First generation Mustangs have long suffered from lacking a decent suspension to match the performance that often goes under the hood. It’s not the best design, and short of a complete new front end the alternative is to upgrade individual components that allow for better camber and caster settings.

Reminiscent of last year’s Bullitt tribute, two matching numbers classics – a Mustang and a Daytona – were on display at the Hotchkis booth.

At SEMA this year, Hotchkis Sport Suspension brought out brand new suspension and body components to improve the handling characteristics with upper control arms, adjustable strut rods, frame connectors and sway bars. Owner Jon Hotchkis showed us the new arms and said, “The stock arms are symmetrical and can be reversed, but our new control arms have additional camber and caster built into them to improve handling.”

These new control arms allow for camber adjustments of -1 to 3 degrees, and caster adjustments from 3 to 6 degrees. They also allow what is known as the Shelby Mod, a process to help improve suspension geometry by lowering the upper ball joint mount. It was only done on 1965 and early 1966 Shelby models, and is a popular mod among first gen Mustang owners.

In addition to the control arms, solid mount adjustable strut rods are mounted with Delrin bushings and Heim joints, meaning a firm feel that keeps the wheel in place. The adjustability allows for minor caster adjustments, but helps keep the the control arm centered.

To help stiffen the chassis of the first gen Mustang, frame connectors are also available, tying the front and rear frame rails to reduce unibody flex and strengthen the chassis. They are welded on without modifying the floor, and without sacrificing ground clearance. Be sure to keep your Mustang up to date and handling better than factory by heading over to  the Hotchkis Sport Suspension website.