INFO: Tubular Upper Control Arms
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: 1972-1976 Ford and Mercury
Forum Description: Technical discussion for 1972-1976 Ford and Mercury
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=13213
Printed Date: 23-April-2024 at 7:32AM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: INFO: Tubular Upper Control Arms
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Subject: INFO: Tubular Upper Control Arms
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 1:22PM
I spoke with the Owner of The Little Shop fab today about doing some custom upper a arms. They will have the ball joint moved back to increase the caster adjustment. Which will help stability and tighten up steering feel. He said he could make them but to get the best price he needs to sale more than one set. He said fifteen would be the best but will build just the one set if I want to pay for them. I need to see how many might be interested in getting a set. maybe for a group buy? Pics of his work below.   ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Replies:
Posted By: NwOh_Starsky
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 1:51PM
| What kind of numbers are we talking? And would they be 72-76? |
Posted By: Keith_84
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 2:08PM
| They look really well made. I would be interested if they fit a 72. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 2:18PM
|
Prices will depend on number of sets ordered. just trying to see what interest there is on the forum. they would fit any of the 72 to 79 cars that use the torino chassis and fulsize like the galaxie from 65 and up. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Regul8r
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 2:19PM
|
interested in hearing some $ numbers and what all is included? ------------- Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME! 1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 2:44PM
|
^^^ what carl said! and can i use my urethane bushings and the stock bushing rod thing that goes through them? i may be interested in a pair! they look to be top quality!!! ------------- JOHN 74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
Posted By: ilyes
Date Posted: 17-December-2014 at 2:53PM
| Interested as well, just want to know a $$$$ ballpark |
Posted By: MarkGubinski
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 1:18AM
|
Also interested. ------------- 72 Gran Torino Sport 557 10.12 @136 @3600lbs. 2 Time Milan Dragway Track Champion. 2012 IHRA Div. 5 No-Box Champion. 97 career wins. |
Posted By: n2fordwagons
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 1:28AM
|
Mark me down as interested. Will depend on price though. I just rebuilt my front suspension, so I don't have an immediate need. But would be a nice upgrade. Or, for another car, that I hope to be acquiring. ------------- Jeff 71 Torino Brougham 72 Gran Torino Squire |
Posted By: NwOh_Starsky
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 1:32AM
| Well I don't think that interest will hold any of us back. I think that we can hit 15 |
Posted By: unlovedford
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 3:29AM
|
I would be interested in at least 1 set...if the price is right. ------------- Joe 1972 Mom's Squire Wagon 1972 Torino Wagon 1976 Torino 1968 Cougar XR7-First batch 1972 Torino 460 1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous Popeye and Brutus (Rams) |
Posted By: bdaugette
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 3:32AM
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Me too! ------------- Bill Daugette 72 GTS 351C 4V |
Posted By: Billy C
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 3:46AM
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looks nice.. I'm interested, depending on price. I really don't mind the stamped steel part but had always thought about making a tubular one. any weight savings over the stock part? stock ball joint? stock bushings? stock bushing rod? ------------- -Billy Conturo |
Posted By: jversch
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 5:36AM
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I would be interested, need to know price . Always wondered why no one seemed to offer them . ------------- Jerry VerSchneider 1972 Gran torino formal roof H Code 1973 Gran torino fast back H code. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 10:52AM
|
Went by the shop again today and dropped off a stock arm for him to study. Looks like they will probably use the stock cross shaft and ball joints but a bigger common bushing on the shaft. Main benefits will be stronger, less flex, lighter and improved geometry allowing for more positive caster. Prices will be coming next week and will vary based on quantity. Example 1 for 10, 5 for 5, 10 for 3, etc. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 11:53AM
^^ what he said ------------- 72 GT Ute |
unlovedford wrote:Posted By: Torinogts73c
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 1:23PM
|
You guys have my interest in the control arms that would be a nice upgrade keep me informed! ------------- Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler "Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
Posted By: 72RogerGT
Date Posted: 18-December-2014 at 5:01PM
| Interested as well. |
Posted By: tonym9
Date Posted: 20-December-2014 at 3:00AM
