Mustang II front suspension

[bullitt]

When i restore my wrecked and blown-up 92'' supercab to the "pro-touring", pavenment pounding, part time drag racing, street machine" i invision...I was considering using an aftermarket Mustang II front susp. I've seen it done on like old cars on Power BlockTV before, but never infront of me, but that wont stop me from trying. But i wondered if anybody here knows of somebody who has tried it on a ranger? Or knows whether this is even doable on a ranger. Im looking for some serious fabrication advice.

 

[fx2prerunner]

all I can say is I know it can be done, There is a truck near me that has a pro touring setup with a 350 sbc and a mustang II setup in the front, but I dont know how much work was involved in doing it

 

[bullitt]

Yeah, the whole pro touring thing is kinda what im shooting for. I know that by all means it can be done, but i just wondered if anybody on here would have done one themselves before on a Ranger/and or similiar vehicle.

 

[Mac]

Someone did it using Fat Man's kit in his early Ranger. I'd have to go back as see more info.
Dave

 

[bullitt]

hey thats lookin like what i got in mind there..

 

[Mac]

Better view from the top.
Here's an idea of what was involved:

Ok well the kit wasn't cheap that I installed but there are options you could do. Remember that this is all custom that is the reason for the price. For the 2"x 4"x 28 3/4" Pro Kit tubular style cross member it was $319.20. Now I bought my tubular control arms from Fat Man's at the same time and this is an option you can decide for yourself. You can change them into just stock stamped steel upper and lower control arms or you could order chrome plated tubular all depending on your desires or wallet. For the upper I purchased they wer $220.00 and the lowers were $244.00 for a grand total of $845.86. Spidles you can purchase any that will fit a mustang II front end. My dad had some stock spindles laying around but like I said dropped spindles are very do able. Springs and shocks vary on price or yopu could opt for coil overs. This set up also let me mount 11" front disc easily. There is an option on the crossmember if you want power steering but that was almost $600 instead of $319. My Flaming River manual rack cost $351 shipped through Fatman's but remember it was narrowed to match the narrowed crossmember. The rear suspension is a Chassis Engineering Adjustable Ladder bar set up with the coilover set up with diagnal link. The cost of that set up was $542.83 without coil overs. You have options there too. You could opt to not get the coil overs and keep the leaf springs or you could buy an air ride set up if your looking to put it on the ground. The c-notches were made by us just out of a sheet of heavy gauge steel but c-notches can be purchased through many vendors. I hope that helps and I know it is a lot of cost but the adjustability is incredible. If cost is an option like I said there are cheaper control arms and other items you could find.

 

[bullitt]

Hey awesome! Thank you for the information and the pictures. If i got anymore questions, i know who to ask. I wouldnt say money isn't a problem, but i wouldnt say im going to be on a budget either. If im going to do this, which i am, im going to do it all right. Ive got alot of work ahead of me, i have my cab and box off, and damaged front clip gone, i sawzalled the front inner fenders from the cab, even on each side right down where they were welded. Im just going to run outer fenders and rad support for a front clip. The rear suspension will be a detroit locked 8.8, probably "mini tubed", haven't decided on the gears yet...but it will be leaf spring with most likely a "homebuilt" ladder bar setup, or maybe even try 4-link, i dont know im not there yet. I'm building an all forged bottomend 347 for it, backed by a full race -spec T-5 trans which i already have. With a full race style gutted interior, and custom dash, i want it to look like my first truck on the outside in her prime, but run like a rocket sled on rails. Again thanks for that info!

 

[Mac]

Going to do the rear also, well here is what the same guy is doing with his rear.
Dave

 

[bullitt]

More of what im looking for. Thanks mac! Now i just wish it wasn't so unfair of weather outside, id be out strippin that frame down. This is fueling my ambition, lol.

 

[Mac]

I sent you a PM with more info.
Going to Rockford to party this week-end. Have you seen that a bunch of the Northern Ill/Wisconsin Ranger owners are planning a meeting in Rockford, May 23 at Rock Cut Park?
Dave

 

[SilentShado]

Mac can you send me some info on the rock cut park meet, I would like to attend. I live in Mchenry, IL and I go to rockford a lot as my inlaws live out that way. I have been looking for people to talk rangers with and turn a few wrenches with.

Thanks

 

[Mac]

PM sent

 

[bullitt]

No i haven't seen anything about the meet. I know bradsz71 from Dixon a little bit, and burnside, and those guys ive met down at Chilicothe at the bog. I might have to try to make it up there.