Will struts made for an '80 to '86 Thunderbird be right at home on an '88?
nope just checked parts numbers are different
How are they different?? Is it only because of the PRC??
I would think they would be the same.
Same here.
If memory serves me the spindle connecting point is different. One is thinner.
87-88 front suspension is not the same as the 80-86. K-member and arms are different. Spindles for the 10" brakes should be the same, though.
That being said, they would probably work. The difference is most likely in the length/travel.
What brakes are you running, Vin? The 11" 4-lug stuff would use have the narrower spindle/strut interface. You can use the 10" struts on there, but you would need spacers between the spindle and the strut.
Chuck, the ol' Sport still has the factory small stuff on there. I went ahead and bought the pair of struts. They were brand new, and $33 for the pair. The two struts, bolts and nuts. I figure if the length of travel is a bit shorter, it would work fine since my springs are from a '99 Stang and the front is about two inches lower anyway. I do plan on going to larger brakes this year, but later this year. I have new paint coming in July. I also have a set of SN-95 convertible springs in route for the rear. I'll see what they do. With the Sport springs out back, it sits pretty high compared to the front at this time.