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just rebuilt the front suspension using energy suspension bushings etc....but would be interested in these assuming factory bushings can be used, pending price discovery ------------- 72 GTSFB |
Posted By: bata747-8
Date Posted: 20-December-2014 at 4:53AM
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I am a possible interest as well. ------------- Forum Test Account (formerly a spam bot account) |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 22-December-2014 at 1:53AM
| Also interested if using stock cross shaft. My car is a 1972. How about lower arms? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 23-December-2014 at 7:43AM
|
Basic plan of details: - tubular version of the factory control arm - made to fit the factory cross-shaft - lasered plate ball joint receiver - DOM tubing, 1.5 OD x .125 wall - Urethane frame-side bushings, tapped for grease fittings - balljoint moved towards rear to allow for higher caster angle (2-4 deg) We can offer them raw and also powdercoated fine textured black for an additional $35 per set. (this is a choice we use for most suspension parts, looks good and is more rugged than other finishes) We would make this an item on our website http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com , and set it for a $100 deposit for raw, and $135 for powdercoated. Each deposit made will lower the price for the group. We can report back every couple of days while it's happening with an updated list of who has made a deposit. There will be an agreed deadline for deposits, and that will set the price for everyone's parts. Once deposits are made, we will build the sets. It's difficult to nail down exact times for various suppliers and stages of fabrication, but from the hip I'd guess something like this could be done start-to-finish in 4-6 weeks. Shipping would be a flat rate of $30. Here's the schedule I have in mind. Prices are for 1 pair of control arms, ready to accept a new or existing balljoint. 1 - 450 2 - 445 3 - 440 4 - 435 5 - 430 6 - 425 7 - 420 8 - 415 9 - 410 10 - 405 11 - 400 12 - 395 13 - 390 14 - 385 15 - 380 16 - 375 17 - 370 18 - 365 19 - 360 20 - 355 21 - 350 22 - 345 23 - 340 24 - 335 25 - 330 26 - 325 27 - 320 28 - 315 29 - 310 30 - 305 31 - 300 32 - 295 33 - 290 34 - 285 35 - 280 36 - 275 37 - 270 38 - 265 39+ - 250 -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Regul8r
Date Posted: 23-December-2014 at 2:40PM
|
No thanks, I'm out!No where near enough benefit to warrant that cost! ------------- Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME! 1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 24-December-2014 at 11:17AM
|
Keep this thread just for those who want to purchase the arms. Moved other post to a new topic about a arm tech. Thanks Allan. I am getting two sets of the control arms made for myself. The main motivation behind getting this group buy was to save myself some money because the bigger the order cheaper the parts. Many had expressed interest in the past about these arms and complained that no one would make them for our cars. The reason no one makes them is because there are not enough people to buy them. I wanted to try to change that! If you are interested but think 450 is two much, spread the word on other sites etc. that you frequent. These would also fit full size galaxies rancheros and many other fords. If we can get the word out and get 30 sets sold that makes them only 250 per set, which is very competitive to prices of other arms of big company's that fit generic motors! We have a company willing to make them and possibly branch off into lower arms and adjustable strut rods if we can get the interest. If you are still interested at the price schedule above post a reply we are up to two sets sold (mine). Thanks Allan
------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Billy C
Date Posted: 24-December-2014 at 11:40AM
Nice.. That's fine.  I'm still interested in contributing by buying a set if it makes or breaks the deal. I'd say $400 is a little high personally but I'll stand by to see how things unfold.  ------------- -Billy Conturo |
Posted By: torinojon
Date Posted: 24-December-2014 at 12:54PM
|
Is the for the uppers and lowers....one price for both... ------------- http://forum.grantorinosport.org/uploads/3190/marti5.jpg |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 24-December-2014 at 5:17PM
just uppers ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 25-December-2014 at 4:33AM
|
I'm in. Went to the little shop web site but couldn't find a way to do my deposit. Did I miss something or are they doing it over the phone only? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 25-December-2014 at 6:45AM
|
It is not on the website yet, just getting this going, I will contact him tomorrow and find out when deposits can start. Thanks Allan ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 27-December-2014 at 7:45AM
|
Anyone else in now that we have pricing? More in, cheaper for everyone, Thanks Allan
------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 27-December-2014 at 8:30AM
|
don't get me wrong the prices quoted are not that steep considering, but sadly it looks like i'll be salvaging from my stock-pile of junk i'll 2nd the motion to garner more interest from far & wide across the internet, there is a big Galaxie crowd, does this app also cover the 70/71 Torino/Montego/Cyclone/Cougars?
