Author Topic: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation  (Read 4502 times)

SFM66H

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1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« on: March 19, 2021, 12:47:58 PM »
It's astonishing to me that this Mustang strut rod information is not included in the 1965 or 1966 Ford SHOP Manual, so I'm coming here for confirmation, and to share the word of what (to me) is a rather important piece of install information. The flattened end of the strut rod is at a different angle on each side, depending on whether the reference mark faces up or down. This applies to only the 65-66 strut rods, as '67 and up are a completely different design and can only be installed one way.

Marcus Anghel's excellent suspension guide shows/states that the cast "slash mark" on the strut rod faces down when installed (I say correct). But next month's Hemmings Motor News shows/states just the opposite (I say wrong).

Responses from the experts here on the SAAC Forum should make this an important future reference for all strut rod servicers/installers.

Thanks,
Kieth 


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« Last Edit: March 19, 2021, 09:58:28 PM by SFM66H »
1966 GT350H owner since June 30, 1976

J_Speegle

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2021, 02:07:26 PM »
Looking at a couple of unrestored cars quickly the cast mark was installed facing downward on those examples
Would post a few pictures but can't at the moment
Jeff Speegle- Mustang & Shelby detail collector, ConcoursMustang.com mentor :) and Judge

Bob Gaines

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2021, 02:19:24 PM »
Casting detail placed facing down unless you want a point deduction in concours venues that use informed judges.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

CharlesTurner

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2021, 02:35:54 PM »
The strut rods have a slight curve, which is why the notch should be on the bottom... I believe this is noted in the Ford assembly manual and is what the small yellow paint daub is there for.
Charles Turner
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anghelrestorations

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2021, 10:56:11 AM »
So...Im just curious what's the context of the Hemmings article.  I have not seen that one. 
Marcus Anghel
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SFM66H

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2021, 11:23:12 AM »
It’s a four page article about the rebuilding of the front suspension on a 1965 Mustang.
1966 GT350H owner since June 30, 1976

anghelrestorations

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2021, 02:15:19 PM »
Ok I will check it out.  I need all the advice I can get!!
Marcus Anghel
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SFM66H

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2021, 08:43:42 PM »
I’d say you don’t need that advice though!
1966 GT350H owner since June 30, 1976

silverton_ford

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2021, 12:15:39 PM »

CharlesTurner

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2021, 07:41:57 AM »
In one of the pics, the strut rod mark can be seen in the correct orientation.  Guess maybe a typo in the article or someone got their notes wrong.

Charles Turner
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98SVT - was 06GT

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Re: 1965-66 Strut Rod Orientation
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2021, 02:14:31 PM »
I worry they think it's a cast part.
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
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