What a Mustang 2 front suspension kit does
A Mustang 2 front suspension kit replaces the original front suspension geometry of your vehicle with the independent double-A-arm design from a 1974–1978 Ford Mustang II. The kit includes new control arms, spindles, steering components, and a new frame crossmember that bolts into your existing frame rails. Instead of upgrading your current suspension in place, you're swapping out the entire front end for a different architecture.
The Mustang 2 design became popular in hot rod and custom car builds because it was engineered for a lighter car, fits in a compact space, and accepts modern brake and steering upgrades more easily than many older suspension systems. The kit is most common in pre-1974 Mustangs, Camaros, Novas, and other mid-size American cars from the 1960s and early 1970s, though it can be adapted to other platforms.
Key Takeaways
- A Mustang 2 kit replaces your entire front suspension with a double-A-arm design from a 1974–1978 Mustang II, including new control arms, spindles, and a new crossmember.
- The kit requires welding the new crossmember into your frame rails and is a permanent modification that cannot be easily reversed.
- Mustang 2 kits are sold as bare-bones assemblies or as complete kits with power steering, disc brakes, and coil-over shocks already included.
- Installation typically takes 40 to 80 hours of labor and requires frame work, alignment, and brake system integration.
- The design improves handling and allows modern wheel and tire fitment, but reduces ground clearance and may not fit vehicles with certain engine or transmission combinations.
Bare-bones versus complete kits
Mustang 2 kits come in two main configurations. A bare-bones kit includes only the structural components: the crossmember, control arms, spindles, and ball joints. You supply your own steering box, power steering pump and hoses, brake calipers and lines, and shock absorbers. This approach costs less upfront but requires you to source and integrate those systems yourself, which adds time and complexity.
A complete kit includes power steering, disc brake calipers and rotors, coil-over shock absorbers, and sometimes a new steering column or intermediate shaft. Some kits also bundle in sway bar mounts and bump stop hardware. Complete kits cost more but arrive ready for installation and reduce the number of separate purchases and compatibility decisions you have to make.
Kits also vary in whether they include adjustable coil-over shocks or fixed-rate coils and separate shocks. Adjustable coil-overs let you dial in ride height and spring rate after installation, which is useful if you're fine-tuning handling or ground clearance. Fixed setups are simpler and cheaper but lock you into one ride height and stiffness.
Frame work and installation labor
Installing a Mustang 2 kit requires cutting out the old front crossmember and welding the new one into the frame rails. This is not a bolt-on modification. You need access to a welder, a lift or jack stands, and a way to support the engine and frame while the crossmember is removed. Most shops charge between 40 and 80 hours of labor for a complete installation, depending on the condition of your frame, whether rust repair is needed, and how much custom fabrication is required for brake and steering line routing.
After the crossmember is welded in, the suspension components bolt on, but the frame must be square and the new crossmember must be positioned correctly. Any misalignment at this stage will cause handling problems and uneven tire wear. Many installers use a frame jig or alignment table to may support the crossmember is level and centered before welding.
Once the suspension is installed, the vehicle must be aligned to factory specifications for the new geometry. Standard alignment equipment works on Mustang 2 kits, but the alignment angles differ from the original suspension, so you cannot use the old spec sheet. Your alignment shop needs to know you've installed a Mustang 2 kit and should have reference data for your specific vehicle and kit brand.
Brake and steering integration
Most Mustang 2 kits are designed to work with power steering and disc brakes, but you must integrate these systems into your existing hydraulic and mechanical layout. If your car originally had manual steering and drum brakes, you'll need to add a power steering pump, reservoir, and hoses, plus new brake lines and a proportioning valve to balance front and rear braking.
The steering column may need to be shortened or modified to connect to the new steering box. Some kits include an adjustable intermediate shaft to handle this, but if yours doesn't, a machine shop can shorten the column or you can purchase an aftermarket adjustable shaft separately. Steering response will be sharper than the original setup because the Mustang 2 geometry has a shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius.
Brake line routing often requires custom fabrication because the new spindles and calipers are in different positions than the originals. Pre-bent brake line kits are available from some manufacturers, but you may still need to have lines custom-made or bent to fit your specific frame and engine bay layout.
