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Suspension/Steering / Re: Front Struts
Last post by Chuck W -Chuck, how does a 1980-82 Thunderbird/XR-7 strut compare to a 1983-86 car?
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Suspension/Steering / Re: Front Struts
Last post by EricCoolCats -4
Suspension/Steering / Re: Front Struts
Last post by Chuck W -The Mustang struts won't fit the TBird strut mounts, thus the need to swap them out.
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Suspension/Steering / Front Struts
Last post by dr..mach -6
Other Vehicles / Re: Oops, I did it again. I bought a new car. (1986 Ford LTD wagon)
Last post by Chuck W -
.When I left off, I was going to toss the rack into the car, so I could get the steering shaft where it needed to be. Ran into a small snag.
I had to make more adjustments to my motor mounts, as the rack was running into the oil pan before I could get it into place.
Spent some time early this afternoon modifying the mounts to raise the engine up a touch (about 1/4"). That gave me the room I needed for the rack so I got it mocked up.
I found a 3" to 2-1/2" conical reducer that should do what I need. To test it, I 3D printed up a copy and dropped it all in place.
I might get more room with a regular stepped reducer, but I kind of like the flow of this one, and if I need a little "clearance" dent it shouldn't be too bad.
I'll need to extend it a bit past the end of the reducer, and then I need to turn down to clear the firewall and get under the car. I'll need to add a bung for the front O2 sensor and I'll probably make a (v-band) connection before the turn down.
The X-pipe is 2-1/2", so I'll just be keeping with that theme all the way to the back.
The downside of raising things up a bit is now the intake hits the hood. (Like thick paper contact). It's on one of the underhood support bits, so another clearancing dent should be sufficient.
Another thing I ran into while digging into wiring involves the fuel system. I'm wanting to stay with the stock return-less set-up and use the stock FPCM.
I came across a possible issue with that involving the RCM (Restraints Control Module). Back in the late 00's, Ford did away with the intertia switch and replaced it with an "ENS" signal from the RCM to the FPCM. If the module, which is tied into crash sensors, ABS, SRS, etc) senses a problem or in a crash, it kills the FP through the FPCM. This car is from WAY before the implementation of all of that, so there's no RCM in the car.
All of Ford's "control packs" just are set up to run a return-type fuel system and don't deal with it.
After finding the copy of Ford's patent for the set-up, I may have a solution for spoofing that signal, though. Picking some brains bigger than mine on it and will know more when I have more parts in hand.
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User Rides / Re: Work In Progress. '88 TC
Last post by Ductape91 -I was looking for one of those donut things but couldn't find anything listed for the car. Do you remember the brand gasket set that came with the donut? The FelPro 8993 didn't nor the Felpro kit above it (more gaskets).
ps: I have the headgasket number already memorized........this is not a good sign.
It was actually in an old nos Detroit gasket set i dont know the number for the set offhand when i stop by the garage to pay it in a few days ill see if i can find it.
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Other Vehicles / Re: Oops, I did it again. I bought a new car. (1986 Ford LTD wagon)
Last post by Mikey97D - Agree, extending those tubes to lower the would be ideal to clear the knuckle.
I wonder if the spacing and bolt pattern on the exhaust is the same as the 4.0?
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Other Vehicles / Re: Oops, I did it again. I bought a new car. (1986 Ford LTD wagon)
Last post by Chuck W -Shoving the upper portion into the receiver on the column more may allow for clearance of the u-joint, but the lower section still needs to angle more.
I need to toss the rack in there to see exactly where things fall, but some sort of modification is going to be needed.
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User Rides / Re: Work In Progress. '88 TC
Last post by Mikey97D -ps: I have the headgasket number already memorized........this is not a good sign.