but 1st, are we sure this custom order doesn't duplicate something that's already in production, in stock / on the shelf? I took a look on the Summit site & they have a multitude of cross shaft dimensions to pick from, my stuff is in hibernation so I can't get any measurements to research any further. Summit may not be the best place to look either, maybe a Allstar, Speedway or another dirt track vendor might have them listed ------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: Big Bird
Date Posted: 27-December-2014 at 8:43AM
|
Parts were available for the nascar-type clip back in the 80s. It was often referred to as a "Holman-Moody" suspension, but I'm not finding anything online by that name. ------------- "What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind." Randy 1979 T-Bird 2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds? |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 27-December-2014 at 9:01AM
|
I was thinkin Holman Moody too http://holmanmoody.com/" rel="nofollow - http://holmanmoody.com/ Questions or Orders, call (704)583-2888 or Contact Us via Email Fax number (704)583-2890 http://s178.photobucket.com/user/tinman351/media/cruise%20cars/nascar2.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  ------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 27-December-2014 at 9:41AM
|
Those arms in the pic don't even mount the same as a stock torino. Dual shocks not inside the spring. Loosely based on the stock set up maybe but nothing that would work on a real stock car. I still need this thread for people interested in buying these a arms. That is why I started the other thread. Thanks Allan ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 07-January-2015 at 12:20PM
|
http://www.littleshopmfg.com/upper-control-arm-pair-group-buy-deposit/" rel="nofollow - http://www.littleshopmfg.com/upper-control-arm-pair-group-buy-deposit/
Here is the link to make the deposits for the control arms. They are taking deposits until Jan 17th and will start building them on Feb 1st. This may be our only time to get these manufactured, so if you are considering please order by Jan 17th! Thanks Allan ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: torinojon
Date Posted: 08-January-2015 at 2:55PM
|
so whats the bottom line on price wright now.... ------------- http://forum.grantorinosport.org/uploads/3190/marti5.jpg |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 08-January-2015 at 3:47PM
He is gonna keep me updated on how many are ordered along the way and I will post it when he does. I don't know how many have been ordered yet. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 08-January-2015 at 4:04PM
|
is the Ranchero site aware of the group buy? it probably won't make a difference in whether or not a guy here jumps in or not but there might be a couple guys or more over there that are All In right from the start, it'd be nice to let them know it's going on. it could mean like getting free shipping from where GTS.org would be on it's own? ------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 08-January-2015 at 4:15PM
------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 09-January-2015 at 10:18AM
|
PM response sent... no I'm not registered there hopefully aquartlow Todd can spread the word and feel free to clean up this thread if you like  ------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: jadeezra
Date Posted: 10-January-2015 at 12:42AM
| I'm interested how many orders have went through? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 10-January-2015 at 10:20AM
|
He is gonna keep me updated on how many are ordered along the way and I will post it when he does. I don't know how many have been ordered yet. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 12-January-2015 at 9:09AM
|
Three deposits made so far and one who is waiting to get paid. So I think we have four for sure. Anyone else that is for sure but waiting to do a deposit let me know so that others can get an Idea on the final price. Thanks Allan ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Torinogts73c
Date Posted: 16-January-2015 at 3:28AM
|
I just did my deposit this a.m. hope more peeps get on board this a great opportunity to upgrade a 40+ year old suspension! Tubular arms are nothing new the Mustang crowd and GM guys they really work! I've done this with my Mustang and it made quite an improvement in handling! ------------- Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler "Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 16-January-2015 at 3:26PM
|
Four have been ordered with another seriously considering. That would put the price at 435 or 430. Tomorrow the 17th is the last day to order. Cheaper than a set of Hotchkis uppers for a generic motors. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: torinojon
Date Posted: 17-January-2015 at 4:51PM
|
i would like to do a set but paypal has my account missed up.i can only do 1 set but not until Tuesday or Wednesday.im waiting on money they screwed up on. let me no what you think..... ------------- http://forum.grantorinosport.org/uploads/3190/marti5.jpg |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 17-January-2015 at 5:13PM
