How to Install a Fox Body Strut Tower Brace

Adding a Fox Body strut tower brace is a cheap way to increase your Mustang's chassis strength, preventing it from bending at high speeds. It can also improve handling and give your '79-'93 Mustang a track-ready look under the hood. For a full rundown of the benefits, check out our strut bar pros and cons article.

Whether you're a seasoned wrencher or not, anyone can install a strut brace with our easy-to-follow instructions. You'll be back on the road in no time enjoying tighter turns and improved handling. If you're looking to add one to another Mustang, we have strut tower brace installation guides for Classic Mustang and S197 as well.

Fox Body Strut Tower Brace Install Instructions

For this installation, we chose a black BBK strut tower brace. It fits all 1986-1993 Mustangs, and its triangular braces join the strut towers together and tie them into the firewall for added strength.

Your strut bar might be different from the one we chose, but the installation should be similar for all 1979-1993 Mustangs. Just make sure the brace fits with your engine configuration, and always read the manufacturer's instructions before you install it.

Parts and Tools Needed:

Step 1: Position Brace

Open your Mustang's hood to access the engine. Place the strut mount bar into position roughly where it will be mounted to make sure there's clearance. Some aftermarket engine upgrades like superchargers or intakes may not fit with a strut tower brace, so make sure yours is good to go before installing it.

Step 2: Remove Wipers and Cowl

The rear part of the strut tower brace will pass through the firewall behind the cowl, so you will need to remove both the wipers and the cowl for the rest of the install.

Pop off the wiper blades and use a screwdriver to remove the six screws holding the cowl in place. Lift the cowl up and disconnect the washer fluid hose underneath.

Step 3: Move Wiring Harnesses

Using the panel removal tool, free the wiring harness and move it out of the way for the rest of the install.

Pro Tip: Removing the washer hose is also a good idea, so it doesn't get in the way.

Step 4: Reposition Strut Brace

Place the strut brace back into the install position. Make sure both sides are even and positioned where you can drill a hole to attach the brace.

Pro Tip: It's ok if the back of the brace isn't entirely flush with the firewall. Many aftermarket braces will come with a plate to place behind the brace, so when you tighten down the bolts, the brace will be flush.

Step 5: Drill Bolt Holes

Using a drill, make a hole for the bolts included with your brace. There will be a hole for a side and top bolt at the attachment point on either side.

Installing a bolt by hand can be helpful to hold the brace in position while you drill the rest of the holes. Don't worry about the rear firewall attachment point yet.

Pro Tip: Having a second person for this step is helpful to hold the brace in position while you drill.

Step 6: Mark Rear Firewall Drilling Position

Designate the drilling positions on the rear firewall using a marker. Remove the brace from the car to drill the holes.

Step 7: Drill Rear Firewall Holes

Using your marked position, begin drilling a smaller pilot hole. Once the smaller hole is positioned correctly, use the larger drill bit to form a hole for the rear brace bolts.

Step 8: Install Spacer Plate

Place the brace back into position and test fit the bolts to make sure they attach correctly. Raise the spacer plate into position at the rear of the brace. Make sure the hole for the washer is at the top of the spacer.

Install the bolts with washers. Head over to the cowl area and install the lock washer from behind the firewall. Tighten bolts by hand.

Step 9: Install Bolts

Install bolts with washers at the remaining attachment points.

Step 10: Install Lock Washers and Nuts

Take a lock washer and nut and get your hand underneath the car frame to access the other side of the bolt. Slide on the lock washer and tighten the nut by hand. Repeat this process for all attachment points.

Step 11: Tighten Down Bolts

Using a ratchet, tighten down all of the bolts at each attachment point. Tighten the bolts attached to the firewall as well.

Step 12: Reinstall Cowl and Wipers

Place the cowl back into position and reinstall the six screws to hold it in place. After that, reinstall the wiper blades.

Congratulations, you're all done!

Enhance the Performance of Your Fox Body Mustang

After you install a new Mustang strut brace, your Fox Body will be ready to conquer the track. But don't stop there. A new engine strut bar is just the tip of the iceberg for performance upgrades. From engine mods to big brake kits to a less restrictive exhaust, we've got you covered for your next Fox Body mod.