SSM Bars vs. Aftermarket Torque arm, trailing arms, etc.
 

I have looked into a kit from Southside for about $450 that includes bars, loop, and crossmember. This seems like acheaper way than replacing the torque arm, lower control arms, and installing subframe connectors. These components can add up quick. Please inform me of your opinions and experiences with this topic.

That's about the same as buying similar components from some of the other vendors of the same parts such as Spohn, his TA comes with the crossmember and can have a loop added. Note that the list you gave does not include SFCs (don't know whether the kit at that price actually does or not), which are pretty much a necessity to make the other things worthwhile. So it's not a real great deal or anything like that. You're going to end up with a good $500 in a complete reworked suspension, plus whatever it costs for installation.

Also, one additional thing conspicuously absent from your list, without which (like the SFCs) all else is a waste, is LCA relocation brackets.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

The subframe connectors are in the kit. The lift bars weld to the rear housing so there is no need for relocation brackets I am pretty sure of. I think it is cheaper to buy this kit but of course it costs to install it. Does anyone have the kit on their car? I would like to know if anyone is happy or displeased with this particular kit.

Does anyone have the SSM lift bar kit on their car? I want to hear about it.

A SSM lift bar kit is not recommended for street use. It's a completely different suspension design then the factory torque arm setup. There was a big discussion on this very topic within the last month. Search the archives.

I cannot seem to find it. What is the topic listed as? Any help will be appreciated.

I to would like to get someones opinion on the SSM kit. I want to put either a 10 or a 12 bolt rear end in my 89 RS. I would like to know if this kit is what I need or do I need to order some ladder bars and sub frame connectors instead. If I understand right the bars in the kit do away with the torque arm so yo can add a first generation 10 or 12 bolt rear. Does anybody have a number to Southside Machine Company or do the have a web site. The description at Summit or Jeggs doesn't give alot of info. Thanks for any help.


Mcan

Here's one of them. Probably one of the better ones, recently.

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/002457.html

By the way, there's an argument in that thread and RB83L69 is the one who knows what he's talking about. Ignore the other people arguing against him.

I have that kit, but I got it for free, so it didn't hurt me to leave out the lift bars and driveshaft loop. From the quality of all the pieces, I'd say it's a very fair price for what you're getting. And the instructions are excellent, not only explaining the install in detail with illustrations, but even going into some of the theory behind the design of the parts. If your cars primary purpose is the strip, then it's a good kit. If you plan to drive on the street, even occasionally, I'd go somewhere else. Personally, I'm still deciding between Spohn and Hotchkis (leaning towards Hotchskis) for the rest of my rear suspension needs.

Thanks for the input guys. It sounds to me like the kit will not allow the car to give in any way on the street. Maybe the aftermarket pieces are better.I would defintely go with the Sphon stuff if I decide to get the individual pieces. ( Torque arm, trailing arms , subframe connectors ). I only question this because of people I know that have removed sway bars and run minispools on the street with no problem. This is considered not streetable also. The debate goes on.