Please get familiar with the parts included in the Maximum Grip Box, as listed on the Options tab. Most parts are available in multiple varieties. While it's pretty common to need help from an MM Tech Associate to decide which variety of any particular part is best for your Mustang, when you understand the basic options we can help you better.
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
Once you have a list of the exact parts you need, either place your order from this page and then type your list of parts into the Comments field located on the checkout page, or place your order by phone.
Keep in mind that customization also means that we can delete items from a Maximum Grip Box. If you already have some parts from another manufacturer, let us know and we'll check to see if they all play nicely together. On the other hand, if you're ready to load up your Mustang with a complete engineer-designed and track-tested handling package that will drop jaws, we'll hook you up.
The basic kit on this page shows the starting price. After you place an order, we'll give you a sales quote detailing all the parts you've chosen for your customized Maximum Grip Box, showing the current pricing.
What's my next step, you ask? Go to the Options tab. Or the Help Me tab.
Customizing your Maximum Grip Box means choosing the best combination of parts for your Mustang from the available options. Listed here are the options for each part in the Maximum Grip Box. You may be able to choose the most suitable part after reading through the descriptions in this section, but if you need help, knowing the available options makes your conversation with an MM Tech Associate go more smoothly. Just take it step by step, and all will become clear. Options appear in order of importance. Follow the links to the individual product pages and make note of your choices and questions.
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
Getting started
The heart of your Mustang's high-performance handling is the combination of springs and dampers. Spring rates should always be chosen first, before dampers, to suit your desired combination of performance and ride quality. In other words, the choice of spring rates guides the damper choice.
Springs
Front and rear coil-over springs are available in a wide range of spring rates. While an MM Tech Associate can help you choose, please read the coil-over section of our Guide to Choosing Spring Rates and Dampers first. The goal is to choose a front spring rate that's at the intersection point of optimum handling and ride quality. Your preferred mix of handling and ride quality, and the choice of front spring rate to achieve that, is the single most important decision to make.
TIP: If a soft front coil-over spring is most suitable for you, a stock-location rear spring will be a better match than a rear coil-over setup. An MM Tech Associate can match the rear spring to your front coil-over spring rate. Choice of rear spring type (stock location or coil-overs) will affect other parts choices.
Dampers Once you pick spring rates, the damper choice becomes easier. MM 3rd-Generation struts are available in 4 different series, with each matching a specific range of spring rates. This is detailed in our handy Guide to Choosing Spring Rates and Dampers.
Damper choices
Coil-over ConversionThe dampers you choose affect the model of the coil-over conversion kits required. MM kits fit specific struts and shocks; we don't make an ill-fitting universal kit like the others. Choosing your dampers narrows down the choice of coil-over conversion kits:
Good work! Now go to the Options 2 tab.
K-memberChoose one of the 3 MM K-members available:
- MMKM-2 fits 1996-2004 Mustangs with engine type: 4.6L/5.4L modular, 3.8L V6, 5.0L Coyote (2011-2014), or LSX engine.
- MMKM-1.1 fits 1996-2004 Mustangs with an engine swap: 5.0L pushrod, 302, 351W, 4.2L, 3.8L, 2.3L.
- MMKM-3 fits 1996-2004 Mustangs with a 4.6L modular engine and a Hellion turbo kit.
Note: An Oil Filter Relocation Kit is required for most applications with an OEM oil cooler. This includes all 4V Cobra 4.6L engines, but not the Coyote engines.
Front Control Arms
Choose one of the many different MM Front Control Arms available.
First decisionChoose the offset. This refers to the fore-aft location of the ball joint relative to a stock front control arm:
- Non-Offset: When installed with an MM K-member, this option moves the front wheels forward by 3/4". Used to provide increased caster and slightly improved weight distribution.
- Forward-Offset: When installed with an MM K-member, this option moves the front wheels forward by 1.5". Used to provide significantly increased caster and move the center of gravity rearward. This option has a small potential for some tire interference (depends on tire size and wheel offset), but can be accommodated with minimal modifications that do not affect the exterior paint.
