Hi All, I know there has been some discussion dealing with these kits, but I just wanted to know what everyone thought before I buy one. First thing is should I get polygraphite, or does it really help that much? I went to the anignment shop today to have it aligned, and basically I need to replace just about everything in the front suspension. I knew I was going to have to replace it, but I was hoping not right now. Anyway, what kit should I get: The Original Performance Super Front End Kit, or the Performance Polygraphite Super Front End Kit? I also need spring perch bushings, so I guess I need to buy new spring perches, too. Anyway, labor would be huge, so I was thinking of installing it myself, but I wanted to know how easy or hard it is to do so. Do I need special tools? I guess the video would be good to get also if I decide to go that way. What did you guys do? I don't have access to a lift, so I guess jackstands would have to do. Thanks for any comments, or suggestions. -Frusturated in California, Corbin
Hey Corbin. We have the graphite kit ready to go in our 74 Mav. We haven't got to that stage of building the car yet due to body work and paint. We will probably get to it in about 3-4 weeks and will know more about it then but that will probably be too late to help you. I have been reading that the strut rods break on some Mavs with the graphite strut rod bushings installed. Our stock rubber ones are still installed. Does anyone know whether to go with the graphite or rubber strut rod bushings? Thanks guys. Greg
I used the polygraphite PST kit and if I dont think it was worth the extra money. I didnt like the ball joints at all and eventually removed them and put a set of Moog's in. I would buy a Mustang kit like Craig did. The mustang spring perch and top coil spring insulator will work for you too. As far as special tools, you will need a good heavy hammer, a ball joint separator tool, and a spring compressor. Most auto parts stores will loan or rent you them.
PST ball joints I bought a PST Poly setup for my Mav. I also didn't like the ball joints. I installed the uppers exactly like they instructed ( there is a front and a back for the boot) and the boot's dry rotted in 2 years. I lost my sales slip so I can't warranty them. I agree with Mavaholic. If I had to do it again. And now I do. I would get Moog.
so, the consensus is that everything is worth the extra money except the ball joints?! BTW does MOOG have a website?
What's the difference between the Maverick Kit, and the Mustang kit? Also what year Mustang should I order? Was it 67-73 I believe? So I guess if I go this way, I will get a normal rubber setup, since the polygraphite isn't great? The V8 Mavs, had 3/4" sway bars, right? What exactly didn't you like about the ball joints? Just the dust boot failing, or other things? Thanks. -Corbin
The 67-73 Mustang stuff should be the same. Another problem that the polygraphite can cause is the strut rod bushings. Since the polygraphite is so much more ridged, you can stretch and weaken the rod if you tighten them too much. I read where a guy with a Cougar did this and the rod snapped while he was driving and did a lot of damage. He wasn't going very fast when it broke. At high speed it could be fatal. Unless your going to road race your car, I'd stick to rubber. Our sway bars are 11/16"
The kit I got from Canadian Mustang (aka: American Pony) is advertised to be made out of Milodyne or something. supposed to be better than rubber, but not as harsh as the ploy stuff. Ordered a kit for a 1972 Mustang.
Thanks for the info guys. Craig, do you know what the kit was called, because I can't find it on their website. Do you think the American Pony kit is better than the PST? Also do you happen to remember what it cost? I have a week break out of school the week after next, so I guess I know what I'll be doing! Thanks. -Corbin
The Mustang kits seem to be less expensive than the PST kits, even if you get the kit that includes the full upper arms and not just the bushings. That's probably the route I'll go.
It is called a Master Rebuild Kit 1965-73 It includes: -(2) complete upper control arms with shafts and ball joints installed -(2) complete lower control arms -Midolyne strut rod bushings w/hardware -Midolyne sway bar link kits and bushings -Midolyne shock absorber mount bushings -Midolyne coil spring insulator pads -Midolyne coil saddles (spring perches) Cost: $279.90 As they state: Polyurethane versus Midolyne Whether it is called urethane, polyurethane, poly, or poly with graphite, it is all basically the same thing. Polyurethane is 45 year old technology but does have definite advantages over stock rubber. The advantages of urethane are in long life and precise handling due to minimal compression. The disadvantages are noise (squeak, squeak) and a harsh ride due to shock transmittal. Our bushings are made out of a new material called Midolyne which has long life, will not squeak, has minimal compression for precise handling and transmits little shock through the material - resulting in a smooth precise and quite ride. Precise handling without the noise and harsh ride of polyurethane or rapid wear and poor handling of rubber Contact: American Pony 2750 Peace Portal Drive Blaine, WA 98230 Toll Free 1-866-717-7711 www.americanpony.com
On their website, it is listed as Master Rebuikd Kit. A typo I guess. Anyway it looks like a very nice setup. Since I also need strut rod bushings, are these the same as the Mustang, or do I need to get a whole new strut rod? Also while I am down there, I need to rebuild the control valve since it has a lot of play. Is this relatively easy to do? I have seen kits for that, are they good? My power ram they think might be leaking very slightly, so would a seal kit take care of that? Now the only thing I haven't touched is the rear end, but eventually that will change also. I think I need some bushings for the leafs also. Isn't it great when you think you are almost done, and then it turns out the the whole front end need to be redone right now?!? -Corbin Here's a link: http://www.americanpony.com/store/s...Code=SF&Product_Code=MagAd05-1&Category_Code=
Corbin: For your power valve and ram problems, you might want to consider Roger Rode/Rode's Restorations. Craig has used them and Roger just rebuilt my control valve and serviced my p.s. box. If you have extra Ford p.s. stuff, he'll take it in trade. http://www.rodesrestoration.com (click on "services available" for prices). 419-568-5182 Tom
Just my 2 cents on the subject.. But I wouldn't buy a part from PST if my life depended on it. I was given the run around with them for 2 weeks. I was told by one guy that they had the parts/kit when I called to price it. I called back to order it, they said they never carried it. I called back the next day and they said they could get it, I ordered it, only to recieve a phone call 2 days later saying they couldn't get the parts. I went with another company that had the same parts (polyeurothane) for a cheaper price. I cant recall the company name as it's been over a year, but I think it was PSC or something of that nature.
check with your parts house i got parts at CAR-QUEST maverick 70-77 upper control arm shaft kit w/bushing (replaces threaded bushing kit) part # k8233( lower control arm w/ 1 9/16 dia bushings part # k8239 optional kit k8243a) TAKE CAUTION WITH THE COIL SPRING
