IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Topic: IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics (Read 16775 times) previous topic - next topic

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #30 – December 26, 2007, 07:21:21 PM

You've got an 87/88, right? I think those cables are longer than an 85's?

The rears seem to lock and won't release after engaging the parking brake. I tried to mimic the mustang configuration, by getting the cobra parking brake cables, moving the tbird pedal cable to the center of the car, and running a single cable between the two.

I've replaced the calipers with new, and still seems to be happening. grrrr.

I'm wondering if the MC is somehow responsible by not releasing pressure or something? I'll probably end up replacing it with a different unit. Talking with a guy from Baer, he was of the opinion that that one has too small a bore. I think the one I've got is an Al unit from a mid-90s Mustang. He suggested the "cheap, ugly one", whichever that is.

Thanks

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #31 – December 26, 2007, 09:00:15 PM

yes my car is an 87, so my stock rear calipers use the same type of connection as the IRS calipers. if you dont care to back track some, there is good info on converting the drum parking brake system to discs in this thread.

have you done any mods to the prop valve? that mustang MC isnt gonna like being used with rear discs either. check out http://www.sn95brakes.com/ for rear disc conversion info on prop valve and MC selection.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #32 – December 27, 2007, 01:48:29 AM

thank vishnu sn95 got rid of those freakin' popups.
thank you for the drum-to-disk conversion link, I was looking for that but couldn't remember where it was.

The FMS prop valve is installed and the (distribution?) block gutted. At this point it's a manual 2-port MC - no booster because I need room for the intake. Power brakes would be nice if someone has a booster that won't take up space like the factory ones.

I've also read these posts
http://corner-carvers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28352&highlight=Anyone+run+Manual+Brakes+for+Autocross
http://corner-carvers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4832&highlight=More+mustang+brakes...M-2300-K+vs+Baer+Track+kit...any+opinions%3F

At this point, everything's blurring together. TMI.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #33 – January 30, 2008, 09:14:32 AM

How much harder would it be 2 do this setup using an 8.8 irs outta the mn12 bird instead of stang? I have no idea where to look at prices or possibly gettin the cobra setup and thinking about ditching the 9 inch idea for this considering i prefer the irs handlin.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #34 – January 30, 2008, 10:16:58 AM

Quote from: midget28;200944

How much harder would it be 2 do this setup using an 8.8 irs outta the mn12 bird instead of stang? I have no idea where to look at prices or possibly gettin the cobra setup and thinking about ditching the 9 inch idea for this considering i prefer the irs handlin.

BIG waste of time. The two are not even comparable. The MN-12 would require alot more custom work to get it in the car and there is no support at all for it.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #35 – February 01, 2008, 12:35:07 AM

i was afraid of that.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #36 – July 07, 2008, 05:24:07 AM

So, to bring this thread back up again. I was reading this page:

http://www.mouthbreather.net/IRSSWAP.HTML

and it seems to say that all you need to do is line it up using the quad shock bolt holes, clearance a couple spots so the mounting bracket can get all the way up onto the frame rail and drill/bolt it on. Also make some brake lines and put the springs/shocks in. Is it really that easy? What has to be done for the driveshaft? And I think it was covered already, but what is the stock cobra IRS rear track width and did it change 99-02 and 03-04?

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #37 – July 07, 2008, 06:37:36 AM

yup, its that easy......for a mustang

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #38 – July 07, 2008, 02:16:52 PM

hahaha, I figured there was a catch with the 'birds. But can the back half of another 'fox' really be that different? I tried reading your thread for the other things that had to be done, but it was hard to follow without seeing it or maybe knowing more about the irs setup...

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #39 – July 08, 2008, 02:47:28 AM

The IRS attaches to the car at the driveshaft, the rear pads (which attach to the frame rails), and the lower control arm points (torque boxes). To install, you'll need to pull just about everything related to the axle, drill a few holes, and sort out the brakes.

If you compare Gumby's experience to mine, it seems there some variation in the frame rails - not sure if that's by car, year, or other.

It's best if you have a place like a garage or secure driveway so you can leave the car on jackstands. After you pull the stock parts and diassemble the assembly, bolt in the stripped cradle at the front and test fit it. You can then pull the cradle, assemble the IRS, and install it.

With all your ducks in a row, it's possible to do the swap in one or two weekends

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #40 – July 08, 2008, 10:43:08 AM

wow, that's crazy! So you're experience pretty much followed thath webiste? Did you end up with your rear-end 1/2" forward as well, or is this part of the frame discrepency?

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #41 – July 08, 2008, 12:08:11 PM

no, skidoo had his IRS cradle stretched to match the tbird wheelbase; mine is not.

the same difference between mustang and tbird lower control arm length still applies to the IRS cradle due to its pick up location on the chassis.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #42 – July 08, 2008, 07:22:35 PM

oh, I see. I forgot about that difference. So beside that, what else is there that isn't as simple as just raising it up, drilling/sleeving the holes and bolting it in (basically, what else that isn't on the mentioned website)?

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #43 – July 08, 2008, 07:58:48 PM

Maybe someone else will weigh in here, but you might want to consider welding the pads to the frame rails instead of bolting them.

If I were you, I'd test fit the cradle then decide if you want to mod the cradle or not.

What's not mentioned is the "little" stuff, like running brake lines, tank mount clearance, fuel lines etc.

IRS in a fox bird???? test fit pics

Reply #44 – July 09, 2008, 02:09:32 AM

oh yeah, but that stuff's fairly easy. The reason I'm asking about the 'unmentioned mods' is because I'm moving for a bit and will have very limited tools for a while. I'll have all my hand tools, impact, sawzall, drills, cheap/basic 80 amp mig welder, but no air tools. I'd want to retain the stock wheel base and I don't want to have to do any massive chassis modification (aside from the 'massaging' mentioned to get the pads to slide all the way up). So I'm trying to get all the details I possibly can to decide if I can pull it off where I'll be working on it...