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T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars FOR SALE / '84 T-Bird 5.0 parting out
Last post by dr..mach -
I have an '84 T-Bird with the 5.0 that will get parted out over the coming months.  Body is in pretty decent shape, interior isn't bad.  I purchased from the original owner who had it in storage for several years.  Engine turns over easy but gas is horrible so I did not try to start it.  Does have sunroof.  Silver exterior with grey interior if that matters.  Carpet is terrible.  Front fenders and rear quarters have been spoken for.  Let me know if you need anything and I can get you pictures and pricing.  Thank you.

Chris
Northeast Iowa
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Suspension/Steering / Re: Front Struts
Last post by Chuck W -
Quote from: EricCoolCats – on
Chuck, how does a 1980-82 Thunderbird/XR-7 strut compare to a 1983-86 car?
They used the same(or similar) style of strut mounts as the others did, so the same would apply. On the 2 that I had , one got a set of my custom strut mounts and the other got a set of the KYB/Moog like above. I probably used Fox KYBs struts. (It's been forever ago, and my notes are pictures are more limited on those builds)
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Suspension/Steering / Re: Front Struts
Last post by Chuck W -
Buy struts for an '86 Mustang and replace the strut mounts with ones like THESE.

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 -
I have an '86 Bird with the 5.0 that could use a set of front struts.  They are not totally wore out but the front end of the car likes to "float" over the bumps.  Guy could almost get sea sick from the bouncing if the road is terrible.  Anyway, went to my local parts store today and they cannot get front struts.  The suspension is stock and I planned on keeping it mostly unmodified.  Where are you getting struts?  Thank you for the help.
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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 -
Longtubes would've been even more of a hassle. The 6R80 is already tight enough the in the trans tunnel  :giggle: .

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 -
Quote from: Mikey97D – on
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.