Mustang leaf springs tend to get a bum rap, but that’s only because the typical designs out there are circa 1975. We’ve seen people buy a set, be disappointed in the results, then blame it on their 50 year old car. But that’s simply not true. When we bring modern technology and design to leaf springs, we can create a rear suspension that performs, installs simply, and keeps down the weight.

The most common complaint associated with leaf springs is wheel hop, the chatter you feel when accelerating. Poor leaf spring design allow the front half of the leaf to deform/deflect causing axle wrap up which snaps back and induces wheel hop.

That’s why our springs have been designed with an extra two leaves toward the front, with a beefy wrap to add additional strength. We have guys with 900+ hp applications running these springs and they’re still not experiencing wheel hop.

The other big complaint we hear is ride quality. More often than not, people end up selecting a solid or urethane bushing for the spring saddle which we’ve found to be problematic for two reasons. First, it makes the ride extremely harsh, and second, it actually binds up the rear and prevents the suspension from working well during cornering.

For a stock setup, leafs have two jobs: they move up and down to absorb shocks, but they also move side to side, working to keep the axle centered. During cornering, the leaf is moving both up and down, and side to side, absorbing bumps through the turn without knocking the car off course. Replacing the bushing with a solid material prevents the spring from moving side to side, increasing bind and ultimately resulting in unpredictable feel. That’s why we actually prefer the stock rubber for the leaf shackles as it allows the suspension to do it’s job.

We do recommend and include a urethane bushing for the leaf eyelets, as this helps to keep the car under control during acceleration and braking far better than the standard rubber.

We’ve also intentionally recurved the spring to bring the ride height to what we consider to be the best, about 8″ from the pinch weld to the ground. This slightly lowered setup puts the suspension in the best place for overall geometry.

We’d also recommend upgrading to our panhard setup to help further control the side-to-side movement of the rear end.

This setup is a simple, budget-friendly option that is highly effective both on the street and track. We’ve seen dramatic improvements in feel, responsiveness, and ride quality by simply replacing stock or other aftermarket components with this setup.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD Leaf Springs appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

We started with our reinvented MOD Leaf Springs, then we reinvented them again, giving you the easiest way to slam a 315 under the rear of a classic Mustang. Inspired by the old trans-am race cars, our narrowed leafs are a scant 1 3/4″ wide with a slightly stiffer spring rate than our standard leafs, but offer just as much strength, responsiveness, and ride quality as their wider brothers. The gallery shows the size difference between the two leaf springs we offer.

So what’s it take to get a 315 in the back? You’ll need to mini-tub the car, pushing the inner wheel well up to the frame rail (which will pick up about 3/4″ clearance), and you’ll likely need to roll the quarter lip. That’s it. No welding bracket to your floor or rear end housing, etc. You may need to slot the openings on your leaf spring pads, or, if you add a set of lowering blocks to your order, we can make them offset for a super clean install.

Mustang leaf springs tend to get a bum rap, but that’s only because the typical designs out there are circa 1975. We’ve seen people buy a set, be disappointed in the results, and blame it on their 50 year old car. But that’s simply not true. When we bring modern technology and design to leaf springs, we can create a rear suspension that performs, installs simply, and keeps down the weight.

These leaf springs include the narrowed bushings and shackles you’ll need.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD Narrow Leaf Springs appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

The Mustang Panhard Rod helps lock down the side-to-side movement of the leaf springs, and allows for the driver to feel exactly when the rear of the car wants to break loose. During cornering, the leaf springs and bushings bear the side load of the chassis. This can flex the leaf springs up to 2” side to side giving a very unsettled feel during cornering (not to mention the potential tire rub). The MOD panhard rod kit takes this side-loading off the leaf springs and applies it to the panhard rod. Since there is no more side movement, you get immediate response to your inputs without waiting to see how the car might react.

By adjusting the panhard rod, you have the ability to further tune the rear roll center. This effectively allows for raising and lowering rear end grip when hard cornering. Pair this with a set of our leaf springs and a good shock, and you have an awesome, affordable setup that installs easily and performs excellently.

