1989 Mustang Frame Connector Installation

The "Fox" body Mustangs, like the 1989 model, have a fairly flexible uni-body construction that allows the chassis to actually twist during hard cornering. Installing sub-frame connectors in your 1989 Mustang will stiffen the chassis and improve handling by maintaining the steering and suspension geometry through a hard turn. The most durable installation procedure of the sub-frame connectors requires welding the connector to the front and rear sub-frames while the Mustang is sitting on level ground.

Things You'll Need

• Car ramps (Two Sets)
• Floor jack
• Wire feed welder
• Screwdriver set
• Socket set
• Wet towels

Instructions

1. Remove the front lower door sills from the rocker panels below the front doors by removing the screws with a screwdriver. Remove the screws that attach the kick panels in front of the doors below the dash. Pull back the carpet and place wet towels in the floor pan to prevent fire when the sub-frame connectors are welded in.

2. Pull up on the bottom corners of the rear seat cushion to unsnap it from the frame and remove the cushion. Slip wet towels under the rear carpet to prevent fire when the sub-frame connectors are welded in.

3. Raise and support all four wheels with car ramps. Raise each wheel off the ground using as floor jack and slide the ramps under the tire. Lower the tire onto the ramp and move to the next wheel.

4. Position a sub-frame connector under the car with the front of the connector positioned on the front sub-frame rail and the rear of the connector positioned on the rear frame rail next to the torque box that the rear lower control arms are attached to. Use a floor jack to hold the connector in place.

5. Trace the connector position onto the sub-frame with a black permanent marker and remove the connector. Sand the area around the traced line, one inch on either side of the traced line, with sand paper to remove paint and dirt that might contaminate the welds.

6. Reposition the connector and again hold it in place with the floor jack. Weld in the connector along the edges of the connector where it contacts the frame. Repeat for the remaining side.

7. Raise the wheels, one at a time, off the ramps and remove the ramps. Test drive the Mustang to verify it tracks straight and has improved handling.

Tips & Warnings

• Improper use of a welder will result in serious eye damage. Wear a welding helmet at all times while operating the welder.