Going to start my resto with the front susp.

Topic: Going to start my resto with the front susp. (Read 1627 times) previous topic - next topic

Going to start my resto with the front susp.

May 31, 2011, 09:56:22 PM

Ok guys, I have worked up the guts and somewhat have the paycheck to back it up, I'm gonna do the five lug swap on the front with 17 inch (95ish) cobras.

I had the opportunity to own a smashed 03 gt awhile back, but passed it up because I didnt want anything other than the suspension, which was mangled on the front right. I may have found some 94-95 gt spindles online but am always open to other suggestions.

I also found the cobra wheels I wanted, I have had ZERRROOO luck finding a used set, so theres a place online selling them new for $119 a rim. (with ford part numbers, so i'd assume theyre actual cobras.)

For tires I will use the stock size for a 95 cobra, which IIRC was 255/45-17, I will continue searching posts for the best STREETABLE size for the 88 tbird but again, chime in if you would like.

I have a set of shocks for a 03-04 mustang gt, these probably wont use the same points as the 95 spindles, right?

Brakes, stock gt for the swap, goodies down the road.

Steering rack, which is where you guys lose me. I dont want to lower as much as fill in my wheelwells... Seems my stock height was cutting it close with bumps around town, so does the new rack and spindles make it lower, per say?

Again this is just for the front, I'll attack the rear axle when the time comes. I'll just be happy to drive it a couple times before winter. I just dont want to buy another set of 14's for the front just to drive 100 miles.

I was going to post links of what I was looking at, but for some reason google wont pull anything familiar up here, I know its still up on my screen at work so I will tomorrow.

Going to start my resto with the front susp.

Reply #1 – June 01, 2011, 07:31:30 AM

Made it to work this lovely morning, it has rained for 2 months straight here in columbus.... so it is rather exciting.

Anyway, this place offers them in multiple finishes, starting at $129.99
http://www.hubcaphaven.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=4986&Category_Code=383&Store_Code=HC

Going to start my resto with the front susp.

Reply #2 – June 01, 2011, 10:57:09 AM

Quote from: blain_gatterdam;360907

Ok guys, I have worked up the guts and somewhat have the paycheck to back it up, I'm gonna do the five lug swap on the front with 17 inch (95ish) cobras.

I had the opportunity to own a smashed 03 gt awhile back, but passed it up because I didnt want anything other than the suspension, which was mangled on the front right. I may have found some 94-95 gt spindles online but am always open to other suggestions.

I also found the cobra wheels I wanted, I have had ZERRROOO luck finding a used set, so theres a place online selling them new for $119 a rim. (with ford part numbers, so i'd assume theyre actual cobras.)

For tires I will use the stock size for a 95 cobra, which IIRC was 255/45-17, I will continue searching posts for the best STREETABLE size for the 88 tbird but again, chime in if you would like.

I have a set of shocks for a 03-04 mustang gt, these probably wont use the same points as the 95 spindles, right?

Brakes, stock gt for the swap, goodies down the road.

Steering rack, which is where you guys lose me. I dont want to lower as much as fill in my wheelwells... Seems my stock height was cutting it close with bumps around town, so does the new rack and spindles make it lower, per say?

Again this is just for the front, I'll attack the rear axle when the time comes. I'll just be happy to drive it a couple times before winter. I just dont want to buy another set of 14's for the front just to drive 100 miles.

I was going to post links of what I was looking at, but for some reason google wont pull anything familiar up here, I know its still up on my screen at work so I will tomorrow.

The general consensus is that if you only want a stock ride height, 94-95 spindles are great, but if you plan to lower, then 96+ spindles are what you'd want.

The newer shocks will bolt just fine to the the 94+ spindles.

Unless you NEED a new steering rack, I'd keep what you have. If you swap to an SN95 rack, you'll need the flaming river adapter, as well.

I'd just upgrade to a TC/Stang 5.0 quick ratio rack and pump for the same, if it were me. Whatever the case, be aware that SN95 tie rods won't thread onto fox inner tie rods, and vice versa.

I've done the same thing as you're wanting to do, I kept my 15:1 rack, fox tie rods (inner, and outer) '94 spindles, Sn95 struts, TC swaybar, '97 Stang springs, and going to use '94 calipers.

For the rear setup I plan to use ranger axles and drums, as I don't need nor want the complexity of rear discs, changing master cylinder/prop. valve and park brake cables, etc.

Hope this helps...oh, and if you haven't, look at american muscle for wheels...they've got a decent selection and price...someday I hope to have my 'Bird sitting on some FR500's....

Going to start my resto with the front susp.

Reply #3 – June 01, 2011, 03:35:07 PM

I am not 100% sure but I believe it is the K-member geometry that dictates the use of the 94-95 or the 96+ spindles. According the Maximum Motorsports you want to use the 94-95 spindles on the Fox cars with a stock K-member to due to bump steer:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=tech_front_susp_spindle_warning

The other thing you want to do is install these rack bushings:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=514_3_86&products_id=466

I tried the Flaming River piece and the problem I could not get the steering wheel to clock properly. The only real solution other than taking the SN95 rack apart and reclocking the shaft is to use the MM hybrid shaft:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=514_3_14&products_id=461

I have this in my Mustang and the T-Bird as both use the SN95 rack. The problem is the SN95 inner and outer tie-rods have metric threads where the Fox inner and outer tie-rods have standard threads. However, the threads on the Fox and SN95 racks where the inner tie-rods attach are the same. With this you have two choices on the tie-rod issue. One is to use Fox inner tie-rods on the SN95 rack which will allow you to reuse the stock Fox outer tie-rods. The other is to use '93 Taurus outer tie-rods and the SN-95 inner-tie rods. I know all of this works on the Mustangs and I can only verify that the Fox inner tie-rod with the Fox outer tie-rods worked on my '83 Bird. The stock power steering lines bolted right up to the rack.

As stated above the SN95 spindles will accept struts from 87 thru 04. Go with the SN95's on a stock height car and the Fox units on a lowered car. It has to do with the bump stops and overall height of the struts.

On the front I would strongly suggest you at least use the front calipers from a 99 V6 car. They are PBR's and have dual 42mm pistons and work with the 94 and up GT or V6 rotors. It only requires a minor modification to the spindle and they are far superior to the 94-98 calipers.

Here is the bummer, you will have to change the master cylinder at a minimum and I would strongly suggest you get a brake booster for a 93 Cobra as well. You will also need a manual proportioning valve and you will need to gut the proportioning valve side of the combination valve (brass block below the master cylinder) which will require a new block off plug. All of this is here:

http://home.comcast.net/~mjbobbitt/mustang/page1.html

You are correct, the stock rubber on a 94-98 Cobra was 255/45/17 but you may want to go with a 245/40/17 as they are more common and cost a bit less.

Darren