hey everyone I'm at the stage of my build that I need to figure out my front suspension. I've tossed around using the stock front end and updating it with disc brakes and rack and pinion to fit a 360, which I might do still if my other option isn't doable. I was at my folks place the other day and my dad said he had a mustang 2 front end on an old frame for his 53 pontiac and said I could use it for my plymouth. Only problem is it's already installed on the frame.... Would I just be able to cut it off and install it to my frame? Is it still usable after it's been installed? I took a look at it and it didn't seem hard to do but I'm just wondering if anyone else has any experience using a used mustang 2? are there any problems I could encounter using it, widening or shortening it? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks everyone, Kerry
Some pics may help......Shortening or widening is difficult, as the width is primarily determined by the cross member. But these can be bought separately. I used a m2 set up for my 41, it was great.
I'll try and get some pics today I figured I may have to buy a new cross member. would any cross member with rack and pinion mounts work if it's the right length? My main concern would be the top caps, they have already been cut and welded to the frame, would I need to get new ones so I have a clean slate to work with? I know this is probably a newbie kind of question and I am a newbie but I'm trying to learn as much as I can so please bare with me and my asinine questions people and I know the m2 setup is too good to pass up if it works.
first thing is you can't just go shortening the crossmember, you need to shorten the rack to match. the pivot point on the rack needs to match where the A-Arms pivot. I'd look into FATMAN FABRICATIONS and see if they make a crossmember for your application. you don't mention wether the MII in question has stock or aftermarket A- Arms. that could effect what crossmember you need to get. I wouldn't re-use the crossmember from the other car
You might be a bit more specific...is this an original Ford type front end or an aftermarket package? The aftermarket packages really have no connection to the original other than the name and the price. The stock Plymouth front end is actually quite good and easily up-dated with disc brakes. Many folks have installed a rear rack to ease v-8 swaps but for an LA engine swap the early Dart/Scamp/Valiant exhaust manifold works well to clear the steering column. Personally, I would use a Jag IFS if I was changing to anything. .
My '48 has had it's stock crossmembered Mustang II under it fro about 18 years and over 200,000 miles and it is a dream. wouldn't consider any other front end for one of these cars. The width is dead on, so you don't have to worry about making it wider or narrower... You don't want to do that any way, it severly comprimises geometry. Now, that said, it took quite a bit of fabrication to put it under my car. everything forward of the firewall is fresh construction to pickup the Pinto cross member by ElPolacko here on the board or me. Back when we did this, there were no "kits" to do this sort of thing for these cars, so we did what we know. I have been very outspoken about my dislike of FatMan fabrications products, but, they are the only one that offers a Mustang/Pinto subframe kit for your car that I am aware of, and it will make your life a bunch easier. I would recomend you have them set it up to run the stock control arms instead of their "strutrod eliminator" type arms and use what you have on the crossmember at your dad's place. Trust me on that! I started out on the same thought with my car 20 years ago that you presented in your opening paragraph. Use the stock front end, rebuild it all, add dropped spindles, disc brakes, etc. I drove it for two days like that before pulling it all apart and doing it right... And never looked back! If i can be of any help answering questions about the setting up the combination don't hesitate to P.M. me, I'll happily answer question for you.
Built a half dozen of 50-54 Plymouths using Mustang II. Built everything from the cowl forward. They work well when you set everything in it's proper place. No narrowing required.
Sorry I forgot to mention it's an aftermarket setup he got from a shop out here, this was a few years ago so I'm sure he wouldn't remember if it was a specific company or not. it's attached to a frame right now, would i be better off measuring it out and using the whole frame from the firewall forward? or just cutting the ifs setup off? I'm trying to get some pictures rounded up to post, so bare with me. I also thought about the jag setup and found one for $950 just down the road from me.
I will tell you from personal experiance that the Jag, although a very good front end, is gonna be boarderline too wide for this car. Plymouth didn't change too much between your car in '53 and my car in '48, and with my mustang II (Pinto actually) with Granada rotors and a 205/60-15 on 7" wheels with a 4" backspace is really pushing it width wise. The Jag is good 1" to 1 1/2" wider yet. You might get away with the the Jag at a near stock ride height with allot of backspace and a 75 series tire, but that would be it.
Certainly the Jag is not practical for every old car, the track width should be close to start. You don't indicate what year Jag 'is down the road' but IIRC the 87 is the cut-off for most uses. Check your front end track and see how it compares to the Jag. For comparison, the 86 XJ-6 is 59". More info here: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=7678 and you can search for different years/models. What ever you do, make it easy on yourself... .
I talked it over with my brother and dad today and I think if I can get it out of him I may be able to take the whole frame off him. It would definately make things a lot easier!
Does anybody have some pictures of the MII stub being installed in an early Plymouth? Ive got a 49 Im considering doing this to.
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