How to Install Steeda Caster Camber Plates on a Mustang
If you have lowered your late model Mustang for better handling, the suspension geometry may be less than ideal. This in turn can accelerate tire wear and even have adverse affects on the car's handling and stability. Steeda caster/camber plates replace the stock upper strut plates and allow the suspension on a lowered Mustang to be set to the proper specifications. These plates can be installed in an afternoon with the right tools.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel blocks
- Tire iron
- Socket set and ratchet
- Power drill
- Impact wrench
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Park the car on a flat, level surface. Open the hood. Loosen and remove the two nuts and one bolt that hold each of the factory alignment plates to the strut towers.
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2
Loosen the lug nuts that hold the front wheels on. Lift the front of the Mustang with a floor jack and lower it onto jack stands on either side. Place wheel blocks around the rear wheels. Finish removing the wheels and the lug nuts.
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3
Place the floor jack under the lower control arm, and jack up the strut just enough to support the weight of the strut.
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4
Remove the top strut nut (in the center of the strut) with an impact wrench. An impact wrench is needed for this, since attempting to turn the nut with a socket will simply turn the strut at the same time. Remove the washer and rubber bushing under the nut.
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5
Remove the alignment plate from the strut tower. Occasionally the alignment plate will be held lightly in place with a couple of rivets. If this is the case, drill out the rivets with a power drill.
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6
Lower the jack slowly until the top of the strut is below the top of the strut tower. Remove the lower alignment plate and bushing mount. Do not lower the suspension too far, as the suspension spring will come out if the strut is lowered too much.
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7
Consult the directions that came with the Steeda caster/camber plates to determine which combination of bushings and spacers are needed for your particular model of Mustang.
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8
Install the lower plate under the strut tower, sliding the studs on the lower plate through the holes in the strut tower. Install the top alignment plate over the studs. Thread on the nuts and then tighten them with a socket and a ratchet.
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9
Install the top bushing and spacer on the end of the strut and then install the strut nut. Tighten the nut to 56 to 90 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
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10
Install the top bushing and spacer, and secure the strut with the top nut. Repeat the above steps for the opposite side. Reinstall the wheels and lower the car back to the ground. Have an alignment shop align the suspension to your specs once the caster/camber plates are installed.
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