Last post by Chuck W -
I would use SN-95 struts, mainly due to the extended length. I picked up a set of the Koni non-adjustable orange struts(STR.T) for the LTS, which is the same as your 85 TBird. Decent choice for a driver. I've used KYBs as well, but they don't last too long.
On the rear, you really have no choice, if you want something decent. All of the 79-04 Mustang shocks are too short to use as-is. Either make yourself a set of my old lower shock brackets (I have the old drawings linked here on the forum) or get a set from 23Parts.com, as they've put them into production and should have them on their website.
Last post by Chuck W -
Are you talking "base" V6 convertible, or V8 convertible?
On the GT and Cobra springs, there isn't a whole lot of difference. The Cobra spring rates are a slightly lower at first glance, but the progressive rate is different and get more aggressive as you compress the springs more. They might feel "softer". The load rating is about the same. The V6 springs have a linear rate (on all 4 corners IIRC, but for sure on the rear). They also have a lower load rating. Not recommended.
Somewhere I have the specs for all of the standard 96-98 springs based on the 3-letter codes. It has been over 25 years since I was digging around in these. If I have a look, I might find the paper with the details.
In '99, Ford changed the way the values on the springs were listed on the tags. Before that, you would have the 3-letter code and the spring and load ratings listed (Metric). Such as "RRR" which was a '96-98 Cobra rear spring had "28.9/3470" which is the spring rate in N/mm and load rating in N. Converting that to lbs/in and lbs is 28.9x5.7 lbs/in and 3470/4.44 lbs. Or 165 lbs/in and 780lbs. As an example, the stock rear springs in my old '84 XR 7 were "JAD" "33/4200" (185 lbs/in and 944 lbs)
In the end, the main difference in the springs is the load rating, as they changed what springs were in the cars based on options, etc. The V8 convertible springs were always the highest load rating, which is what I tended to use on the rear of my cars. (I have always tried to use Motorsport C-Kits on the front). You can see in the example above, the rear springs on our cars are kind of beefy.
Anyway, probably a lot more than you asked for, but it does remind me to try and find that info, for posterity sake.
Last post by ISTLCRUZ -
I have read the 94/95 Mustang convertible springs will lower the birds/cougars about 1.5”. I’m curious what the difference are between Cobra convertible vs. regular convertible because I have access to both. Also if I go this direction do I use SN95 shocks/struts
I have rear shock adapters and will be getting C/C plates from MM
Last post by bodyman -
Took advantage of the 40 degree day yesterday and sprayed the hood, roof, and deck lid. I’ll be sanding and buffing clear coat the next couple of days. Still have a little bit of bodywork to do on the header, spoiler, and bumper covers. Going to try to get those caught up before painting any more.
Last post by Mikey97D -
If you are concerned at all about the antifreeze and don't want to get a tester or it test bad, you will be better off dumping all the coolant out leaving it empty.
Last post by Muttwood -
It's cold outside ! The Electric Focus has a message on the dash to keep it plugged in when not used. The Cougar is kicked out for a few weeks, she demands to be plugged in too. I'm not sure how good the antifreeze is.
Last post by Thunderbird83 -
1983 Ford Thunderbird "Heritage" - located northern suburbs of Chicago
This car has been in my family since 1985
The pictures are from several years ago when I swapped from steel wheels to the original TRX wheels.
The car was driven daily or weekly as recently as about 8 years ago. It has always been kept in a garage, but I stopped driving it about 5 years ago.
It was running well when I stopped driving it, but it has not moved in a while and it's very dusty and the tires are flat. It was not prepared for storage, I just stopped driving it.
This was a completely loaded car in 1983. I have the original window sticker, and with all of the options it sold for $16,087.00 (that's about $51,000 in today's dollars). It has the 5.0 V8, electronic dash, leather seats, keypad keyless entry, power driver and passenger seats, talking voice alerts, automatic headlights, cruise control, etc... It truly has a very rare set of options. I have never seen another Thunderbird of this era loaded as fully as this one.
I need to make space in my garage, and it's time to let it go. It has never been restored, and is generally all original. Miles are over 100k. Someone who cares about this model of car could make this into a nice restoration, or with some mechanical TLC could make it into a driver.
I'm not going to attempt to start it. The battery is dead. It will need to be towed away. I will include the TRX wheels and a set of steel wheels with Thunderbird hubcaps. All of the tires are old and should be replaced.
I have no idea what this car is worth... I am open to offers. I would love to see it go to a good home where someone who loves these cars can clean it up and get it on the road.
Last post by 88AeroBird -
So the wipers on my 88 LX will not return to the park position. When I turn the wiper switch off, the wipers stay in the “raised” position and I can hear a buzzing sound from the Interval Governor relay. Anyone else ran into this issue before? Thanks!!