Just returned from a 50 mile test drive after installing my new strut rods…For years I have been trying to shake the cobwebs out of my steering, bushing here, idler arm there, alignment, alignment, alignment. Nothing would keep my ride from tracking every rut in the road. A few weeks back Bad69cat (on MC.Net) submitted a response to post regarding suspension upgrades with reference to Open Tracker Racing Products,…as I browsed through their parts…drooling, I came across adjustable strut rods…AHH-AHHH Angels singing! Now you may be thinking…they have putting adjustable strut rods in FLM products for years. Well for a more precise description, these are; solid mount, articulating strut rods. So, as the times demand…I started my quest for a better price, when I stumbled across these:Rosehill Performance Parts The pic does not do these parts justice,…clean welds and a nice powder coat finish.
So, what have I experienced after their install and test drive?
Straighter stopping, more level turning, less over-correction on sharp curves and a solid feel for the road,…more hands-on control. And what I did not experience is a rougher/clunky ride from the elimination of the strut rod bushings. Now I can tell, that my steering box needs adjustment. $261.00 FedEx to my front door.
Thanks for the tip. I think I am going to attempt building my own. Will also build some roller perches. I guess I need to get on that so I can get an alignment after the new wheels. So glad I can count on you guys to come up with more projects for me to do on my car.
Hey Mike, Here’s a link;http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/dazecars.html to help with your fabrication efforts. Parts break down, costs and part suppliers to build your own roller perches and articulating strut rods. These strut rods have been the single best suspension upgrade,…instant performance/safety results.
When I did my front suspension last year, I picked up a pair of Opentracker roller spring perches along with his LCA bearing kit and Street or Track strut rods (seems the price has jumped recently). When your suspension can move freely, it makes a huge difference in handling and ride quality. Opentracker’s UCA bearing kit is next on my list.
Yeah, it’s nice to see a Cougar person giving a testimonial on parts like this. The extra inches in wheelbase from the Mustangs always makes me leery of reading reviews on parts by the ponyboys, where suspension is related.
I definitely shopped around before making my decision…seeing that the nearest comparable strut kit was $380 + $30 shipping. Could not be happier with their performance…driving at 65 mph+ is not nearly as spooky as it was before!
Note the “last name” is ADAMS. Not even close (except for the first letter) to my surname; so you’re still stuck with me at you from time to time, Three
I have the Cobra Automotive strut rod kit on the racer, the moog HD bushings on my Cougar. I feel the solid heims may be a bit rough for the street.
Under hard braking the OEM strut rod bushings deflect, the lower control arms move to the rear, this throws off caster, camber, and mostly important toe in. Anytime you can limit deflection of the strut rods your car will handle better under braking.
As for the roller strut rod bushings I did my own from off-the-shelf oilite bronze bushings. In seven years they’re still tight.
As far as “Best Bang for the Buck” for a street car, I recommend first replacing all worn chassis components, then the HD strut rod bushing, 600# front springs, 1" or 1 1/4" anti-sway bar, Koni shocks set full stiff front, 50% soft rear. Use the GOOD export brace and monte carlo bar.
Rear sway bar and HD rear springs will make the car corner flatter but you will loose some weight transfer and “feel”.
After the above mods, if you are having trouble with understeer (push) the negative wedge kit will help.
at you from time to time, Three 