I will see if he will extend the deadline if you are sure you want a set. Also you only have to pay the deposit amount now and the rest when they are ready. Allan ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: torinojon
Date Posted: 18-January-2015 at 3:53AM
|
i cant do the deposit until Tuesday or Wednesday. my paypal account is messed up.i can only do one set of unfinished.if not my loss.thanks ------------- http://forum.grantorinosport.org/uploads/3190/marti5.jpg |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 20-January-2015 at 10:50AM
|
leaving the preorder open for a few more days. we have five preordered so far. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: torinojon
Date Posted: 20-January-2015 at 1:11PM
|
i just did my deposit..... ------------- http://forum.grantorinosport.org/uploads/3190/marti5.jpg |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 21-January-2015 at 10:30AM
|
leaving the preorder open for a few more days. we have six preordered so far. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 27-January-2015 at 11:50AM
| Is this closed, and if so are we ready to go? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 27-January-2015 at 3:56PM
|
They will start building them Feb 1st. There were six pairs preordered. Estimate to take 4 to 6 weeks to make them. They have left the preorder open in case any one wants in last minute. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 11-February-2015 at 12:41PM
| Have they started production yet? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 11-February-2015 at 3:15PM
|
Yes. They had my car down in their shop last week taking measurements. Once the first one is built, they will bring my car in again for test fit. once all is good on test fit they will continue building the rest. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 11-February-2015 at 3:33PM
 don't forget the pics!  ------------- JOHN 74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 23-February-2015 at 1:38PM
|
Spent some time over the last few weeks drawing all of the arm parts and a ficture in cad. In the past we've lasered some parts and then built a fixture by hand, but this time I thought it would be cool to laser everything possible and thus have a very accurate fixture to weld the arms in. We're done with the upper bushings, and went ahead and added zerk fittings for easy greasing. In order to get the factory crossshafts in, you'll have to barely "de-hump" the 4 high spots of the crossshaft shown in the pic. It was close, so little material needs to be removed here. We could increase the bushing ID but then the factory replacement Energy Susp. 4.3111G couldn't be used. So we felt like this was the better choice. All the lasered parts are supposed to be delivered this week. They will go together pretty fast after the first one is done and we check fitment on a factory car. -Eric Little Shop MFG   **** -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop  ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 26-February-2015 at 2:23PM
plate fixtures we drew up and lasered for a short run of https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/torino" rel="nofollow - #torino upper control arms. They move the balljoint back and allow some caster for better handling. https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/littleshopmfg" rel="nofollow - #littleshopmfg https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/littleshopparts" rel="nofollow - #littleshopparts  ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Nuggets
Date Posted: 26-February-2015 at 7:41PM
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If this production run is done again in a year or two I may have enough to buy a set haha |
Posted By: geno8769
Date Posted: 27-February-2015 at 8:17AM
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I wish I would have seen this thread earlier. ------------- 1973 GTS "Q" Motor 2019 F250 CC 6.7 4x4 STX https://www.youtube.com/user/geno8769 |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 27-February-2015 at 10:02AM
| Beautiful! |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 27-February-2015 at 12:02PM
they were gonna build a few extras give em a call and see if you can get some ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Torinogts73c
Date Posted: 02-March-2015 at 9:39AM
|
Those are coming out quite nice!! Looking forward to getting them on my GTS!!! ------------- Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler "Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 04-March-2015 at 1:50PM
|
Got all the bar angles figured out, bent, and ready for coping on the bushing side. Finding the angle of the tube in multiple planes was pretty tricky, but after bending and fitting some samples I have these spot-on. The fixture was set up so that no part of the new arm sticks out past where the factory arm would be. I'll also be checking this against a stock frame to verify there's no contact anywhere thru full travel.
