Page "Ford Torino" Paragraph 44

The biggest change for the Torino was the switch to body-on-frame construction from the unit-construction of the 1971 models.

The new chassis was a perimeter design that was used to help give the Torino a quieter and more isolated ride.

It featured an energy absorbing " S " shaped front end, torque boxes to isolate road shock, fourteen rubber body mounts and five solid cross members.

The front suspension used an unequal length control arm design, with a computer selected coil spring mounted on the strut stabilized lower control arm, much like the fullsize Ford LTD.

The rear used the " Stabul " four link suspension with a computer selected coil spring mounted on a solid axle.

The new suspension and chassis had a wheel track at least wider than the 1971 models.

Motor Trend stated the " road isolation and vibrational dampening is superb " in its test of a 1972 Gran Torino Brougham 4-door.

Ford offered two suspension options, the heavy-duty and competition suspension.

The heavy-duty suspension included heavy-duty springs and shocks, while the competition suspension included the heavy-duty springs and shocks, plus a larger front sway bar and a rear sway bar.

This was the first year that a rear sway bar was offered in the Torino.

Front disc brakes now became standard on all Torinos, which no other American intermediate ( other than the Mercury Montego ) offered in 1972.

Power brakes remained an option for sedans and coupes under ; they were standard on all station wagons and 429-powered models.

The power steering was also revised to be integral in the steering box, rather than the external booster style used in previous years.

All Torinos now had 14-inch wheels as the only wheel size available, while 15-inch wheels were used for police and fleet models.