FPS Control Arms, Need some help...

[boat]

So, I go to put these in my SHO. (YEAH, I KNOW I am supposed to be studying, I needed a break, doing mindless work)

Here is what I come up to.

The grade 8 bolts are all bigger than every bolt hole they are for, which means I have to hog out all the holes in the rear h-brace, and the holes the bolts go through in the middle. Same thing on the spindle, bolts are too big.

Re-using the bolts I took off the car.

Am I supposed to go buy spacers? Am I missing something here?

Is this right? I have no idea what I am doing here, I really need help.

 

[zach44102]

Call FPS and ask for hose clamps.

 

[intimdatr]

Im not real educated on these but i would think you need some sort of a spacer in there because those being lose is not going to be good.

 

[boat]

I know, that's what I am saying. I got them from someone who never installed them and got all the hardware in the bag, nothing left in the box he sent them in. Guess I gotta get moar hardware....

Im not real educated on these but i would think you need some sort of a spacer in there because those being lose is not going to be good.

 

[kevinspann]

You need spacers at the box, yes. It looks like you have them at the knuckle instead?

 

[zach44102]

Are they backwards?

 

[intimdatr]

Sorta what i was thinking but wasnt forsure never really messed around with any FPS stuff before.

 

[boat]

I tried them at the box, only one spacer would fit.

You need spacers at the box, yes. It looks like you have them at the knuckle instead?

 

[boat]

How do you mean backwards? There are 2 with gold colored ends on them, and I think those go at the box. On the knuckle, I was just trying to see how they fit on there.

When I got the bolts, the spacers were on the longer bolts. There are 4 longer bolts, 4 shorter bolts. All have 2 large washers each, and then nylon threaded nuts for each bolt.

The bolts are too big for any of the existing holes on the car and spindles. Trying to re-use the bolts I took off.

Where's Doug (SHO Dude) maybe he can chime in here.

Are they backwards?

 

[SHOspazz92]

How do you mean backwards? There are 2 with gold colored ends on them, and I think those go at the box. On the knuckle, I was just trying to see how they fit on there.

When I got the bolts, the spacers were on the longer bolts. There are 4 longer bolts, 4 shorter bolts. All have 2 large washers each, and then nylon threaded nuts for each bolt.

The bolts are too big for any of the existing holes on the car and spindles. Trying to re-use the bolts I took off.

Where's Doug (SHO Dude) maybe he can chime in here.

It'll cost ya.

-Sam

 

[Bob Gervais]

http://www.fordspecialists.com/

Call Doug.

 

[Toolman]

Are all the spacers the same width? On my TRCA's, there are two different size spacers, and to fit, you have to pair a skinny and a wide.

 

[boat]

I will check again. When I was looking at it last night, I was kinda tired. Hopefully there is a "wide" and "skinny" spacers.

Are all the spacers the same width? On my TRCA's, there are two different size spacers, and to fit, you have to pair a skinny and a wide.

 

[Eric VerValin]

A lot of times that box works its way "shut'. I've had to pry quite a few apart, I'd think those spaces fit in that box if they are 'close' Then maybe just double nut the other end. Just a thought.

 

[Ghost93]

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These should help, you do need to drill out your spindles and torque box for 1/2" hardware. I used a 90 degree air drill from Harbor Frieght that worked very well. Let me know if you want anymore pictures of these, Kevin.

 

[boat]

Nope, all spacers are the same size. I think it is what Eric suggested, that the box needs to be bent out a little to get the other spacer in.

Are all the spacers the same width? On my TRCA's, there are two different size spacers, and to fit, you have to pair a skinny and a wide.

That helps a lot and clears up my confusion thank you, Kevin.

I suppose this is a stupid question, but I am asking it anyway. Is there any harm in re-using the old hardware?

These should help, you do need to drill out your spindles and torque box for 1/2" hardware. I used a 90 degree air drill from Harbor Frieght that worked very well. Let me know if you want anymore pictures of these, Kevin.

 

[intimdatr]

Do the old bolts fit tight inside the new arms? if not id think you would wont them to so they arent moving on you messing with your sup. geometry.

 

[Bob Gervais]

I'm guessing those are 1/2" rod ends, which will also be a 1/2" hole. There's most likely going to be some slop if you re-use the stock bolts, which is why it was suggested to drill out the current holes to 1/2".

Personally, I wouldn't modify the car to put those on. If something happens and you want to switch back to stock, or a different style arm, your factory holes will be too big to use factory hardware.

I'd check the fit of the factory bolts to the FPS rod ends. If there's too much slop, I'd have some sleeves machined up to facilitate the use of factory hardware.

 

[boat]

They are 1/2" holes in the ends of the arms.

I was thinking about that, too. I really don't want to modify the car in the event something changed and I had to put the stock arms back on, or different adjustable arms.

I'll double check the fitment of the stock bolts to the FPS arms and see how "sloppy" they fit. I am in pretty good with some machine shop guys. I may see if I can get some sleeves made so I can use stock bolts and holes with the FPS arms.

I'm guessing those are 1/2" rod ends, which will also be a 1/2" hole. There's most likely going to be some slop if you re-use the stock bolts, which is why it was suggested to drill out the current holes to 1/2".

Personally, I wouldn't modify the car to put those on. If something happens and you want to switch back to stock, or a different style arm, your factory holes will be too big to use factory hardware.

I'd check the fit of the factory bolts to the FPS rod ends. If there's too much slop, I'd have some sleeves machined up to facilitate the use of factory hardware.

 

[dohcsable]

theres a performance rod end business here in muncie, they might be able to get a stock bolt sized rod end that will fit in the FPS arms?

Edit: I'll stop in and get their number if they are there