1. When I get into the suspension I know I need new brakes, control arms, bushings, and tie rods I would rather swap the stock suspension out now since I'm doing the work and go performance where do I go (in Colorado) and what is the best for my $$? which at this point not an issue.
2. After the suspension, exhaust, and probably cold air upgrade I will be moving into giving my new baby the clutch upgrades.
Then more horses so I need to know:
*Exactly how much HP can I put into my 4 eye before I will have to replace the Rear end?
*What recommendations do you guys have to get me the most HP with the best bolt on engine upgrades (I would like to do the bolt on's before I do the intake / exhaust) headers, pistons, rings, pulleys etc.
I would probably buy an 8.8 now and fully build it up slowly with disc brakes and new bearings. That way you can just swap out the entire axle assembly and wont be pissed when you break it after you add some power.
for suspension, I used new Ford Racing lower control arms, new inner/outer tie rods (my rack was not leaking) a Ford rack and pinion boot kit, poly rack bushings, bullit springs and bilstien hd shocks and struts. The best bang for your buck would probably be the Bullit handling kit if you are looking for the best product for the least amount of money.
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Sr. Master Ford nerd.
saludos caballeros del ovalo azul
just bought 87GT and steering is very loose. dude said he replaced the rack about a yr ago and its been sitting for about 6 months. I'm thinking it may be the struts? what do you all think??? also i put this in another post, after ive been drivin around for a little and disengage gears to stop my RPMs pretty much double??? doesn't do it at first only after about 15min i guess of driving. any fixs w/ that also???
Really great post, lxarlo. I did just buy my first 5.0, a bone stock '88 LX notch. Of course I'm thinking about all the mods I can do. My plans are to put her up on jack stands this winter and work on brakes and suspension, so your post is timely and very helpful for me. Thanks. Two suspension questions for you folks. Is it worth it to swap out the stock K frame for a tubular one, and, if I'm not planning on any power adders, is it really necessary to convert from four bolt to five bolt hubs. The car came with a new set of four lug Cobra rims I like and want to keep using, and I've thought that the upgrade to five lug wheels was more for taming the twist of big power than handling increased stopping power.
just bought 87GT and steering is very loose. dude said he replaced the rack about a yr ago and its been sitting for about 6 months. I'm thinking it may be the struts? what do you all think???
bump for assistance
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87 GT newly bought. Waxed and stored for the winter to work on small issues. For now her name is Smoke
check your steering rag joint under the hood, ball joints, and outer tie rod ends.
thanks i'll check it out tomorrow!!!
would replacing the struts be a good idea also? currently stock(ish) i believe and dont think they were ever replaced
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87 GT newly bought. Waxed and stored for the winter to work on small issues. For now her name is Smoke
thanks i'll check it out tomorrow!!!
would replacing the struts be a good idea also? currently stock(ish) i believe and dont think they were ever replaced
If they have never been done, then it would be a good idea.
__________________
Sr. Master Ford nerd.
saludos caballeros del ovalo azul
thanks for all the infor.
if i dont plan on making alot more hp should i just upgrade the brakes or should i swap them for disk i have a 89gt. also if i an looking to bore out the cylingers how much should i bore it out for it to be ok for an everyday driver and what do i need for it.
thanks for the help...
Really great post, lxarlo. I did just buy my first 5.0, a bone stock '88 LX notch. Of course I'm thinking about all the mods I can do. My plans are to put her up on jack stands this winter and work on brakes and suspension, so your post is timely and very helpful for me. Thanks. Two suspension questions for you folks. Is it worth it to swap out the stock K frame for a tubular one, and, if I'm not planning on any power adders, is it really necessary to convert from four bolt to five bolt hubs. The car came with a new set of four lug Cobra rims I like and want to keep using, and I've thought that the upgrade to five lug wheels was more for taming the twist of big power than handling increased stopping power.
You can keep your 4 lug setup and upgrade your brake system. checkout www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com I got the front upgrade and rear disk conversion. what a difference it made!
I have a 79 and am looking at what other upgrades I need to make now that HP is no longer an issue. I am thinking the frame definatly needs done and was wondering what else would help the flex. I was told traction bars but read rear lower control arms. I would like more information on getting the power to the ground. I see a lot of smoke in the future unless things change. Struts, I have 100k on the stock ones, what struts work well? I am also looking at lowering the front end. I got rid of the cast iron intake, heads, exhaust, A/C. and now I am coon hunting. It rides stiff as ---- and floats about 85mph with the nose in the air. Brakes.....I cammed the snot out of the 347 and now the vaccum is an issue. Add a can or is there another fix?..........
I actually thought it was a p.o.s.
