J&M Mustang 4-Bolt Caster Camber Plates Installation Guide (94-04)

The below installation instructions work for the following product:

J&M Mustang 4-Bolt Caster Camber Plates (94-04)

Here at American Muscle, we're all about DIY (do it yourself). Of course, there's nothing wrong with seeking out a little bit of tech help prior to taking on an installation on your own. Our Mustang installation guides will provide valuable instructions and hopefully answer any how-to questions that you may have along the way.

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Please read through the instructions carefully before starting this project.  Take the time to get all the materials together as well as all the safety equipment.

NOTE: All information listed is pertaining to the removal of aftermarket caster/camber plates and the installation of the above mentioned components onto a 1999 Ford Mustang GT. Some variations may exist amongst various models and years. All photos are taken from DRIVER SIDE. All instructions/photographs pertain to DRIVER SIDE.

• Floor Jack
• (2) Jack Stands
• Impact Gun
• Air Compressor
• Drill and Drill Bit (1/4" & 13/32")
• Deep Well Sockets
• Metric Wrench Set
• Torque Wrench

Included in the Kit

• (2) Top Camber Plates
• (2) Lower Bolt Plates with Studs
• (2) Teflon Lined Spherical Bearing Plates
• (2) 10mm Strut Spacer
• (2) 15mm Strut Spacer
• (2) Optional 4th Bolts
• (2) Strut Shaft Nuts
• (8) .27" Thick Spacer
• (8) 10mm Washers
• (8) 10mm Nylon Locks

1. Check to make sure all items are included in the kit are there, and that they are in good condition.
   
   
2. For safety, the emergency brake should be on and the rear tires should be chocked.
   
   
3. Jack up the front of car and place it on jack stands. Also, check to see that the chocks have not moved.
   
   
4. Remove the front wheels and tires.
   
   
5. Remove the push pins that hold the front inside fender cover, in order to access bottom of the strut mounting unit
   
   
6. Using a floor jack, preload the suspension by jacking up on the control arm, just enough to take the weight off the strut.
   
   
7. Remove the strut mounting nut, using an impact gun.
   
   
8. Remove the large top washer and rubber bushing from the strut.
   
   
9. Remove the three nuts holding the existing plate in place
   
   
10. Remove the strut mounting bracket by drilling out any rivets holding it in place.
    
    
11. Lower the jack in order to bring the strut shaft down through the top hole of the strut tower.
    
    
12. When pushing the strut down through the hole and clear of the bottom plate, be careful not to let it spring back and hit the fender. To gain clearance, compress the strut until the rod is below the strut tower.
    
    
13. Remove the bottom strut mounting plate.
    
    
14. If using the fourth bolt option, follow steps 12-16 (coil over option).
    
    
15. Install the new lower bolt plate with three studs underneath the strut tower, so the studs protrude in to the engine compartment.
    
    
16. Attach the top camber plate, without the bearing housing attached, and slide in the most positive camber position possible (toward the outside of the vehicle).
    
    
    
    
    
17. Mark the 4th bolt location, which will also be the most positive camber location (Check two or more times before drilling).
    
    
18. Center punch and drill using a 1/4" pilot hole. Finish with a 13/32" drill bit.
    
    
19. Place the 15mm strut spacer on the strut shaft (needed for strut clearance in engine compartment).
    
    
20. Install the new lower bolt plate over the strut.
    
    
21. Compress the strut and slide unit up through the mounting slots of the factory tower.
    
    
22. Install the .270” thick spacers onto each of the lower bolt plate studs.
    
    
    
    
    
23. Install the top camber plate with the bearing cup plate over the studs of the lower bolt plate.
    
    
24. Test fit, making sure strut body does NOT contact the lower bolt plate. It needs to slide seamlessly.
    
    
25. Place the 10mm washers on all studs.
    
    
26. Hand tighten the 10mm nylon locks.
    
    
27. Slide the bolt plate to the most positive location, toward the outside of the vehicle. Then, tighten down with wrench.
    
    
28. Place the 10mm strut spacer over the strut tower.
    
    
29. Install the strut shaft nut and torque 60-90 lb-ft, using impact gun.
    
    
    
    
    
30. Check to verify that the strut does not hit the hood when closed.
    
    
    
    
    
31. Reinstall the front wheels and tires. Torque to factory specifications.
    
    
32. Lower the floor jack.
    
    
33. Repeat on other side of vehicle.
    
    
34. Immediately have your vehicle professionally aligned. Alignment will improve handling and decrease tire wear.
    
    
35. Remove the three bolts that hold the existing strut mounting plates in place, with the 14 mm socket wrench. If removing stock mounting plates, be sure to keep the factory plate handy, as it will be needed later.
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Installation instructions provided by AmericanMuscle customer Charles Bixler 8.7.08

    
    
    
    Related Articles:

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