This kit includes

• MOD Panhard Rod Assembly
• Note: This listing does NOT include the optional rear sway bar. Click here for the complete kit.

MOD Panhard Rod features:

• Vertical adjustment on both chassis and axle brackets for tuning
• Unique leaf spring plate design with panhard rod mount and sway bar mount
• Weld in chassis bracket
• Bolt in axle bracket with shock mount
• Sheetmetal drivers side spring plate with shock & sway bar mount

Don’t panhard rods move the axle side to side and isn’t that bad?

Yes, the shorter the panhard rod is, the more the axle is thrust side to side. This is why we make our panhard rods 35” long. The misalignment is roughly 1/8”. Considering the flex of the tire and the previous 2” movement, it becomes a non-issue.

Why did you choose to do a panhard rod vs. a Watts link?

Watts links are wonderful but we took into consideration multiple aspects when deciding on the panhard rods, including price, function, installation, exhaust, roll center height and tuning ability. When installing a Watts, it is difficult to mount it low enough. The lower the lateral controls device (Watts or panhard rod), the lower the roll center. The lower the roll center, the more the car can lean on the outer spring driving the tire into the ground. Manufacturing a Watts link also is a lot more costly. This does not help the budget for the rest of the car.

Chassis tuning is also a little simpler with the panhard rod. To raise and lower the roll center (panhard rod or Watts pivot) dictates how much leverage the chassis has on the outer springs. However, when raising and lowering the roll center, you want to keep the arms level. If the panhard rod or Watts arms are not level, they can input a jacking force into the chassis (not always the best thing). This can free up or tighten up the car upon steering input. The panhard rod is the easiest to keep level when adjusting.

Running exhaust is also easier with the panhard rod assembly. Making our lives easy is an important part of having a good time with our cars.

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The post 64-70 Mustang Rear Bilstein Shock appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

This kit includes

• MOD 165# Leaf Springs
• Our updated panhard design found here.
• JRi Rear Shocks
• Fabricated Spring Plates
• Polyurethane Front Eyelet Bushings
• Rubber Shackle Kit
• 7/16″ U-Bolts
• Sway Bar (Optional – not recommended for only street-driven Mustangs)

Add a set of lowering blocks to help bring the rear down and dial in the stance.(Optional-Recommended for 1964.5-1966 Mustangs. Available in 1/2″ and 1″)

Please note: these kits are made to order and per your specifications. Upon order we will contact you to confirm details and provide you an estimate build time. Shipping costs will be added to your order upon completion.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD 1 Rear Suspension Kit with JRi appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

When you want the best rear suspension for your early Mustang, you go with the MOD 2 rear from MMI. Found under cars like MMI’s Ol’ Blue, Vaughn Gitten Jr.’s 70 Fastback, and even the 69 Anvil Mustang from The Fast & Furious 6, this suspension is built to win.

Originally designed to cruise on the street then destroy at the track, this suspension has seen years of refinement and development. Comprised of several components, this kit most notably moves the coilover from under the body up into the trunk using a cantilever-type setup more typically found on Formula 1 cars. Not only is this generally badass, but it allows us to run a full size coilover without worrying about packaging it under the car.

We’ve also designed this package to be minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of cutting (a couple inches) to your trunk floor and the boxing of about an inch of your rear frame rails on either side. Try that with any of those other kits on the market.

In short, this kit offers classic Mustang owners an incredibly balanced, strong, tune-able system that’s as comfortable on the street as it is on the track. We’ve installed this kit in countless cars and made several refinements over the years and it continues to be a defining suspension for us at MMI.

This built-to-order kit will be crafted to your desired specifications and needs. Please allow additional time for creation and shipping. Following your order, we will be in touch to confirm your specifics and details. 