- Drag Race: We omit the front swaybar endlink mount to reduce weight. This option is non-offset. See Non-Offset description above.
Second decisionChoose the pivot bushing material:
- Urethane offers excellent performance and slightly less NVH than Delrin bushings.
- Delrin is recommended for track-driven Mustangs due to much-increased longevity over urethane, along with reduced friction.
Making those 2 decisions will lead you to one of the control arms listed on these pages:
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
You're almost done! Now go to the Options 3 Tab.
Caster Camber Plates
Front coil-overs require steel caster camber plates with spherical bearings. Your Mustang's chassis year determines which MM Caster Camber Plates you'll need. Choose the main plate finish: either black powdercoating or chrome plating.
Subframe Connectors Choose the finish of the
MM Full-length Subframe Connectors:
- Bare steel (you paint)
- Black powdercoating
Bumpsteer Kit
No choice to make here; the MM K-members require a bolt-through style bumpsteer kit.
Steering ShaftChoose the shaft that matches your steering rack:
Front Swaybar Relocation Kit
The MM SN95 chassis Front Swaybar Relocation Kit (MMFSB-51) is required in all cases. The swaybar relocation kit requires universal front swaybar bushings.
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
Front Swaybar Bushings
MM Front Control Arms require the MMFSB-51 Front Swaybar Relocation Kit, which in turn requires universal front swaybar bushings. Select the correct bushing size for your swaybar diameter.
Front Swaybar
While not included as standard in the Maximum Grip Box because the stock front swaybar is suitable for most uses, we can add a front swaybar to the package if you want. If so, we highly recommend you get help from our setup engineer with choosing a front swaybar. To do so, select Maximum Grip Box Setup from the options listed on the Technical Services page. Remember, we can't help unless you provide the basic info about your car that's requested in the Maximum Grip Box Setup Form linked on the Technical Services page!
Adjustable Rear Swaybar
Whether or not to use the Eibach Adjustable Rear Swaybar for the IRS usually requires consultation to determine which front swaybar will be the best match for it. We highly recommend you get help from our setup engineer. To do so, select "Maximum Grip Box Setup" from the options listed on the Technical Services page. Remember, we can't help unless you provide the basic info about your car that's requested in the Maximum Grip Box Setup Form linked on the Technical Services page!
Steering Rack Bushings
No choices to make here; the MM K-member requires using MM's Aluminum Steering Rack Bushings (MMST-6). These let you install the steering rack higher or lower than stock.
Just one more set of decisions! Go to the Options 4 tab.
Strut Tower Brace
Choose the appropriate MM Strut Tower Brace from the three available for 1999-2004 Cobras. Note that aftermarket parts such as superchargers and cold air kits may interfere with a strut tower brace and prevent installation.
Swaybar Endlinks
For standard front swaybars, the MM K-member requires endlinks that are shorter than stock.
MM Parts for the Cobra IRS
Choosing parts for the IRS is relatively easy, compared to the many choices that must be made for a solid-axle suspension. We simply start with our Rear Grip Package for the IRS, MMRG-21.5. There is only one part in that package that you might consider changing for another, the differential mounts. Standard, and what we recommend for all Cobras except actual race cars, are urethane differential mounts. For race cars we recommend MM Aluminum Differential Mounts; not recommended for street-driven Mustangs because the aluminum transmits gear noise into the cabin.
The basic IRS parts list:
RecommendedThere are items we highly recommend installing while the IRS is being upgraded. These items are beneficial, and installing them while installing the rest of the IRS parts will provide a significant labor savings compared to installing them at a later date.
- Cross-Axis Joint Replacement Kit if any of the OEM joints are loose, or your Mustang has high mileage.
- Ford Racing IRS differential cover has drain and fill plugs to allow easy servicing of the differential fluid, unlike the stock cover.
