FAQ upper control arm, bar brace, k-member, Axle brace
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about CHE Performance products. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
2011-2014 Mustang Tubular Upper Control Arm Mount
Will this mount fit any aftermarket upper control arm?
Yes. The mount is compatible with all aftermarket upper control arms except the Steeda upper control arm equipped with polyurethane bushings due to its oversized pinion snubber.
The Steeda control arm can still be used when mounted in the lower adjustment holes of the CHE Tubular Upper Control Arm Mount.
The mount is also fully compatible with the factory upper control arm.
Related Product
2011-2014 Mustang Tubular Upper Control Arm Mount
Which mounting hole should I use?
Upper Hole (Recommended for Street Use)
The upper hole places the control arm in nearly the same location as the factory mount and is recommended for all street-driven vehicles.
Lower Hole (Competition Use)
The lower hole is designed to increase rear suspension bite and improve traction during hard launches. This position is intended for drag racing and competition vehicles and is not recommended for normal street driving.
Panhard Bar Brace
How much clearance is there between the frame rail and the brace?
There is approximately 1.5 inches of clearance between the driver's side frame rail mounting point and the top of the brace tubing.
What is the tubing diameter?
The brace uses 1-inch diameter tubing with a 0.095-inch wall thickness.
What material is the tubing made from?
The tubing is manufactured from mild steel.
What type of welding is used?
All Panhard Bar Braces are fully TIG welded for maximum strength and consistency.
K-Member Brace with Engine Torque Limiters
Will the K-Member Brace create a harsher ride?
K-Member Brace
No. The brace itself does not add noticeable noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH). It improves chassis rigidity, steering response, and front suspension performance.
Standard Engine Torque Limiters
Standard torque limiters may introduce minimal additional NVH while significantly improving drivetrain stability and shifting accuracy under load.
Competition Engine Torque Limiters
Competition torque limiters utilize rod ends in place of polyurethane bushings and will transmit higher levels of NVH into the cabin. These are intended for race-oriented applications.
Will this fit a 2008 Mustang Bullitt with Kooks long tube headers and a Kooks off-road X-pipe?
Yes.
Current known fitment issues include:
- SLP Long Tube Headers on GT models
- American Racing Long Tube Headers on GT500 models
- Pacesetter Long Tube Headers on 2005-2010 V8 models when used with Competition Torque Limiters
Standard Torque Limiters clear the Pacesetter headers without issue.
My car already has a factory K-Member Brace. Can I still install this?
Yes. The CHE 4-Point K-Member Brace replaces the factory brace and provides substantially greater rigidity and chassis support.
Will the CHE K-Member Brace work with an aftermarket tubular K-member?
Some customers have successfully adapted the brace to aftermarket tubular K-members. However, because the brace was not designed around tubular K-members, CHE Performance cannot provide installation guidance or guarantee fitment.
Do I need adapter plates for my 2005 Mustang?
Vehicles built before January 2005 require adapter plates for proper installation.
Vehicles built January 2005 or later do not require adapter plates.
Your vehicle's build date can be found on the driver-side door jamb sticker.
(Insert build-date reference photos here.)
How can I verify long tube header clearance?
Follow our Fitment Verification Instructions prior to purchase or installation to confirm adequate clearance with your specific header setup.
Mustang 8.8 Axle Brace
Why isn't welding the axle tubes enough?
While welding the axle tubes to the center section is highly recommended—especially on vehicles running drag tires—it only addresses one part of the problem.
Welded tubes help prevent the axle tubes from rotating within the center section, but they do little to stop the axle housing from flexing under heavy loads.
During hard launches, axle tube deflection can become severe enough to crack the center section near the welds, potentially damaging the rear axle and other drivetrain components.
The CHE Mustang 8.8 Axle Brace helps reduce or eliminate axle housing deflection by reinforcing the entire assembly.
Benefits of an Axle Brace
- Reduces axle housing flex
- Helps protect the center section from damage
- Improves launch consistency
- Enhances traction during hard acceleration
- Promotes more stable rear suspension geometry
For maximum protection, we recommend using the axle brace in conjunction with properly welded axle tubes.
Will the Axle Brace work with an aftermarket Panhard Bar?
In many cases, modifications will be required.
Most aftermarket panhard bar axle brackets mount in the same area used by the CHE Axle Brace, creating a fitment conflict.
Recommended Solution
Cut the mounting flange from the CHE Axle Brace and weld it onto the aftermarket panhard bar bracket where it attaches to the control arm bracket.
This modification allows both components to be used together while maintaining proper functionality.