MOD 2 Rear Suspension Kit Includes:

• MOD Rocker Cradle System with tune-able pushrods
• JRi Coilovers (available in non-adjustible, single, double, or double with remote reservoir)
• 9″ full floating rear end housing with solid 31 spline axles
• Updated MOD Panhard Rod Kit with MOD adjustable rear sway bar
• MOD Subframe connectors
• MOD Torque Arm with built in pinion angle adjustment
• Adjustable lower control arm mounts
• Adjustable lower control arms

MOD Rocker Cradle System with Tune-able Pushrods & JRi Shocks

The rocker cradle is the beating heart of our MOD 2 rear system. In trying to design a best-in-class rear suspension for an early Mustang we kept running into a problem: how do you fit a full-size coilover under the rear of the car while keeping ride height low? We didn’t want to compromise on the coilover size – that’s what delivers awesome ride quality around town, while also allowing us to get aggressive at the track. We wanted to be able to go over a set of railroad tracks with a coffee in our hand. Our solution came from the race car world. By attaching the rear housing to a pair of pushrods, then cantilevering them to our best-in-the-game JRi shocks mounted horizontally in the trunk, we were able to accomplish our goal all while creating a truly kickass looking system. Even better, the adjustable pushrods and trunk mounted coilovers give us easy access to dial in the rear suspension to a preferred feel or driving mode.

Ford 9″ Full Floating Housing with MOD Additions and Solid 31 Spline Axles

We needed a rear end setup that wouldn’t quit. Something we could beat on all day then drive home on. So we turned to an old favorite, the Ford 9″. But this isn’t your average 9″. Instead we opted to go with full floating axles for increased safety, strength, and easy repair. Your Speedway Engineering housing will come with the necessary tabs, brackets, caliper brackets, and brake lines holders already welded on. Though this kit does not include a differential, we’d recommend one of those available from GearFX.

MOD Panhard Rod Kit with Adjustable Rear Sway Bar

The Mustang Panhard Rod  and Adjustable Rear Sway Bar helps lock down the lateral movement of the rear end, and allows for the driver to feel exactly when the rear of the car wants to break loose. Plus it gives us a way to adjust roll center in a package that’s easily tuned and installed, without having to resort to a full Watts link.

By including an adjustable rear sway bar, we’re getting the ability to further dial in the feel that we’re looking for. Adjusting the bar allows for finite tweaks to rear body roll and overall grip. The panhard rod gives you the ability to further tune the rear roll center. This effectively allows for raising and lowering rear end grip when hard cornering.

MOD Torque Arm with Adjustable Pinion Angle and MOD Subframe Connectors

Starting with a set of our MOD subframe connectors, we include a crossmember that acts as the front point for the torque arm setup. This beefy part keeps the rear end tied into the car, full improving the strength and feel. We connect the torque arm to the front of the rear diff with a plate and adjustable rods that allow you to dial in the exact driveline angle you’re after.

Brakes are not included with this kit, though we can pair a Wilwood kit with it. If you’re looking for the full package, check out both our Corkscrew and Apex Packages.

Please note: these kits are made to order and per your specifications. Upon order we will contact you to confirm details and provide you an estimate build time. Shipping costs will be added to your order upon completion.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD 2 Rear Suspension appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

Our complete kit includes new performance tuned MOD 165# leaf springs, our panhard rod kit with an optional rear sway bar for adjustability, Bilstein performance shocks, all new bushings, shackles, and U-Bolts. Add a set of lowering blocks to help bring the rear down and dial in the stance. These pieces are all designed to help keep the rear planted and stable, while offering you the flexibility to dial in the feel you’re looking for on those weekend autocross or track events.

Installation wise, we’ve aimed for a package that is minimally invasive. The only required welding is the panhard rod bracket, the rest are bolt in parts. Some changes may be required to your exhaust if you have an over-the-axle setup. No cutting up floor pans, changing mounting points, or even welding to your rear axle. This kit is designed to perform without making massive changes without having to cut up your car and works with both 8″ and 9″ rear ends.

If you’re looking to upgrade the shock to an even better option, this kit is available with JRi Shocks.

