Overall Benefit: In a word, "handling". While installing a Mustang II can look like a lot of work, in reality, the improved handling and ride quality are worth the effort. Combine that with improved stopping ability due to numerous brake options and it becomes more a question of “Why wouldn’t you?”. The independent suspension will give you a much better ride because there is double the suspension travel. A stock axle will give you maybe 2-1/2” of total travel vs. a Mustang II which will give you about 4-1/2”- 5” of travel. There are multiple spring rates available to accommodate varied applications and the rack and pinion steering is much more responsive than a standard steering box.
Drop: This varies and is dependent on application and options. Most kits drop the vehicle by 3-4”. Drop spindles and running lower profile tires than stock also adds to the amount of drop that can be achieved.
Track Width: You may want to mount custom wheels to your Mustang II conversion and determining proper track width for your application is essential for figuring correct backspacing and overall ride stance. Standard wheel base is 56-1/2” with a 60” version available for trucks. The various options for brake kits will vary this somewhat and some kits can add roughly 2” to the overall track width. Narrowed arms are available to move the wheel in by 5/8” on each side. See the link below for various track widths with different options.
Mustang II Track Width Options (PDF)
Economy or Deluxe?: Deluxe style crossmembers come with all welds ground for a smooth finish while Economy style crossmembers feature unground welds.
Assembly Notes: Either manual or power steering can be used with these crossmembers. The passenger side mount has a slot that will take the later model power rack. With all Mustang II aftermarket crossmembers, spacers and longer bolts must be used with the later (Fox-body) power rack.
Rack mounts are incorporated into the crossmember design and rotate the rack back 20° to get the input shaft lower. Stock, manual, power racks, or later model Mustang II or T-Bird power racks can be used. The rack is positioned so the bellows will clear most aftermarket full A-Arms. When using crossmembers with our "power" steering rack, you may also need (2) rack spacers (9101023). (These spacers are included with our Mustang II suspension kits.)