Zack and Mac Control Arms

Yes, I am interested in a set of Z&M control arms.

  • Total voters
    22
  • Poll closed .
SergntMac

SergntMac

Shelby GT X2--Back In Black
This is poll to see if there is any interest in a second production run the famous Zack and Mac control arms. Our first run two years ago put 50 sets on the street, and we had half as many members back then. When I see all the activity generated by our new members enjoying a "second helping" of the Marauder, can't help wondering if there is any more interest.

What: Upper and lower rear control arms, tubular 1018 mild steel, .125 wall. Powdercoated black, uses your OEM bushings and mounting hardware.

Here's a pic of the prototypes still on my MM. They are over two years old now, and I never powdercoated them. But, the pic gives you an idea of where they go and how they fit. I'll have more pics in my gallery later.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=975&c=3&userid=392

I'm sure there will be some questions, and I hope some of our customers check in with their own experience. Just so y'all know, there have been no changes in design the second run (if it happens) will be identical to the first.

How Much: Actually, we don't know right now, that's why this poll is up. Two years ago, they were a steal at 395.00 a set. But, the cost of steel and labor has gone up, and we estimate that if we can get 25 orders, the price may come in at 475. Right now, we're just counting hands, and in typical group buy language, "the more in on it, the cheaper things get".
 
Sir, I would like your thoughts on what the advantages are to these control arms as opposed to the Metco arms some members are using. The price seems to be close between the two styles.
Thanks, Jim
 
The Metco control arms are an excellent product, I like them very much. But, they followed our first production run. We were just about sold out when the Metcos arrived on the scene, and the problem we're going to run into here, is that what good stuff I say about the Z&M arms, others will say I am critical of Metoco products, and they are also a vendor here.

I am not, but it just so happens that both CAs function very similar, and performance is likewise about equal. About, and you can't sell anything without making comparasions.

Zack and I were the first to produce a control arm of any design for the Marauder. This is a high quality control arm designed by profession race car chasis builder, Mike Lopez. Many of you senior members have met Mike, we use his shop for our dyno tune days. We spent several months in research, development and testing this product, and we are proud to offer the finest control arm available for the Marauder/Crown Vic. Hell, I like 'em so much, I still have the prototypes on my #1x! Here are some other benefits, and again, I'm not slamming Metco.

OEM bushing is supported laterally across the bushing, not just in the center
No squeaking from dry suspension components, no need to grease.
No wheel hop from inflexible suspension and grippy tires.
No corrosion, but rust is a factor. Don't worry though, the rest of the car will be long gone before .125 wall steel gives in to rust.
Almost impossible to detect in casual observation
Road hugging stability for the rear end reduces wear and tear on the Watts links, and the air suspension system as well.
You could probably double your cornering speeds, and safely too.

This is about enough for now. I hope some first edition owners speak up.
 
Happy Customer!

My first experience with the ZMCAs was in May, 2004, driving the KB 1.x during our visit to Barry & Jess' in Cleveland. I was instructed not to slow down on the 270 degree highway off-ramp and had to be reminded from a back-seat-driver NOT to use the brake. I followed instructions, held on tight and took that off-ramp at a speed I was not used to. I can still remember how it felt and my ensuing giddiness! She remained flat and smooth, no pull or lean. She just floated around the curves. That's all it took to sell me on the advantages of this mod.

The ZMCAs have been on for over a year and a half now - not one squeak and miles of pleasure. I so look forward to every rotary I see, since most of my off-ramps around here are fairly straight! Man, what a ride!

Ever notice my signature? I don't brake for curves! :D
 
Mac,
Without searching, I seem to recall a mention from someone about altered pinion angle. While a slightly negative pinion angle would be ideal for drag racing, I would not wish it on my daily driver.

Q:
Will they be available in standard offset and altered offset?

Q2:
Will they be available possibly un-finished (Raw steel.)?

Thanks in advance and pardon me if I'm mistaken!

J
 
I've had the Z&M control arms on my Marauder for nearly two years now and they've held up exceptionally. I have zero wheel hop from a launch (even with drag radials) and the rearend stays right where it should be while taking a corner. I've been 100% satisfied with the performance of the combination of the Z&M control arms and beefier Addco rear anti-sway bar on the street, short course, and the track.

The OEM control arms have a tendency to want to flex and walk around on the bushings, especially after the stock stamped steel jobs start to show their age. One hell of a bang for the buck for increased performance while retaining a luxury ride. There are a lot of us out here that have been enjoying the performance of these beauties for awhile now. I can't recall hearing of one negative comment from anyone who has ever bolted them on and had a chance to experience the improved performance for themselves.

Good luck on the second run guys! Have you looked into a source for new OEM bushings since a lot of the Marauders out now have had some time to rack up some miles?
 
SergntMac said:
Zack and I were the first to produce a control arm of any design for the Marauder.
Click to expand...

Well, technically, this is not true. Ford was the first one.

Small Mac, I am making a joke. :D
 
Well...well...

This is a nice revisit. :up:

What a ruckus at the tail end of the last run. Folks fighting and all...returning the product in favor of the Metco...selling what they had....

Thank goodness that's out of our system!

I must say that I am very happy with mine, and have been for nearly 27,000 miles. The look is very unique as well.
I have always favored circles over rectangles...:P

I powdercoated mine red to match my calipers.
Unfortunately I cannot find the pics.:depress:
 
I'll show my ingnorance here. Can someone please explain what the control arms do vs what the sway bars do? I'm used to independant suspension vs live axle.
 
rayjay said:
I'll show my ingnorance here. Can someone please explain what the control arms do vs what the sway bars do? I'm used to independant suspension vs live axle.
Click to expand...
You have control arms and sway bars.
These are just beefier, and generate a more taut suspension response
I'll leave the more technical responses to others...
 
I originally purchased Z&M arms and was very... no... EXTREMELY satisfied with them The only reason I sold them in favor of a set of brand X arms was to have them match my new watts link (merely a cosmetic choice... that and $ burning a hole in my pocket). I can vouch for their effectiveness in taming the barge-like handling of the OEM parts.
 
CRUZTAKER said:
Well...well...

This is a nice revisit. :up:

What a ruckus at the tail end of the last run. Folks fighting and all...returning the product in favor of the Metco...selling what they had....

Thank goodness that's out of our system!

I must say that I am very happy with mine, and have been for nearly 27,000 miles. The look is very unique as well.
I have always favored circles over rectangles...:P

I powdercoated mine red to match my calipers.
Unfortunately I cannot find the pics.:depress:
Click to expand...

Between My 03 and Mrs TR's 04 MM we have about 60K on the Z&M control arms.

No issues with any of the rear end componants due to the pinion angle.
Have no regrets about choosing them and the performance improvement in cornering is noticeable.

If I had another MM I'de choose them again.
 
What Teamrope ^^^^ said. About two years on mine and 30K miles. No squeaks. Installed myself, easy to do. Would do it again in a heartbeat. :bandit:
 
Had to check date of this thread

One of the best mods i ever got and i'll tell ya get em while you can.:up:
Maybe on these sets you guys may wanna put some kind of advertising on them so when you look threw the wheels is can be seen.
 
I second the remarks of teamrope -- I have the Z&Ms on BOTH our MMs plus the ADDCO rear sway bar and this is wonderful.

About the difference in the 2 MMs:
03 Blue MM has the ORIG. M&Zs
04 DTR MM has the Modified (1/4") M&Zs
I cannot tell the difference and neither could the LM Tech who did the install! AND they LOOK STOCK!!!!!

Net, net, I heartily recommend these control arms to all MMers here!:beer:
 
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