A few days ago my new Ford Racing M-2320-CR rear brake caliper kit arrived. These are the same rear brake calipers used on the 03 & 04 Mustang Cobra. Although the kit has recently been discontinued by Ford Racing there are still a few of them floating around online. This was a birthday surprise from my lovely wife, what a perfect gift! Now the focus will turn to locating a new Ford Racing M-2320-C 03 & 04 Cobra front caliper kit, also discontinued and slightly more difficult to find. I am going to purchase this kit prior to securing the custom CNC hub and bracket kit needed for the 13 inch front brake conversion, even more difficult to find. Then just sit back and wait for one to come my way.
Recently I added a couple small items such as Monroe Gas-matic rear shocks and a new OEM coolant reservoir. I really want the truck to look and feel brand new when it is completed. Two things that really jump out at me on new vehicles is the fit and finish of the recess areas and the clean white color of the plastic brake, power steering, and coolant reservoirs. The SVT vehicles such as the Lightning and Cobra receive a different paint process then the standard models. Part of this process includes clear coating recessed areas such as the engine compartment and the bottom portion of the doors. I have been fortunate enough to own both vehicles through the years and wanted my Ranger to have the same look and feel in these areas. This is one of the main reasons I went to the extent I did with the disassembly.
The cab has been completely polished and waxed except for the cowl panel. The truck has also been dropped down off the blocks and placed on jack stands lower to the ground. This has been completed in preparation to install the engine in a few weeks. With the truck lower to the ground it will be easier clearing the core support with the engine package attached to the hoist.
At this point the new door handles, locks, mirrors, new window molding, and window trim have all been installed. Special care was taken to clean, lightly scuff, and polish the original lock rods, latch rods and retaining hardware. This process really cleans up the “feel” of how the doors and locks work. The mechanisms feel tight and smooth, almost new.
Over the next few weeks I will be working on the following task list prior to test fitting the engine. Most of these small items will be easier to do before the engine is in place.
Remove hood.
Remove fenders.
Polish cowl panel.
Install wiper assembly, motor, and covers.
Install power steering hoses.
Change out oil pan fasteners and rails.
Install rear main seal.
Mock up engine/trans assembly on blocks.
Remove front accessories from engine.
Clean upper and lower intake.
Install lower intake and gaskets.
Install engine wiring harness.
Remove spacer from driver side engine mount.
INSTALL ENGINE!!!