Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Topic: Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar (Read 2382 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

May 19, 2016, 10:54:00 PM

Hello,
I'm looking to replace a damaged cradle from an 1986 cougar. Does anyone know if other fox body cars use the same cradle or does it need to come from an 83-86 cougar/Tbird? Its a V-8, also not sure if a V6 cradle would be any different but assume it isn't?

Thanks

-Dennis

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #1 – May 20, 2016, 01:10:42 AM

All fox car k members are very similar and can be swapped with few modifications. The 85.5 and up cars have specific motor mounts that suck. 83-85.5 use mustang style motor mounts which do not suck. I used to pic out efi v-8 cars at the junkyard by the dent in the hood from ac compressor bracket hitting the hood because the motor mount separated.

Some people had said you have to elongate bolt holes and some aftermarket k members require spacers at the rear, but pretty much any k-member should physically bolt in place.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #2 – May 20, 2016, 12:22:38 PM

The only direct replacement is 86 Tbird or Cougar. 83-85 have the same suspension mounting, but different motor mounting locations. 86's have the early suspension mounts, but the same motor mounting as the 87-88's, which have different suspension geometry.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #3 – May 23, 2016, 08:14:22 PM

Put an 83-85 Cougar or Bird k-member in it and buy a set of V-8 Fox Mustang motor mounts and be done with it. I think the Mark VII k-members will work as well but I am not for sure on that or the years but it could be another source.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #4 – May 23, 2016, 08:23:42 PM

Mark VII K-members have different spring mounts due to the factory air springs. They do use "convertible" Mustang motor mounts however.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #5 – May 23, 2016, 10:44:02 PM

There you go. Completely forgot about the air ride on those cars. Just a note on the Fox Mustang engine mounts, all the parts stores carry anymore is the vert design as they proved to be a superior design. You can still get the non-vert design but it will be a eurothane mount from the likes of Energy Suspension or Prothane. The vert mounts drop the motor down about 1/2" versus the standard mount.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #6 – May 24, 2016, 04:45:09 AM

I modified my stock 86 motor mounts with some generic $20 motor mounts from jegs. With a 3/4" spacer it is close to stock height and I'm not breaking the rubber ever couple weeks.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #7 – June 25, 2016, 01:54:18 PM

Thanks for a ll the info guys. Got another question.

I Haven't been able to locate any COUGAR/BIRD parts cars near me in the past month. My brother found an 86 mustang he could use the Tranny for one of his projects, but would the Cradle work on my 86 cougar?
Sounds like other than changing motor mounts it may being its a fox body?

Please let me know if you have any knowledge on that...

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #8 – June 25, 2016, 10:48:37 PM

A mustang k member is shorter in height and you will need some spacers between the k member and the upper rails.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/K-Member-Spacer-Kit-12-thick-P1268.aspx

You would use just the upper spacers from kit like this one or make your own. Not sure if the FLCA locations are the same or not.

Engine Cradle/K member fit cross reference 86 cougar

Reply #9 – June 26, 2016, 12:11:16 AM

You would want to keep everything off the Mustang k member to ensure all spacing and suspension is correct for the application.