2005+ Mustang Rear Lower Control Arm FAQs
Why change from the stock Mustang rear lower control arms?
Because the stock lower control arms were designed for a grocery-getter, not a performance car. One of Ford's main goals when they designed the rear suspension was to avoid complaints about NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) from little old ladies. As performance enthusiasts, we have very different goals.
What do the rear lower control arms do?
Rear lower control arms, along with the upper arm, control axle rotation.
All of the forces that accelerate the car pass through the rear lower control arms: The tires rotate on the pavement, moving the axle forward. The axle pushes on the rear lower control arms, moving the rest of the car forward. The control arms, and their bushings, must withstand those forces.
What's wrong with the stock control arms?
In stock form, the rubber bushings in the control arms allow excessive deflection that prevents the rear axle from maintaining its correct position under the chassis. The axle is allowed to shift forwards, backwards, and skew at an angle under the car. This is the primary cause of wheel hop, and leads to poor traction and poor handling.
The stock arms are made of stamped steel. That style of construction is very cheap for mass production, but it does not make for a rigid control arm. Deflection of the steel arm contributes to wheel hop.
More Tech
General Tech about MM 2005+ rear lower control arms
Specific tech about the MM 2005+ Street Performance control arm series
Specific tech about the MM 2005+ Extreme Duty control arm series
Specific tech about the MM 2005+ Road Race control arm series