- Bumpsteer Gauge. Used to measure and adjust bumpsteer. Proper bumpsteer adjustment of the IRS is even more critical to proper car setup than is front adjustment. Correcting the IRS bumpsteer makes the difference between an ill-handling Mustang and one with superb handling; it really is that critical.
Popular additions:
That's it! That's the last decision to make. Now place your order, either by clicking the Add to Cart button and then writing your list of part numbers in the Comments field on the checkout page, or by calling us. When phoning, please have your written list of parts (and any questions) in hand.
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
Feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices required to set up a Maximum Grip Box? If you really want the best for your Mustang and the fun of driving a truly awesome car, hang in there. It's really not so difficult. Even if you don't have extensive knowledge of automotive engineering and handling dynamics, have no fear! We're here for you.
First, familiarize yourself with the choices listed on the Options tab. You can probably make many of the required decisions on your own before you contact us just by knowing some basic information about your car. Next, select Maximum Grip Box Setup from the options listed on the Technical Services page and fill out the Maximum Grip Box Setup Form. We do charge for this service, of course, but it's refundable when you buy a Maximum Grip Box directly from MM.
Once you send us your completed Maximum Grip Box Setup Form we'll lead you through the step-by-step process laid out in that form, answer your questions, and help you decide which parts are best for your Mustang.
If you autocross, open track, race, or would like to retain some aftermarket parts you already have, you'll require a higher level of technical help than most people. Thus, your Maximum Grip Box Setup Form will go to our setup engineer.
We look forward to talking with you. Here's to transforming your Mustang from sloppy to spectacular!
- Read the Description tab.
- Read the How to Order tab.
- Make the choices on the Options tabs to the best of your ability.
- If you get stuck, deploy the Maximum Grip Box Setup option on the Technical Services page.
What does the Maximum Grip Box do?
It dramatically transforms your Mustang's handling to a level far beyond what basic bolt-on parts can do. When you want your Mustang to handle well (unlike the average Mustang), you need the Maximum Grip Box. MM's Engineering Team designed it to improve the tires' grip on the pavement, which means faster and more stable cornering, which means more fun!
The Maximum Grip Box includes the following parts and options. For more details and information, see the How to Order tab or use the links below to find individual product pages for the specific features of each part.
Fits
1999-2004 Mustang Cobras equipped with certain specific items.
All 1999-2004 Mustang Cobras must be equipped with the following parts to accommodate a Maximum Grip Box install:
- One of these engines: 4.6L/5.4L modular, 3.8L V6, 5.0L Coyote (2011-2014), LSX engine, 5.0L pushrod, 302, 351W, 4.2L, 3.8L, 2.3L.
- Cobra IRS
- Spindles from any 1999-2004 Mustang. Read our Spindle Tech.
- An Oil Filter Relocation Kit is required for most Ford V8 engines that have an OEM oil cooler. This includes all 4V Cobra 4.6L and some 2V GT 4.6L engines, but not the Coyote engines.
Steering Rack Notes
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
How do I choose which springs to use?
In general:
Choose springs that provide the handling characteristics and ride quality you want from your Mustang. Here's how to determine that:
- The front spring rate MUST be chosen in conjunction with the rear spring rate, rear spring location, and rear suspension configuration.
- Decide on your performance goal.
- Consider how you'll use your Mustang most of the time, and optimize it for that type of driving.
- Consider what level of ride quality you want. Then decide what (if any) compromises you'll make to achieve your performance goal.
In general, start by selecting a front spring rate that's appropriate for your Mustang's intended use. Then pick the rear spring rate to match.
More specifically:
See the MM Guide to Choosing Spring Rates and Dampers.
Which MM dampers go with which springs?
Befuddled? Impatient? Hopelessly lost? See the Help Me tab.
The individual parts in this Maximum Grip Box each have their own instructions. See the product pages for part numbers, and then look up the part numbers in the instructions index.