I have a 84' T-Bird that I have some questions on the suspension and rear end. I have been told that the Mustang Fox body style cars are the same suspension and rear end and how they bolt up. I am looking to put a tubular K member and control arms, coil over kit etc. I have a 351w that is being built at (515hp) specs and want to be able to put the power to the ground. Does anyone have any info on parts/manufacturers on any "swap" parts for my Tbird????:burnout:
I have,
8.8 w/31 spline locker with moser axles
C4 with Boss Hog 3000 stall convert
.30 over 351w
Everything should bolt up just fine.
I got all my stuff from Team-Z but there are lots of other companies.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=25361
Sounds like you are going to have a very nice and fast car. I also have the same torque converter and I'm happy with it.
TED
Mustang control arms (rear) will NOT work...fronts will, however, depending on years.
THIS (http://"http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=27386") thread will aid you in finding what fits correctly...
Need the CHE rear ctr arms. The control arms on the rear are bout
1/2 to 5/8 in longer on a Cougar/Tbird than the mustangs.
You can run them but it will pull the rear end foreward could cause tire rubbin issues.
The TBird uppers are even longer...1-1/8"
the lower control arms are the same on the rear for mustang and thunderbird... ( I just installed a set of mustang lowers in my 85 TC)
Chuck is right, the Tbird upper rear controll arms are longer
The lowers are not the same. The difference is small, but there is a difference. Had them side-by-side when we built them @ Kenny Brown's and if there wasn't a difference, CHE wouldn't also have a different part for the Tbirds.
What, am I talking to myself here or what...:punchballs:
I bought a set of adjustable's from UPR so I should be able to set them correctly, I hope. Thank you for the advice.
I assume you mean lowers?
Both uppers and lowers. They are the solid bushing style but are adjustable in length. :birdsmily:
Both uppers and lowers. They are the solid bushing style but are adjustable in length.
http://www.cheperformance.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=30
these are specifically made for Tbirds and Cougars, no fitment issues.:D
Unless you can SAFELY adjust the uppers to over 1" longer than a stock Mustang arm they're not going to work. I doubt there's that much adjustability in them.
You asked for information, and chose to ignore it. *shrug*
EDIT: Looking at them, they might have enough adjustment, but I'm not a UPR fan personally.
the solid mount type control arms aren't good for the torque boxes either. They'll need to be reinforced.
With the power OP is intending, might not hurt anyway lol.
Oh I'm sorry I am not on your schedule there "Chuck W". I am gathering any info from everyone thank you.... I haven't had a chance to get the control arms out and measure them at full length..... I have battle boxes that I am reinforcing them with also.
I use to run my own upper and lower's that i copied from a set of southside bars.
T bird are longer then mustang. Using mustang arms will push the yoke into the tranny as well as move wheels forward in the wheel well as well.
8.8 should be fine with 31 spline and 500 hp. I use to run 8.8 with 31's and spool for about 7 years till i went to a 9inch.
(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/3022/2021/7553510004_medium.jpg) (http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/3022/2021/7553510002_medium.jpg)
I went ahead and bought some uppers from CHE Engineering. I talked to one of there tech's and he has said that the adjustable lowers I have will work, but the uppers would not. So I have my mustang control arms up on eBay now.
Thank you for all the help everyone!!!
ied_hunter05,
First, I think you now have a really good understanding of the rear control arm length issue. Second, apologize to "Chuck W" ( the quotes are fantastic) or you get the little brother noggie until someone smells the hair on top of your head burning. Seriously, slow down a bit and don't take things personally. Those that have been there and done that do not want to see others make those same mistakes. Additionally the front control arms for your car will be the Fox Mustang units.
http://www.maximummotorsports.com
http://www.griggsracing.com
Those are my two preferred suspension manufacturers. If its going to be a primarily street car then I would go with MM as their gear is a bit heavier and seems to hold up to the street pretty well.
Darren
Yup.... My apologies to Chuck..... Just not here for that kind of stuff sorry. I can't always get to the computer to check and see if someone has replied to a question, but thank you very much for all of your help everyone! It has been a slow process ($$$$) but she is coming together.
Thanks again,
Bill
Not a big deal. Considering that there was 5 months or so between the time you asked about the arms and when you'd said you'd bought the Mustang ones, I kinda figured you'd read the posts by then. ;)
Chuck once kicked a man in the back of the face for not following his advice..lol
Upper control arm update - I also fell into the charms that Mustang adjustable rear suspension pieces would work on my 85 T-Bird. I bought the UPR double adjustable only to find out many months later (when trying to install them) that they would not adjust far enough without leaving too few threads in the adjuster sleeve. I did some research and found a longer "ladder adjuster" from Applied Racing Technologies in Florida. It is over an inch longer (5.5") than the one that was on the UPR UCAs. It let me lengthen them by an inch and still have the required amount of threads to maintain strength.