Originally Posted by mike britt (Post 452590)

Hey Rich, if you look at how flimsy that core support is, that's probably why Ford put that brace there.

Originally Posted by mark yacavone (Post 452644)

if those braces are conv. Only, then they are there to lessen nose or cowl shake or door closing up or rattling, going over rough ground or railroad tracks or something like that.
Won't hurt to leave them off on a drag car.

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 450466)

Appreciate any input James - I'll contact Bullet Cams when the time comes. I'm sure Thomas Arnett can help on the C4...I know squat about Ford transmissions. Right now I'm trying to garner info on control arms and springs...also wondering about 26" vs 28" rear tires.

Still awaiting repairs on the lift I just eyeballed the car a bit more this afternoon. I focused on the steering wheel with the blown airbag and began to mess with it a bit. The previous owner had taped the face up with some duct tape...effective, but it left a mess of glue residue when I peeled it off. A little WD-40 and a rag and it began to clean up and come back to presentable. I believe I can salvage the wheel after all...might even use the built in horn button for a linelock switch before it's over.

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps0b879d0b.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps0b6ec07c.jpg

I need to formulate a plan for the console as far as switches and aftermarket shifter go.

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...psc2e4146a.jpg

Even with the back seat deleted the roll bar appears it will be a tight fit. Still leaning towards the Maximum Motorsports 6/8 point kit for convertibles until I hear better otherwise.

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps2ec3c717.jpg

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 452449)

A pic of the front brace attached...

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps46afb595.jpg

I know some use these parts, but I never envisioned it would be illegal to delete or modify said part. What exactly constitutes "factory suspension"? I can substitute aftermarket rotors/calipers but can't touch this junky bracket? It looks like a bandaide fix from Ford to me. When I installed the subframe connectors I had to cut the factory braces at the rear that the back braces bolt to...does this make the car null and void now? It sure isnt going to be as Ford produced it.

Originally Posted by slowpony (Post 452658)

Steering wheel for 89 is different, no air bags.

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 452665)

That's good because this one no longer has an air bag either. :p

Got those 4-cylinder springs today...I'll tackle those this weekend.

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil (Post 452670)

If you have never replaced the front coil springs on a Ford Fox body, be prepared to scratch your head a few times.Unless you cut the old coils with a torch, and are installing lowering springs (shorter free length), it can be a bitc%! If you really want to have some "fun", try installing a pair of un cut Moroso drag springs! It seems that nobody has the correct special spring compressor, so I found it easier (make that somewhat less difficult), to unbolt the 2 large inner control arm bolts, and use a floor jack under the control arm. as long as the engine is still in the car, this method works fairly well. Of course trying to re install those lower control arm bolts afterwards will be a pain.

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 452665)

That's good because this one no longer has an air bag either. :p

Got those 4-cylinder springs today...I'll tackle those this weekend.

Originally Posted by JHeath (Post 452710)

I have one of these, made a flat plate on the hex end, and went up thru the bottom of the control arm,hooking the upper hooks on the spring.

Originally Posted by FireSale (Post 453083)

People do it but they cut the shock towers out, too.
Dale

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 453096)

Well, with no part number disclosed I did a little deeper research on Kooks. It appears those headers would not fit with a stock K-member and likely would not even bolt-up to standard port heads. I was also advised that overall those headers were way too large for this combo.

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 453116)

It's looking like I will be purchasing a header then cutting flanges for individual tube mounting and cutting the primaries for slip-fit collectors.

Here you go Pony... http://www.ebay.com/itm/151471684683...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 453600)

a floor jack under the other control arm was much quicker/easier

Originally Posted by black88coupe (Post 453620)

Works like a charm.

Originally Posted by HandOverFist (Post 454087)

A-arm's don't swing as easily as I would like with these poly bushings, but they are not too bad.

Originally Posted by black88coupe (Post 454100)

How much did you tighten the bolts? I left my bolts snugged up a little them double nutted them. Wasn't bad that way at all. Project is coming along nicely.

Originally Posted by Dave Gantz (Post 454121)

Gotta be careful with that. I was going to do that on my car, but I felt it would egg-shape the holes over time, as now the arms will pivot on the bolts and holes as opposed to the bushings. Possibly okay on a drag-only car, but I would inspect it regularly. I didn't do it because mine is a street-strip car and I felt they would wear too quickly and unnecessarily. Egg-shaped holes are a pita, street or strip, gotta weld and dress.

Originally Posted by FireSale (Post 454171)

They sure put a lot of messy stuff under the hood of stocker don't they?

Dale