Mustang II Network - 1974 Mustang - Young Car With a Tradition and a Future - Page 40

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74 Mustang - Young Car With a Tradition and a Future

ENGINEERING THE '74 MUSTANG Compared to the 1973 version, the new Mustang was to offer: A better ride Less noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) Improved handling Better damageability protection Improved reliability Here's how the engineers did their homework: Better Ride From the original Mustang through the 1973 model, the car was known for a pleasant, well-balanced ride. To improve this ride in 1974, even though engineering a smaller car, development men relied on three main ideas: (1) New spring on lower arm front suspension: The '74 Mustang's front suspension is completely redesigned from that of the '73 Mustang. The front coil spring is moved to the lower arm for a better ride. Less road input will reach the body structure. In many other utilized cars, the spring is attached to the fender apron. Subseqeuntly, all road input forced through the springs goes directly into the body, producing a harsh ride with objectionable body-boom. Not so with Mustang's new spring location. Lower front spring rates also help provide a softer ride. Mustang's front suspension is unique in another respect - it's designed to allow the front wheels to "roll with the punch" when hitting a bump. (2) Isolated sub-frame front suspension and engine mounting system: This isolated sub-frame in the '74 Mustang gives this car the smooth, quiet ride of a body-on-frame car. Mustang's new "mini" frame, in its particular shape, is unique in the automotive industry.

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