindles on mine. Im not sure on the exact years but I believe 68-73 are safe to use. Your brake setup though will determine which spindle you use. Some brake kits are designed for the Drum spindles and others are designed for the disc. I'll say this though, I could use some drop spindles for mine but nobody makes them. I've been told that if there was a drop spindle being made, it would be based on the drum spindle and not the disc. So pick your brakes wisely so you dont have to repurchase them later on. The Ring Brothers latest creation, "Bailout" 66 mustang uses drum spindles that are heavily modified. Maybe they built their own drop spindles.

[Nothingface5384]

spindles should be the same up to 74...10' disc mustang/pintp/mII setup...75+ should be maverick/granada 11inch discs