1987 Thunderbird
 

anyone racing the 9th gen T-Bird package?

Not so much the engine package but what are the suspension options?

What are the interchangeable parts with other Ford products?

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

Larry,

Stock suspension is all interchangeable with foxbody Mustang, other than the rearend width is wider on T-bird.

Sean

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

Pretty certain that all of the T-Birds with drum brakes have a 7.5 rear, which is indeed wider than a Fox. If it is a TurboCoupe with disc brakes, then it is an 8.8. If you want to use rear disc, then an 8.8 rearend out of a 94-98 Mustang is the same overall width as the TBird. This is basically the same rearend that is in a TurboCoupe, only with 5 lugs.
The housing itself is narrower (same as a Fox), but the axle length for the disc brakes makes up the difference. If you want to run aftermarket disc brakes, then you can use the 8.8 housing from a Fox or a 94-98 Mustang (they are identical), and run axles and aftermarket brakes designed for the 94-98 Mustang. Once again, correct track width.
All of the other suspension components are a direct interchange with a Fox Mustang

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

The body does have a good aero shape and research shows it to have a very low aero drag number.

It is something I have acquired and just brain storming about it's best usage.

My Super 10 super stocker will be race ready this fall and I am always looking for the next project. Gotta keep the creative juices flowing :)

Building it as a stocker is an option.

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

The rear upper and lower control arms on all 83-88 T-Birds and Cougars are different than Fox Mustangs. ( i.e. longer)

79-98 Mustang control arms will bolt on, but will not fit properly.

The 83-88 T-Bird shocks are also longer than a 79-93 Mustang, but the SN95 (94-98) Mustang shocks are the same correct length to use on the T-Bird.

This is what Mustang control arms on a T-Bird does...
moves the rear forward about 1 inch.


http://i57.tinypic.com/alri2a.jpg

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

Good info Alan. I always thought the control arms were the same. I installed a set on an '86, but they were adjustable and I just adjusted them to the same length as the stock TBird lowers. obviously, not legal on a Stocker (non adjustable lowers per the rules) I also ran Fox shocks, but the car was lowered.

Re: 1987 Thunderbird
 

I modified some SSM bars from a Mustang to fit both of my 460 Fox T-Birds.
I didn't have the money for the correct CHM lowers for the Birds.

I had to lengthen them 3/4 inch and while I did that I went ahead and lowered the car by sinking the spring perch.
So both cars use uncut 87-88 TC springs in the rear. :)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...outhside01.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...outhside11.jpg