lowblustang00

So I figure I may be looking soon at doing something about ball joints and bushings on the front of my 08' GT.

Starting to get some noises :-/ from the front, and I know it's not strut mounts as they were replaced with gt500 mounts when I did springs and struts last year.

So I was wondering if there were any benefits to the gt500 lower control arms other than stiffer bushing.

Does it change the steering geometry any?

Does it change any of the specs when aligning?

Thanks for the info.

Beargap

That is a drop-in replacement that doesn't change any of the geometry, but provides a better (tougher) ball joint. I had to replace my original equipment after a couple of years, but the GT-500 LCA has been on there for 6 years with no problems. A good upgrade.

bt4

When I replaced my suspension (with a FRP suspension kit) I went with the GT500 LCA on my '06 GT. Essentially is just a heavier version of the GT LCA designed to handle the additional weight of the 5.4 in the '07 GT500.

If you are contemplating more suspension changes--the GT500 LCA is probably worth adding to your list of upgrade parts. With the FRP suspension kit (shocks, springs, bump stops, etc) and the new LCA, I have been pleased with the handling on my '06. Less body roll, quicker turn-in; overall a more "planted" feel when cornering. I also noticed an increase in feedback through the steering wheel--not harsh, but more connected with what the front wheels are doing. How much of that is due to the LCA and stiffer ball joints and how much is due to stiffer shocks and springs; I don't know.

Hope this helps

houtex

I don't even know why they're called "Front *LOWER* control arms", as there's no front *upper* ones since before Fox bodies.

But anyway, the GT500 FCAs are definitely worth doing, as they are just plain better for the car and you, especially if your current ones are making...

**The Noises**

Coming soon to any 05-09 S197 stock V6/GT FCAs, rated 'dagnabit!'

lowblustang00

Thanks for the info and reviews guys. :-)

mrkabc

DON'T... jinx... meeeeeeee...

lowblustang00

Hahaha.

pmbss396

I just installed the GT500 lower control arms on my 2005 GT, and I like them, but one thing to note they don't have the tabs to install the heat shield on the main bushing. I did some research on this and the early GT500s didn't have the heat shields and were prone to early bushing failure. I welded tabs on the new arms without over heating the bushing so I could install the shields.

houtex

Hm.

I honestly do not recall my '06 having those heat shields on the rear bearings on the old arms.

Very interesting. I'm obviously misremembering...?

m05fastbackGT

So what type of bushings are on them ? And how did you end up with the early GT500 arms that didn't have the heat shields on them

pmbss396

Ford racing part number M-3075-E doesn't have the tabs for the heat shield. Not sure why, but it seems you can develop problems without them. I believe there was a TSB on the newer mustangs to put the shields back on.

houtex

The heat shield was required for the higher heat of the GT500s, and is included on those models, or was added afterwards. No apparent need on a 4.6L motor (without mods/added heat, of course. )

The TSB you are talking about is 13-7-8, which is a 2011-2014 concern, whereby the 5.0L DOES have a heat problem on that particular bushing, so the same heat shield is added if needed.

So if your car didn't have them, you don't need them. Ostensibly. But what do I know, if you want the shields, you can get them, of course. I'm not gonna bother with them, doesn't seem to matter, and I've put enough hours and heat to have them fail by now. No problems so far on the stock 4.6L motor.

For what that's worth.

m05fastbackGT

Seems to me if the bushings aren't able to handle heat, then what real advantage do they have over the stock GT LCA's ?

Why not just get aftermarket billet LCA's, such as BMR, Steeda, CHE ect that are lighter in weight and have poly/urethane bushings which last much longer than OEM

houtex

Cost? GT500s are 350, others are 500-600 and up.

And again, the heat isn't supposed to be issue on a 4.6L or a V6, just the GT500s and 5.0Ls Those will have the heat shields on them, and they've already been upgraded to the GT500 spec bushings and ball joints as well.

m05fastbackGT

Here you go Houtex ! SR performance front lower control arms.. $299.99

http://www.americanmuscle.com/mustan...-lca-0511.html

lowblustang00

I wonder what the difference between the bushings and ball joint are between the sr ones and the gt500 ones. Website doesn't give much info. I have actually been very curious about the SR stuff, but can't find a lot of info about them.

m05fastbackGT

I don't know either to be honest with you.. All the website mentions is there built to OEM specifications and provide better ride quality over stock..

I would recommend contacting SR tech support by phone and hopefully they'll provide you with the complete specs and info about them

pmbss396

The ford racing one are cheaper.
http://parts.autonationfordwhitebear...5-10/m-3075-e/

m05fastbackGT

If those are authentic Ford Racing control arms for $264.00 ??? I'd jump on them in a heartbeat.. As your not going to find a better quality LCA for that pricing anywhere

houtex

Dude, man, wish I'd seen those...

As far as the SR thing, sure, I'd have tried them... but I had been convinced by so many other posts/reviews/etc at the time, GT500s were the BOMB in Phantoms, yo.