3-Link Rear With Panhard Rod; Macpherson Strut Front - Ford Mustang 2012 User Manual

2012
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
• MacPherson strut front suspension uses friction-
reducing geometry for precise handling, incredible
responsiveness and a smooth, comfortable ride
• By mounting the springs in a coil-over-shock
configuration on the strut, the shock absorbers damp
forces in the same direction as the spring, for low
friction and precise shock valve tuning
• High-strength steel combined with coil-over-shock
design allows the use of lightweight springs
• Advanced technologies include a manufacturing
technique that produces reverse-L steel lower control
arms weighing less than some comparable cast
aluminum designs
• The L-shaped lower control arm offers a number
of advantages over classic A-arm or wishbone
suspension components
– System uses a firm hydraulic bushing to control
lateral (side-to-side) motion for quick steering
response. Lateral motion travels through the
shorter, lower leg of the L-arm where it connects
to the chassis
– Softer, more compliant hydraulic bushing is used
to control longitudinal (front and back) motion
and help dampen road shocks. Longitudinal
movements travel through the longer, rear leg of
the L-arm
• Front stabilizer bar with outboard mounting improves
roll control and steering responsiveness
• GT models include a larger 34.6mm front stabilizer
bar to further help reduce body roll during hard-
cornering maneuvers
• Higher spring rates and shock valving tuned
specifically for GT help to provide responsive
handling characteristics
• When equipped with 19" wheels, Mustang adds a
strut tower brace that helps keep the steering taut
while increasing responsiveness
NOTE: See page 18 for Boss 302-specific
chassis features.
Coupe
Convertible
V6 Performance Package
Brembo Brake Package (Coupe)
®
Brembo Brake Package (Convertible)
(1) 26.0mm rear stabilizer bar included with Laguna Seca Package.
14
Mustang
Performance/Handling
Chassis
Mustang Stabilizer Bar Diameters
V6
Front/rear (mm)
33.2/22.0
33.2/22.0
34.6/24.0
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esourcebook.dealerconnection.com
RE&T: 2012 Source Book
3-link rear Suspension with Panhard rod
• Rear suspension design offers precise control of the
rear axle to reduce lateral skate on uneven surfaces
such as railroad tracks
• Central upper control arm fastened to the upper front
end of the differential provides more leverage against
axle windup
• Trailing arms located near each end of the axle are
designed to help eliminate axle windup
• Tubular Panhard rod connects to the axle at one end
and the body at the other
– Stabilizes the axle side-to-side as the wheels move
through jounce and rebound
– Firmly controls the axle during hard cornering
– Allowed designers to have tight tire-to-fender gaps
and lower overall body
• Shock absorbers mounted outside the rear structural
rails, located near the wheels:
– Reduce the axle's lever effect
– Allow more precise, slightly softer shock valve tuning
– Provide a smooth, comfortable ride with no loss of
road feel or feedback
• Rear stabilizer bar uses a body-mounted swing link
design that reduces unsprung weight for improved
ride and handling
• Rear axle jounce bumpers use a separate,
microcellular urethane design allowing advanced
shock tuning for a better ride
• GT models include a 24mm rear stabilizer bar to help
reduce body roll during aggressive cornering
GT
Front/rear (mm)
34.6/24.0
33.2/22.0
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34.6/24.0
33.2/22.0
Boss 302
Front/rear (mm)
34.6/25.0
(1)
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May 2011