new to me 88 Tbird, pondering brake/wheel upgrades.

[bootleggers deluxe]

So, bringing this thread back.

I bought a set of 98 Mustang front spindles and a 98 mustang 7.5 with factory discs. Was originally going to swap all that in, and eventually look at a different rear when the 7.5 decided it was no longer happy.

i'm now getting a turbo coupe 8.8. I like the idea of an 8.8, especially because I'm looking at a manual trans. But i'm set on converting to 5 lug.

i'm reading this:

http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/4to5lug.html

Did i read this correctly? i can take my 7.5 axles out of my mustang axle, and put them into this 8.8? and then run the mustang brake parts?

[Aerocoupe]

Direct swap. Strip your TC rear down to the axle housing with the gears left in it. Do the same with the SN95 7.5 rear. Swap the SN95 axle brackets onto the 8.8, install the SN95 axles and c-clips, install the &.8 cross pin and retaining bolt with some new loctite. From here reassemble the SN95 brakes. I would suggest rebuilding the trac-lok while you are this deep into the 8.8 but that’s just me.

[bootleggers deluxe]

It's been rebuilt, i think. if not, I'll definitely be giving it a refreshening.

I'm glad i dont need to go track down axle shafts. makes my life a bit easier.

[bootleggers deluxe]

There is another solution which is keep the Fox Inner tie rod and use the Maximum Motorsports tapered style bumpsteer kit which is what I used on my Mustang with SN95 spindles prior to switching to their full suspension up front.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/Bu...tyle-P449.aspx

Me personally I would get the bumpsteer kit as new inner and outer tie rods will cost you about the same and you have the advantage of setting the bumpsteer. You do not need the bumpsteer gauge for a street car as you can eyeball it and get it damn close like I did. Setting them up with the gauge is better but not worth the effort for a street car that will not be on a track if you ask me. Also, bumpsteer is more noticeable on roads with crowns and potholes than smooth surfaces on a street car. So with that I would be way more concerned with bumpsteer on your worn out Iowa two lanes than a new four lane.

I didnt mention this before, but i did pick up a bumpsteer kit this fall. I actually found a local guy selling fox body parts, got a Saleen rack, the bumpseer outer tie rod parts, and a set of new offset rack bushings for $100.

[bootleggers deluxe]

Ok, im close to having all the required parts to do the front swap, but i need to know, what shims should i use for the front struts, when going with the 98 mustang spindles? The struts are brand new, so i dont want ot go buy a set of mustang struts.

[Aerocoupe]

You are needing the strut shims. Used to be able to find them but not so much any more. You need two 1/8” shims per side so get some 1/8 plate or strap, cut to size, drill holes, and install. Some have used washers but if it were me I would make the shims.

One thing to remember is struts are valved for spring rates so matching them is pretty beneficial. If you have struts for a V6 or a 4 cylinder then using them with V8 springs will not be ideal.

[bootleggers deluxe]

I actually ordered the struts in anticipation for the v8 to go in, so they are set in that aspect.

I was hoping someone, somewhere made the shims, but no bother, i'll just make some myself then.

[Aerocoupe]

Quick google search and found these:

https://www.racecraft.com/koni-strut...cers-p-64.html

[bootleggers deluxe]

Aero, you're my hero!