Waiting on some lasered plates to cap the ends of the tube and these will be ready to weld, then drop off the ones getting powdercoated . At that time we will request the balance from everyone via email. They'll ship in the order the final payments are received. Thank you everyone for being patient. This is a side project for me so I'm putting as much time in as I can between other work in the shop. -Eric *********** -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop    ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 04-March-2015 at 1:53PM
|
Some were asking about extras. I had 2 extra sets but we were contacted by people and they have been sold. Please have the others email me directly and we will consider an additional short run for the same price, so long as there are at least 4-6 interested people. -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Torinolarry72
Date Posted: 05-March-2015 at 5:54AM
|
I am interested as well. Just did the rear on mine and I am about to start the front. Did you get a price on these yet? ------------- 1972 Gran Torino 460 C6 9" w\4.88 |
Posted By: 1976grantorino
Date Posted: 06-March-2015 at 6:01PM
| What date do you think they will ship out? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 23-March-2015 at 11:02AM
|
My car is at the Little Shop today for test fit of the first arms before final welding. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 24-March-2015 at 7:07AM
final fit on some Torino arms before we weld out 8 pairs ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 24-March-2015 at 12:54PM
|
Ya know what i'm kinda Hot for... a set of ball joint drop spacers to allow for more droop of the upper arms if you get a chance could you run that idea by the guys & see what they think they could bu$t a set out for? maybe like 3" out of something strong, back in the day they made them of cast alloy & they ended up getting banned from use on the tracks, maybe some good quality billet alloy or steel if need be
------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 25-March-2015 at 12:14PM
|
Pics of the test fit on my car before final welding.    ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 25-March-2015 at 12:18PM
| Looks great! Do we have part numbers for the A-arm bushings, ball joint, and bumper? |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 25-March-2015 at 12:20PM
Yes, stock ball joint and bumper energy suspension PN 4.3111G bushings.
------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: 75GranMan
Date Posted: 25-March-2015 at 12:20PM
|
Looks like some quality work! very nice. ------------- John 75Gran Torino 4spd  |
Posted By: fordpower
Date Posted: 26-March-2015 at 12:31AM
| If you go to their web sit they show them and mention custom build for our cars. |
Posted By: ilyes
Date Posted: 26-March-2015 at 12:47PM
| Kudos to you Allan for getting these made. It looks really good, let us know how they work out for you. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 07-April-2015 at 1:01PM
|
the arms are done. The raw ones are shipping now and the powdercoated ones are getting coated. We've been paid by 6. That leaves 3 that still need to pay. I have installation notes ready that will be available with the item at http://www.littleshopmfg.com/gran-torino-upper-control-arm-pair/" rel="nofollow - http://www.littleshopmfg.com/gran-torino-upper-control-arm-pair/ as soon as the host's FTP starts working. (It was down yesterday and today for some reason). For those asking, please mention that we can make more of these arms for the prices listed on that link. -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop   ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 14-April-2015 at 6:13PM
|
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252 {\fonttbl\f0\fnil\fcharset0 .HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular;} {\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} \deftab720 \pard\pardeftab720\partightenfactor0 \f0\fs42 \cf0 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0 \outl0\strokewidth0 \strokec2 \ } ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 14-April-2015 at 6:47PM
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=madmaxtorino]{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252 {\fonttbl\f0\fnil\fcharset0 .HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular;} {\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} \deftab720 \pard\pardeftab720\partightenfactor0 \f0\fs42 \cf0 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0 \outl0\strokewidth0 \strokec2 \ } HUH??????  ------------- JOHN 74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
Posted By: aquartlow
Date Posted: 15-April-2015 at 1:34AM
Swahili, maybe.......Yes, definitely Swahili .------------- www.supermotors.net/22468 Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires. No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t. Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 15-April-2015 at 5:26AM
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Everyone has paid or has gotten with us to arrange payment. Here's a shot of some of the powdercoat arms that are shipping out today. Yall let us know if you have any installation questions that aren't already covered in the link below under "Installation Instructions" Thanks guys for letting us do these. If anyone else is interested in a set, we've made them available at http://www.littleshopmfg.com/caster-adders-for-ford-cars/" rel="nofollow - http://www.littleshopmfg.com/caster-adders-for-ford-cars/
*********************** -- Eric Saliba Little Shop http://www.littleshopmfg.com/" rel="nofollow - www.littleshopmfg.com @thelilshopmfg on IG http://www.facebook.com/thelittleshop" rel="nofollow - www.facebook.com/thelittleshop  ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 16-April-2015 at 6:51AM
| Got mine today. These are works of art!!! Can't wait to get 'em mounted. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 16-April-2015 at 11:04AM
Get us some pics,  its gonna be awhile before I can mount mine.------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 17-April-2015 at 6:58AM
Unfortunately - I will be awhile as well.
