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Early Mustangs now have one more choice when it comes to a no-compromise rear suspension system. Rather than take a piecemeal bandage approach to the Mustang with upgraded leaf springs and shocks, Total Cost Involved (TCI) decided on a ground-up redesign, forsaking leaf springs for coilovers, a torque arm, and a Panhard bar. The choice is significant in that it banishes nearly every flaw of the original. An axle-mounted torque arm moves the rear axle’s leverage point from the front leaf spring shackles, to mid car, thus dramatically improving the instant center. Big improvements to launch bite, traction, and wheel hop are the result. The same geometry also results in decreased brake dive, which translates into more balanced braking. The Panhard part of the equation improves the lateral stability of the rearend, while decoupling the rearend from vertical freedom of movement.
These kind of sweeping suspension upgrades usually require major, irrevocable surgery to the frame and body, but the TCI rear clip is completely bolt-on. Moreover, the TCI system makes significant use of supplemental chassis stiffeners, making it a prime candidate for serious road course or autocross cars. The TCI system includes subframe connectors, frame stiffener, torque arm bar, rear Panhard bar, frame brackets, All American coilover shocks, shock crossmember, rigid three-link, reinforcement plates, and pinion support bars.
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