Wheel fitment and ground clearance changes
One reason the Mustang 2 kit is popular is that it accepts modern wheel sizes and offsets more easily than many original suspensions. The new spindles are designed for standard 5-lug or 6-lug bolt patterns, and the geometry allows for wider tires without rubbing. Most builds use 17-inch to 20-inch wheels, whereas the original suspension might have been limited to 14-inch or 15-inch wheels.
Ground clearance typically drops by 1 to 2 inches compared to the original suspension, depending on the spring rate and ride height you choose. If your car sits on a frame that's already close to the ground, or if you plan to drive over rough terrain, this loss of clearance matters. Adjustable coil-overs let you raise the car after installation if needed, but there are limits to how high you can go without changing the suspension geometry and handling characteristics.
The new spindles also change the scrub radius and steering offset, which affects how the steering wheel feels and how the car tracks at highway speeds. These changes are usually positive—steering is more responsive and the car tracks straighter—but they're not identical to the original design.
Compatibility with engines and transmissions
Mustang 2 kits fit most engine and transmission combinations, but tight engine bays can create clearance issues. The new crossmember is narrower than many original designs, which can interfere with certain oil pans, exhaust manifolds, or transmission bellhousings. If you're installing a larger engine than the original, or if you're using a non-original transmission, measure the kit against your engine and transmission before ordering.
Some kits are designed for specific vehicles and may not fit others without modification. A kit made for a 1969 Camaro may not bolt into a 1970 Nova without frame modifications. Check the kit manufacturer's fitment guide for your exact year, make, and model before purchasing. If you're building a custom car or using a non-original frame, you may need to have the crossmember welded in a custom position.
Cost and brand differences
Bare-bones Mustang 2 kits typically cost between $800 and $1,500, depending on the manufacturer and whether the kit includes power steering or manual steering components. Complete kits with power steering, disc brakes, and coil-over shocks range from $2,000 to $4,000. Labor for installation adds $2,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of your build.
Major manufacturers include Heidt's, Fatman Fabrications, and Speedway Motors, each with different levels of completeness and customization options. Heidt's kits are known for tight tolerances and complete packages, while Fatman offers modular kits that let you choose which components to include. Speedway Motors sells kits from multiple manufacturers and offers both budget and premium options.
The cheapest kits may have looser tolerances or require more fabrication work to fit your frame. Mid-range kits usually offer a good balance of price and fit. Premium kits often include adjustable components, better quality control, and more complete documentation, which can reduce installation time and alignment headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a Mustang 2 kit myself if I have welding experience?
Yes, if you have access to a welder, a lift, and alignment equipment. The welding and bolt-on work are straightforward, but you must may support the crossmember is square and level before welding, and you'll need a professional alignment afterward. Many DIY builders do the frame work themselves and pay a shop for alignment and brake system integration.
Will a Mustang 2 kit fit my 1968 Camaro?
Most kits are designed for specific vehicles or vehicle families. A kit made for a 1968 Camaro will fit, but a kit made for a Mustang may require frame modifications. Check the manufacturer's fitment guide for your exact year and model before ordering. Contact the manufacturer directly if your vehicle isn't listed.
Do I have to use the power steering that comes with the kit?
No, but power steering is strongly recommended. Manual steering with a Mustang 2 kit is possible but requires a manual steering box and more steering effort at low speeds. Most builders choose power steering for comfort and ease of use, especially if the car will be driven on the street.
What happens to my original suspension parts?
They are removed and discarded or sold separately. The original control arms, spindles, and crossmember cannot be reused once the new Mustang 2 crossmember is welded in. Some builders keep original parts as spares or sell them to offset the cost of the new kit.
How long does alignment take after installation?
A full four-wheel alignment typically takes 1 to 2 hours once the suspension is installed and the vehicle is on the alignment rack. The alignment shop must input the correct specifications for the Mustang 2 geometry, which may not be in their standard database. Provide the kit manufacturer's spec sheet or contact information so the shop can look up the correct angles.