Front Lower Control Arms: GT PP vs GT350

[BmacIL]

I've been doing some digging and came across something interesting. The GT350 front lower control arms appeared to have a longer ball joint stud compared with the GT PP arms. Both of these have the bearings at the inner points compared with non-PP lower arms. I decided to order a couple and see for myself.

The results: yes indeed, the GT350 stud is 0.5" longer and puts the pivot point 0.5" lower than the GT PP arm. Pictures below (GT350 top, GT PP bottom, thanks [MENTION=9985]BMR Tech[/MENTION] for a better pic of the PP one). It's very interesting to find that Ford chose to raise the roll center (and add anti-dive) on both the GT350 and GT350R for the minimal lowering compared to the GT (0.3" and 0.7" respectively). This is obviously part of the formula that makes these cars work so well.

Results to follow later for how much that 0.5" lower ball changes the roll center, but I can tell you that it results in a fairly significant angle change, given the length of the arm (pretty short).

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[Bluemustang]

Please also provide the difference between the published specs for the Steeda control arms please BmacIL! :-)

 

[BMR Tech]

This is great [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] ! Love seeing all you guys dig so deep into this, it's such an addictive hobby isn't it?

 

[BmacIL]

Please also provide the difference between the published specs for the Steeda control arms please BmacIL! :-)

I don't think Steeda has provided that number for their arms. They appear quite similar.

Attached, their comparison box on the product page.

 

[Bluemustang]

I don't think Steeda has provided that number for their arms. They appear quite similar.

Attached, their comparison box on the product page.

Interesting, OK. Anyway I do look forward to hearing more on what you have to say about this. If the roll center change is as significant as you suspect, I think these (or the Steeda ones) would benefit my car as well.

 

[Lexman]

Just when you have me looking at PP control arms Bmac!

 

[BmacIL]

Just when you have me looking at PP control arms Bmac!

Well now I've got two sets! One GT350 and one GT PP. Want the PP ones? The biggest benefit is the bearing still.

 

[Cdnspeed]

Have you measured the other front lower arm ball joints?

 

[BmacIL]

Have you measured the other front lower arm ball joints?

Which ones? You mean the front upper arms?

 

[Lexman]

Well now I've got two sets! One GT350 and one GT PP. Want the PP ones? The biggest benefit is the bearing still.

Let me know how the install goes first and your impressions...;)

 

[Rebellion]

Interesting, OK. Anyway I do look forward to hearing more on what you have to say about this. If the roll center change is as significant as you suspect, I think these (or the Steeda ones) would benefit my car as well.

Also curious to see what's the difference between these and the Steeda...I might get one of these :cheers:

 

[apex15stangPP]

This could be a cool upgrade.

 

[boardkat]

yep ;)

 

[morgande]

This is great [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] ! Love seeing all you guys dig so deep into this, it's such an addictive hobby isn't it?

I have a dumb question. What is roll center and anti dive? How can I learn more about suspension geometry?

 

[apex15stangPP]

I have a dumb question. What is roll center and anti dive? How can I learn more about suspension geometry?

Tune to win is a really good read. Or Chassis sims you tube channel. It mostly theory and there are many different options on setup, but when looking for those last little bits you go for it.

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