Art Morrison, TCI or other?

[LowFast]

I am diving into my 1965 Falcon Hardtop project. I have done allot of research and know all of the differing opinions on early Mustang/Falcon suspension options. I know not everyone is in love with the MSII "based" kits but it is the direction that makes the most sense for me and the goals of my project. However I do need some opinions on the systems out there.

I have narrowed it down to three options. TCI, Rod & Custom, or Art Morrison. All are systems that get positive reviews. Anyone have experience with these and what would you choose. For some reason I lean toward the AM, don't really know why, can't quantify it.



The other big decision is shockwave or Coilovers. Coilovers would be cheaper but I really like the ride quality/adjustability the shockwaves offer.

Your thoughts?

[silver69camaro]

What type of kit are you looking for? How much fabrication are you willing to do?

And just so you are aware, nothing we have is based on Mustang II suspensions, it's all our own design (even the spindle we use is different).

[Bryce]

LowFast,

Art morrison and TCI are great companies. Just make sure your reinforce the the frame rails and probably add down bars between the frame rails and upper torque boxes.

I think my front suspension design has less compromises than others. Plus it is much lighter. Also check out my build thread for rear suspension ideas.

Maybe go with an art morrison full frame! That would be cool.


Matt,

Side note, what do you call your weld in lower crossmember based front suspension that at first glance resemble a typical MII style suspension?

[DynoDon]

Are you putting in a motor that requires removal of the Shock Towers? If not, I would stay away from anything the cuts them out and goes MII based like the Rod & Custom kit. The Total Control and Global West stuff works very well in these cars and keeps the structural integrity that Ford designed in. Otherwise you will want to reinforce the rails and probably add down bars as suggested if you go Morrison or TCI. Just something to think about.

[silver69camaro]

Side note, what do you call your weld in lower crossmember based front suspension that at first glance resemble a typical MII style suspension?

I think you're referring to our Deluxe IFS, which is our least aggressive suspension option we offer. Our design uses a taller spindle, less RC movement, less bumpsteer, and different length control arms (than Mustang II).

[Bryce]

Thanks Matt,

I just wanted to know what the name was. I know you have good geometry in your systems. What are your thoughts on increasing the strength of the unibody structure?

DynoDon,
I totally agree with you.

[silver69camaro]

You know Bryce, I don't know enough about Falcons to really say much about that. I'd probably make myself look like an idiot.

[Bryce]

Matt, they are almost the same as an 65 mustang.

[LowFast]

Matt,

No offense intended refering to it as MSII, I know your system uses all new geometry (which is why I am leaning that way) For a cruiser/ occasional autocrosser that I want to ride low would you suggest the coilovers or shockwaves. I plan to compliment the front with the AM triangulated 4-link out back.

I know may are against cutting out the shock towers but I will be both reinforcing the frame and including down bars from firewall to frame. Basically creating a new front clip.

If I go with AM who is the best place to get a good price, go direct or through a authorized dealer? Any board sponsors carry AM.

[silver69camaro]

Bryce, it seems as if those cars really benefit from downtubes or some sort of frame rail added on (somewhat like how a Camaro is). First gen Novas are the same way, stiff front and rear rails really help along with subframe connectors. People who road race Mustangs and choose our front clip spec it out such that it welds to the rocker pinchwelds for a very ridgid structure. It seems to work very well.

Matt,

No offense intended refering to it as MSII, I know your system uses all new geometry (which is why I am leaning that way) For a cruiser/ occasional autocrosser that I want to ride low would you suggest the coilovers or shockwaves. I plan to compliment the front with the AM triangulated 4-link out back.

I know may are against cutting out the shock towers but I will be both reinforcing the frame and including down bars from firewall to frame. Basically creating a new front clip.

If I go with AM who is the best place to get a good price, go direct or through a authorized dealer? Any board sponsors carry AM.

No, no offense taken. We just have to make sure we seperate ourselves from the Mustang II name.

If you're autocrossing, you'd probably benefit from our Sport IFS. It has lots of caster and a moderately steep camber gain, and accepts brake packages from 11" to over 14". Several hub track and frame widths are available. Be aware, though, front sumps oil pans can be difficult to work with when using our suspensions. Convert to rear sump if possible.

For price, I can't really say. I'd give our sales guys a call to see who is near you.

[LowFast]

Thanks, do you have a link to informaiton on your "sport" IFS?

EDIT: Found it! http://www.artmorrison.com/2006cat/39.pdf

Looks awesome, now just need to find a dealer.

[1bad68cat]

Matt,

Is it possible to purchase the sport IFS as a weld in IFS (no frame rails, just crossmember and upper control arm mounts)?

Thanks,

Robert

[silver69camaro]

You know, that's a good question. It's fairly new so it's possible we haven't done that yet. I'll find out.

[MoparCar]

Matt,
This would be good to know. I called and checked with your sales when the sport IFS first came out and they did not think they could do this. Perhaps you can though?

Wes

[LowFast]

Matt,
This would be good to know. I called and checked with your sales when the sport IFS first came out and they did not think they could do this. Perhaps you can though?

Wes

Yes this is the route I planned to go, so knowing if the sport is available as a crosmember only is important. I don't see why it would not be, both would be weld-on affairs.

[1bad68cat]

Hello Matt,

Just bumping to see if you were able to get any info.

Thanks,

Robert

[silver69camaro]

I got some yesterday.

We can probably do a kit, although we've never sold one yet because nobody has requested one. Give Dave a call if you're interested.

People have been asking for what we call a "bikini clip", which is just the suspension welded on to a pair of 48" long straight rails, which is then grafted onto a OEM frame. It seems to work best for most people. Something to think about anyway.

[LowFast]

I got some yesterday.

We can probably do a kit, although we've never sold one yet because nobody has requested one. Give Dave a call if you're interested.

People have been asking for what we call a "bikini clip", which is just the suspension welded on to a pair of 48" long straight rails, which is then grafted onto a OEM frame. It seems to work best for most people. Something to think about anyway.

That is the route I plan to go but adding the rails and doing the welding at your shop means I am going to take the shipping in the shorts. I would rather do a weld-it-myself project. Do you have a number to reach Dave direct or just call the number listed on the website?

[LowFast]

Big thanks to Matt, he has responded almost instantly to my birrage of PM's about what Art Morrison has to offer, pricing, and what he would recommend. Looks like I will be going with the AM IFS and the AM specific Strange Coilovers for the front and eventually the AM 4-link with coilovers out back. Just wanted to check back in to let others know how impressed I am so far, if the product is as good as the customer service I should be quite happy.

Thanks.

[femurphy77]

Matt,

Is it possible to purchase the sport IFS as a weld in IFS (no frame rails, just crossmember and upper control arm mounts)?

Thanks,

Robert

Matt, I'd be interested in this option also. I'm building a 65 mustang for SCCA Solo II in C prepared and replacement of framerails would bump me into a class I don't want to run in. I'm currently in the "studying my options" stage and welcome all input. My car will be running 16x12 wheels with 13" wide slicks. So obviously strength is a big consideration.