Horrid memories... Yea, there were many surprises, most of which I should have avoided by stepping back and punting on the first one, but instead I just kept throwing new parts at it....

I traded for a set of 01 Bullitt front spindles, rotors, and front and rear calipers. I then ran across a Lincoln Mark VII rear end, where my bud only needed the housing and the gears. So I picked up the brakes, brackets, brake lines, and axles. I thought I was going to be all set....

First problem that I knew about, was the 01 Bullitt spindle needed a larger ball joint than my current ride. No problem, except my current A-Arm would not take the larger ball joint. Again, no problem, I already had replacements lined up.


The newer A-Arm was from a 96+ Mustang?? It was about an inch longer. The first surprise came in when the current struts were an inch too short... (Not sure, but my camber/caster plates might have caused the issue, as they raise the mounting point on the shock tower??) So here was the first stoppage and I waited for Summit to deliver two new Koni struts...

Next issue, the tire rods were too short as well... so I had to get two new ones and this was because of the longer A-Arm swap. Then the outers would not fit the new tie rods, as the treading was different, so yet again, new outers.


The only thing that I thought would be a problem, was the brake lines to the new calipers. However, since they had already been replaced with steel braded lines, I was good! Oh yea, brass washers, three different parts stores before I had enough... Forgot about those....

Next was getting the back end together. The axles was pretty much straight forward, but one of the axle seals was leaking. Of course, I decide to replace both. The leaking one, almost falls out. The other side was a pain in.. you know! So, the bearing broke before it would come out, so we had to grind the bearing out. Got the new ones in and put the axles in. Ahh.... Next, the brake lines from the Lincoln were larger, so they would not fit up to the existing line connector in front of the axle. So another trip to the parts store for piece that would make the two fit. This is where I am at today..... Also have to figure out how to get the stupid clip back on the Lincoln rear caliper. I am almost starting to wonder if I have the wrong pad?? The pad fits perfectly, but I can't the clip to hold the pads in place, it just doen't seem to fit??? Any ways, that is my vacation up till today...

I would have asked more questions, but I thought I had everything covered.... Oh yea.. Master cylinder... Didn't plan on that being an issue.... Any advise???

 

I guess I was just greedy wanting the 13 inch Cobra rotors...

Yea, I should have thought to ask you about it.... Also talked to Jeff on Tuesday and he said that he used the 95 spindels and did not have these issues. I am wondering if it was just the camber/caster plates that caused the issue with the struts

What did you use for your swap?

 

Maybe all this happened because after all this modding you haven't added a single horsepower. This has to be wrong. Yup, let me think.. hmm...



15 yard penatly, this man has too many toys! Loss of vehicle and repeat first car.

 

OK, maybe I am not explaining it correctly.... My understanding was that the spindle, where it sits on the ball joint on the A-Arm, had a larger hole and I needed a larger stud than my stock ball joint has. So I used the 96+ A-Arm with that ball joint to fit the 01 Spindles. Also with the additional 8mm of length, the wheels line up from back to front, as the Lincoln axles put the wheels out about another inch. Looking at the car, it has a good stance and should offer a little more in the corners when I get things straightened out.


Fordified,
I used the proportioning valve arrangement from the Lincoln rear end. I am hoping that I am OK there. I did not think about the Master Cylinder, so that will be on the list.
The Camber/Caster plates did not offer me any type of up and down adjustment. They offer side to side, but right now, that isn't enough. I believe that I am going to have to cut into the top of strut tower, as I need about another inch out to set the camber correctly. (I was at the tire shop today and saw what it needs. )

Smokeshow,
What can I say... After the last round of Horsepower, I needed to be able to stop. (And I wanted to do it in style... )

 

Fucking beautiful, the brakes fill up behind the wheels nicely as well.

 

Brett, Im in love....

wow!

 

i to am in love..sexyest coupe ever