suspension questions

[syrupmaker]

still shopping the different companies and have a few questions about the front suspension.I see where FFR is offering a donerless kit now ,but I think it still uses the same old mustang front suspension that Ive heard leads to a kind of odd steering angle,not the best for a roadster,not terrible but could be improved upon.Anyone able to shed a little more light on the details on the HMS front suspension?I tend to over think things like that,I still am leaning toward HMS,it seems to be the best value to me,but im a stickler for the details so any info would be helpful         thanks

[HAVASUBILL]

SYRUPMAKER,  

GOOD QUESTION,  ONLY I REALLY DON'T KNOW THE ACTUAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE HMS AND THE FFR SUSPENSIONS, BOTH ARE MOSTLY VERY GOOD.  YOU MIGHT WANT TO TALK TO MIKE ARPS AT HURRICANE AND GET HIS TAKE ON  THIS MATTER.

THE HURRICANE IS A VERY GOOD CAR, WELL BALANCED AND WELL PLANNED OUT.  IT STILL HAS ENOUGH "STOCK AREAS" THAT YOU CAN BUILD AS IS,  OR GO CRAZY WITH YOUR OWN IDEAS AND DEVELOP SOME REALLY CUSTOM STUFF.

BASED ON MY OWN BUILD, IT WAS EASY, COMPLETE,  AND EVERYTHING WORKED PERFECTLY.  I'M VERY HAPPY AND PROUD OF MY CAR, IT'S A SHOW STOPPPER AROUND HERE AND EVERYONE JUST LOVES THE COBRAS'.

ANYWAY, BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SEARCH, BILL  

[YerDugliness]

Gee--yet another reason why it might be advisable for the forum admins to consider granting access to "the dark side" to the public.

[jwd]

As for the FFR, I surfed into their site and it looks like they continue to put the mold seams in areas that will make the bodywork more difficult.

[Rich Burroughs]

Thought I would point out a few nice things about our suspension. See pictures below for reference. First, because of how we mount our steering rack, we drastically reduce bump steer by ensuring the tie rod ends are as close as possible to level when the car is at ride height. Also, notice the fully adjustable upper A-Arms - they allow you to adjust the caster and camber trackside without removing any suspension components. Also notice how they mount to the frame. Most Mustang II based suspension mount to the top and "adjust" using a slot. When this type of suspension receives a big jolt (pot hole, hard corner etc.), they have the tendency to slip. We use race proven components to mount the upper arm in a way that guarantees that it will not change due to slippage. All connection points to the frame utilize teflon coated heim joints.

(I stole a couple of pictures from the owners build posts to help illustrate below - Thanks Alfredo!)

[Rich Burroughs]

Closeup

[Rich Burroughs]

Another suspension shot

[Rich Burroughs]

Heim Joints

[syrupmaker]

thanks Rich for the info,everything on these cars is a package deal,it all has to work together properly to be safe and give good ride quality.Ive read where some other companies have had problems with various suspension parts and when I build mine I only want to do it one time,I dont want to be worried about hitting a dip in the road and something happening.I know there are different upgrades available for brakes and shocks ect.,but I want to do it right the first time.I guess I will have to take some of these guys up on their offers to meet them to check out their rides.I would think the posi unit should be standard on the kit instead of an upgrade because the standard unit is probably useless in these cars,just a thought I dont know if you guys go to many shows or events that arent  kinda local to you,but if so ,maybe consider a big show thats held twice a year in moultrie ga. its one of the biggest in the southeast drawing several hundred thousand people over each of the 3 day shows.may be some good exposure if youre interested.thanks again,I somehow feel drawn to the dark side

[YerDugliness]

I would think the posi unit should be standard on the kit instead of an upgrade because the standard unit is probably useless in these cars,just a thought

Check out the IRS option--I think it comes with posi standard, unlike the stock live axle.  

Doug

[jwd]

syrupmaker

  I agree that a posi rear end is mandatory. So are the adjustable shocks and the aluminum firewall option. However, when you start making all of that stuff a part of the kit, the base price goes up. That increase could push the kit out of the reach of those that are on a tight budget. Hurricane Motorsports products are by far the best value for the dollar and they allow you to upgrade as much as your wallet will allow.
 If you choose to get a HMS car, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Jim