GT Bob

So I put my shorties in the other day, and I noticed something that I had seen before, but never really thought about...

I know that the convertables and the GT500's have always gotten the A arm brace from the factory since 05 (07 for the gt500). The Coupe Gt's, from what I had understood, didn't get one until '08...

...except for the fact that my 07 GT (built Apr 30, 2007) has one.

Any other '07's noticed they had one? Was this a mid 07 change or do I have some kind of freak?

JAFO

The factory brace still flexes, you can purchase beefy ones from so many others that are really hi end for like 25.00

GT Bob

Was I asking about aftermarket braces or flex of the stock one?

No other 07's noticed they have one?

Embalmer

The brace between the lower control arms was a running change in 2007. My car was built in 11/06 and did not have it, but all 2007 verts and GT500's did. Sometime in spring 2007, because of the upper strut mount popping issue, for dincluded the bar on all cars. I ordered the Steeda G-Trac brace and had in installed when I had the upgraded mounts put in:

GT Bob

Ahhhh... never heard that it was a mid year change. Thought it was an '08 MY change. I knew the 05 + Verts and GT500 had them... Cool. Thanks!

travelers

Mine was built in Jan 07 without a brace. I do have a CHE brace now.

GT Bob

Hmm.. So it's somewhere between Jan and April that the brace was started...

Kobie

I bought my GT in July and didnt notice it had the brace till I bolted up the Steeda piece. Now I have two braces in the same place. Oh well...

m05fastbackGT

Hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question, but is the Steeda G-trac brace and the stock A-arm brace, one in the same. Or are they different ?

I'd also be very grateful. If someone wouldn't mind providing some feedback about the K-member brace. as I have no idea, what it's used for.

karman

They are all kinda the same.
They connect the back of the k-member where the back of the a-arm is.
I have the GMS because it is blue. The BMR is much the same only black.
I think the Steeda is the best design unless you want to go all the way with the CHE that connects to the tranny too IMO.

m05fastbackGT

Does Steeda also carry the K-member brace

metroplex

I bought my new OEM A-Arm brace for $58 shipped from John Bleakly Ford. It's better designed than the Steeda G-Trac Brace. The CHE looks like the best overall design, but is overvalued at nearly $100. All you really need is some type of rigid body that locates both flanges to prevent flexing. The 2 studs per side are used to prevent rotation about a fixed point.

The Steeda G-Trac relies on the threaded shanks of the 2 bolts for support, which is a bad idea because that is generally the weakest part of a bolt whether it is Grade 5 or Grade 8. At least the OEM brace splits the load between 2 studs per side.

The A-arm brace carries a 2004 Ford part number and Ford generally subjects their chassis components to extensive FEA testing. It's good enough to be used on thousands of convertibles, GT500s, and now coupes. Adding an aftermarket bar is fine, but the extra weight isn't really necessarily if the OEM bar can handle 500+ ft-lb of raw torque.

BTW my 07 was made 11/06 and does not have an A-Arm brace (obviously).

BuzzyStang05

Der...whats the OEM part #. (I am too lazy to look it up). Thanks

metroplex

Buy the Ford Racing A-Arm Brace, which is just a repacked OEM A-Arm Brace with the 4 nuts:
M-5025-A

$58 shipped from John Bleakley Ford:
http://209.60.227.212/frparts.asp

The OEM part is nearly $200, and you have to buy the 4 nuts at $3/each. The FRPP part is the same thing at a fraction of the price.

BuzzyStang05

Thanks. Bleakley has the best prices, no doubt! I have a replacement 18" fanblade on order with them right now.

m05fastbackGT

Who carries the CHE brace, and what is their website ?

karman

http://www.cheperformance.com/cartge...pid=204&cid=15
http://www.cheperformance.com/cartgenie/prod-176.htm

m05fastbackGT

Thanks again, for coming through for me Karman

WayneA

My GT coupe was built May 2007 and has one.

I assumed it didn’t and went ahead and bought one, I just got it today. I suppose you can have both installed, oh well live and learn,