The MOD 1 Rear Suspension Kit Includes

• MOD 165# Leaf Springs
• Our updated Panhard Rod Kit (found here) with Optional Adjustable Sway Bar (not recommended for street only cars)
• Bilstein Rear Shocks
• MOD Leaf Spring Plates
• Polyurethane Front Eyelet Bushings
• Rubber Shackle Kit
• 7/16″ U-Bolts
• Lowering Blocks (Optional-Recommended for 1964.5-1966 Mustangs)

Please note: these kits are made to order and per your specifications. Upon order we will contact you to confirm details and provide you an estimate build time. Shipping costs will be added to your order upon completion.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD 1 Rear Suspension Kit appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

The Mustang Panhard Rod  and Rear Sway Bar Kit helps lock down the side-to-side movement of the leaf springs, and allows for the driver to feel exactly when the rear of the car wants to break loose. During cornering, the leaf springs and bushings bear the side load of the chassis. This can flex the leaf springs up to 2” side to side giving a very unsettled feel during cornering (not to mention the potential tire rub). The MOD panhard rod kit takes this side-loading off the leaf springs and applies it to the panhard rod. Since there is no more side movement, you get immediate response to your inputs without waiting to see how the car might react.

By including an adjustable rear sway bar, we’re getting the ability to further dial in the feel that we’re looking for. Adjusting the bar allows for finite tweaks to rear body roll and overall grip. The panhard rod gives you the ability to further tune the rear roll center. This effectively allows for raising and lowering rear end grip when hard cornering. Pair this with a set of our leaf springs and a good shock, and you have an awesome, affordable setup that installs easily and performs excellently.

This kit includes

• MOD Panhard Rod Assembly
• MOD Rear Sway Bar
• MOD Leaf Spring Plates

MOD Panhard Rod & Sway Bar Kit features:

• Vertical adjustment on both chassis and axle brackets for tuning
• Unique leaf spring plate design with panhard rod mount and sway bar mount
• Weld in chassis bracket
• Bolt in axle bracket with shock mount
• Sheetmetal drivers side spring plate with shock & sway bar mount
• Urethane sway bar bushings
• Turnbuckles for sway bar adjustment
• Adjustable sway bar for ultimate tune ability

Don’t panhard rods move the axle side to side and isn’t that bad?

Yes, the shorter the panhard rod is, the more the axle is thrust side to side. This is why we make our panhard rods 35” long. The misalignment is roughly 1/8”. Considering the flex of the tire and the previous 2” movement, it becomes a non-issue.

Why did you choose to do a panhard rod vs. a Watts link?

Watts links are wonderful but we took into consideration multiple aspects when deciding on the panhard rods, including price, function, installation, exhaust, roll center height and tuning ability. When installing a Watts, it is difficult to mount it low enough. The lower the lateral controls device (Watts of panhard rod), the lower the roll center. The lower the roll center, the more the car can lean on the outer spring driving the tire into the ground. Manufacturing a Watts link also is a lot more costly. This does not help the budget for the rest of the car.

Chassis tuning is also a little simpler with the panhard rod. To raise and lower the roll center (panhard rod or Watts pivot) dictates how much leverage the chassis has on the outer springs. However, when raising and lowering the roll center, you want to keep the arms level. If the panhard rod or Watts arms are not level, they can input a jacking force into the chassis (not always the best thing). This can free up or tighten up the car upon steering input. The panhard rod is the easiest to keep level when adjusting.

Running exhaust is also easier with the panhard rod assembly. Making our lives easy is an important part of having a good time with our cars.

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD 1 Panhard Rod & Sway Bar Kit appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

Now available in 1/2″ and 1″ sizes. Additional sizes coming soon.

Sold as a pair

The post 1964-1973 Mustang MOD Lowering Blocks appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.

MOD Spring Plates feature:

• Slotted u-bolt holes to fit 2-3/8” up to 3” diameter axle tubes
• Integrated sway bar mount
• Durable powder coated finish
• Sold in pairs

The post 64-73 Mustang MOD Leafspring Plates appeared first on Mike Maier Inc.