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Posted By: 1976grantorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 7:53AM
| Has anyone installed the UCA? I'm having a figment issue with the bushings. The bushing I have measure an O.D. of 1.31. The old control arms are about 1.29. The new once are 1.24. The bushing doesn't fit! Mine are powder coated and the ID of the bushing holes are powder coated but I don't thing that's what's causing the problem. Any help would be appreciated. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 3:46PM
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what bushings do you have? ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: 1976grantorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 3:49PM
| The numbers in it are 3085. They were purchased from performance suspension technology and fit the stock parts perfectly |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 3:53PM
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The arms were designed to work with the energy suspension poly bushings PN 4.3111G this is stated in the install directions in the link above. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: 1976grantorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 3:56PM
| Crap. I had read on here that the stock bushing would work. |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 4:01PM
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I think that was me,talking about the ball joint and bumper. I didn't realize that bushing was included in that question. Autozone can get the bushings if they don't stock them. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: 1976grantorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 4:04PM
| I pm you. Looks like I'm gonna need another UCA. When I removed the powder coating I took off .04. So one side is 1.24 and the other is 1.28. I don't think this will do good when it comes to handling. Lol |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 03-May-2015 at 4:08PM
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They were test fitted on my car before powder coat and were fine that might still work. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 06-May-2015 at 1:55AM
| Mine fit on with the Energy Suspension bushings with no problem. |
Posted By: Eliteman76
Date Posted: 30-May-2015 at 9:13PM
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I got my arms back from my powder coater. I'm very impressed. The welds alone look worth the price of admission. Pics for mine will wait. What about alignment specs? I'm debating because I have that MRE suspension and handling book; I'm using the Moog 80090 CVPI springs but I will be trimming off around 1-1.5 coils to drop the nose around an inch. -------------  Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed RestomodPondering: #99Problems |
Posted By: Eliteman76
Date Posted: 30-May-2015 at 9:20PM
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Also, one additional thing. Does that Energy Suspension part cover all the bushings required? And does anyone happen to have a set of 73+ upper control arms floating around, or know what years will work? I'm inclined to want to go with brane new cross arms and hardware if possible but my searches seem to keep coming up a crap shoot. There is a set on ebay right now for a 76 LTD but I don't know if the fitment is identical to our chase {assuming it is...but I don't want to make a $100 mistake right now} ------------- Andrew:GTS.ORG admin, '72 Q code 5 speed RestomodPondering: #99Problems |
Posted By: madmaxtorino
Date Posted: 31-May-2015 at 8:17AM
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That energy suspension kit is for the entire front end, lowers also. 73 through 79 shafts should work off off any ford. I have an extra set of shafts but would be awhile before i could pull them and they are not new. as far as specs, I used a later crownvic police spec for the toe and camber and put as much caster as I could get. ------------- Allan Revelation 6:8 When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth. |
Posted By: Torinogts73c
Date Posted: 31-May-2015 at 8:23AM
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Andrew for what it's worth the upper arms bushing and shafts are the same between LTD and Torino up to 1978 . Ford made a change at 3/1/77 not sure what it was but ultimately the newer upper arms replaced the older ones,so that being said 72-78 Full size is the same from 72-78. I checked part numbers on the shaft kits and bushings and both cars use the same numbers. That would be Ford,Torino/LTDII, and T-Bird and equivalent Mercury cars too. Alson the Energy suspension bushings are an upper and lower kit fits all of our cars too! ------------- Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler "Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
