Page 4 of 40
BOSS 302 HISTORY
The Ford Mustang isn’t just a car – it’s an American automotive icon.
And of the more than 9 million Mustangs sold to date over the five
different platform generations covering the past five decades, there is
arguably one high-performance model that stands above the rest in both
reverence and respect among enthusiasts, racers and collectors alike.
That’s the Boss302.
Many consider the 1969-70 model years to be the high-water mark of the
so-calledMuscle Car era.Semon E. “Bunkie” Knudsen was hired as
president in an effort to pump new blood into the Ford Motor Company
product pipeline.
Bunkie set out to secure Ford corporate bragging rights once and for all
with an all-new racing-inspired Mustang model. Knudsen wanted a
Mustang race car to champion a hot, new Ford small-block V-8 that could
power a competitive entry in the Trans Am road racing series. So he
tagged designer Larry Shinoda with the task of designing what a
production version of the new race car should look like.
Knudsen had ordered that his new road-racing Mustang not only be
powerful, but also that it should be “absolutely the best-handling street
car available on the American market.” Shinoda came up with racy looks
for the new Mustangs that he was designing forthe boss– which was
how he referred to Knudsen. Both the styling ofthe Boss’ car,and the
name, stuck.
Enter the 1969Boss302built to compete in the performance car
arena. The Boss302 was built so that Ford could go out and win in
Trans Am racing. Shinoda’s design for the Boss302 included front and
rear spoilers, racy side stripes, a matte-black hood and even rear window
louvers – but it was performance that really helped sell the cars.
The Boss302 dazzled the enthusiast press, established a new level of
interest in Ford performance, and became a force to be reckoned with
on the racetrack. The Boss302 was edged out of winning the 1969
Trans Am racing series in the car’s inaugural season. But Parnelli Jones
and George Follmer piloted their Boss302 Mustangs to the victory
circle more than any other team in the hotly contested 1970 campaign,
giving Ford the manufacturer’s championship, all while the road going
versions were buildingstreet cred.
Introduction
4
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Page 23 of 40
WARNING:When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
IMPORTANT TIRE INFORMATION
Your vehicle is equipped with unique wheels and tires designed to
enhance performance. To continue providing this performance, extra
care must be taken when operating and maintaining your vehicle.
Wheels and tires
Boss30219in.x9.0in.front,19in.x9.5in.rear
cast aluminum wheels
255/40ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear tires
Boss302 with
Laguna Seca
Package19 in. x 9.0 in. front, 19 in. x 10.0 in. rear
lightweight cast aluminum wheels
255/40ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear tires
(ultra high performance)
Tires
Your Boss302 is equipped with low profile, high performance tires that
are designed to optimize the car’s driving dynamics. These tires are not
optimized for off-road or winter (snow or cold weather) performance,
and their ride, noise and wear characteristics are different than
non-performance tires. Also, because of their lower profile, the tires are
more susceptible to damage due to potholes and rough roads. To ensure
that your tires perform as intended, it is important that you maintain
your tires properly.
•The Boss302 and Boss302 with Laguna Seca Package original
equipment tires are optimized for maximum steering and handling
performance. Ford does not recommend using these tires in cold
temperatures of approximately 40°F (5°C) and below (depending on
tire, surface and weather conditions). See your Ford dealer for
recommended tires in these conditions.
Tire Information
23
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Page 29 of 40
Flatbed
The following diagram illustrates the maximum ramp angle allowable to
load your vehicle on a flatbed. Vehicle damage may occur with greater
angles.
1. 36 in. (91 cm) 4x4 loading block
2. 18 in. (45.72 cm) 4x4 loading block
3. 11.5° maximum
Securing the rear of the vehicle
For flatbed towing, secure the rear
of the vehicle by using axle straps
or lasso straps around the rear axle.
One strap is required on each side
of the differential.Note:Using the
standard T-slot attachment can
damage the side exiting exhaust.
3
2
1
Roadside Emergencies
29
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