Posted By: Regul8r
Date Posted: 31-May-2015 at 10:41AM
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Looked on Rock Auto... none out there right now
Found some on E-Bay... http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Replacement-Suspension-Control-Arm-Shaft-Kit-RP15668-/361292764509?fits=Model%3ATorino&hash=item541eba155d&vxp=mtr" rel="nofollow - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Replacement-Suspension-Control-Arm-Shaft-Kit-RP15668-/361292764509?fits=Model%3ATorino&hash=item541eba155d&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-K8252-Suspension-Control-Arm-Shaft-Kit-Upper-/171810323120?fits=Model%3AGran+Torino&hash=item2800b17ab0&vxp=mtr" rel="nofollow - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-K8252-Suspension-Control-Arm-Shaft-Kit-Upper-/171810323120?fits=Model%3AGran+Torino&hash=item2800b17ab0&vxp=mtr ------------- Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME! 1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired |
Posted By: Torinogts73c
Date Posted: 01-June-2015 at 6:53AM
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A little different deal but for someone who needs all of these it is not a bad deal on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/141486108748?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ------------- Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler "Never complain Never explain" Henry Ford |
Posted By: cggrob
Date Posted: 01-June-2015 at 6:53AM
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On my 1972 Torino, I have the Little Shop tubular A-arms with poly bushings in both upper and lower A-arms along with my rod end conversion for the strut rods. http://forum.grantorinosport.org/topic12554.html" rel="nofollow - http://forum.grantorinosport.org/topic12554.html I am also using the Moog 80090 CVPI springs . Car is lowered via the Fatman spindles, so I can't know what camber issues you may have after you cut the springs. Here are the specs I used based on my experience with these cars: Caster: neg 0.5 +/- 0.05 degrees Camber: pos 6 +/- 0.3 degrees Toe in: +1/16" If you still have the big rubber ball on the end of the strut rod I would put the toe-in at +1/8". This chassis likes a lot of positive caster in my opinion. I note the stock factory specs for my 2008 Grand Marquis is 6 degrees positive. I also used the adjustment in my strut rods to preload the lower A-arm bushing slightly towards the front of the car (would give more positive caster if used as the sole adjustment). As above, the front springs are Moog 80090 CVPI springs with a linear spring rate of 710 lb/in and the rear springs were custom wound at Coil Spring Specialities to be 20% stiffer than stock and I want to say that was 220 lb/in and are also linear rate and give a 2" drop in the back to match the 2" drop of the Fatman spindles. Shocks are KYB Gas-A-just that came with the car and are too new to throw way right now. Steering is via the Lares "quick-ratio" box with a new coupler, and the tie-rod adjusters are solid aluminum made for some other car - don't remember which one at the moment. Lastly I added the big Adco sway bars front and rear (1 1/8" and 7/8" respectively). and I installed both the Spohn Upper and Lower Arms in the rear. Tires are 275/35/20 on 20x10 front and 315/35/20 on 20x12 rear. So how does all this add up? Well, it's not going to be my Mustang, this is still a fairly large and heavy (iron head big block!) car. Driving on the Interstate is confidence inspiring. Car tracked straight with no wobble. Mushy-ness in the suspension is gone and steering is crisper (not rack and pinion crisp, but darn good). Coming off the Interstate, pulling a reverse bank 270 degree uphill sweeping off ramp the car was fairly flat, smooth, and responsive. More road shock going over potholes, but ride harshness feels no different than stock to me over normal road conditions. I think that this is as far as you can go with the stock suspension layout except some shock tuning - I have spec'ed out some QA-1 or Viking double adjustable shocks and will probably play with that next. Some more spring stiffness in the back may help, but I need some more wheel time in order to figure that out. I am looking forward to blasting around some more curves but I have an engine issue to attend to first. Will give a full report when I get it out on the road again. |