Thinking about a Mustang II front setup

[memphisrain]

Hi all, I've been doing a bunch of research and planning on my project (69 C/10) and I was considering a MII front end install for several reasons.

First, I have one laying around that I can use.

Second, I want to eventually have the thing lay frame, but do it a little bit at a time, as money becomes available, and while still being able to drive in between. By the time I purchase springs, spindles, brakes, etc, I"m going to have a significant investment, and still not be as low as I want.

Third, I want to center the front wheels in the wheel-wells. The wheels being rearward throws these trucks off visually for me.

Fourth, the rack and pinion upgrade will help me reach my goal of a nice cruiser with the ability to carve corners relatively well.

Fifth, I simply can't justify the expense for the porterbuilt unit when I've got these parts laying around. Yeah, in a perfect world, I'd just order one up, but it isn't going to happen.

Anyways, these are my thoughts, what say ye? I haven't found anyway to update the steering in these while keeping the stock setup, is there somethinh I've missed? I've searched the site and not too much info is around, I suppose because it isn't really a popular swap.

mR

[oldblue1968chevy]

ATT has this setup on his 72 step is msg. him about his

[tubbedII]

I had a MII front end in my Nova, but one thing I didn't like about it is how far the crossmember hung below the frame. I'm not sure, but I think this might hurt you if you plan to lay frame in the future unless you mount the suspension really high above the frame rails to begin with.

If that's the case, what's the difference with simply z'ing the stock frame and replacing the steering componets with quality parts and a quality box?

This was the nova:


It sat real low, but the cross member was 1/4" off the ground while the rest of the frame was between 4"-5". To be at a somewhat safe ride height, I needed to raise the whole car about 3"-4" which took away the coolness of it if you ask me...

[memphisrain]

I was thinking about just doing the Z, but it won't address the wheels being centered in the wheel wells or the more precise steering I would like.

Is there a box that can be used that steers more like a car and less like a truck?

mR

[tubbedII]

If you z it at an angle, it will address the centering issue. I don't know from experience about the steering, but I've seen at least one thread debating whether or not a rack is better than using quailty steering linkage parts and a quality box set up on these trucks.

I'm not trying to talk you out doing the MII, just trying to give some food for thought...

[Valhalla]

Laying frame might be an issue depending on the x member don't M2 front ends made that portion the lowest point of the frame making it actually dangerous to attempt laying frame.

Just a thought.

[memphisrain]

I was wondering about z'ing at an angle to address the wheel centering. However, I was thinking while looking at some pictures, the steering box location would interfere with the core-support mounting points. Is this not the case?

The other thought I had was z-ing the frame and then moving the crossmember forward to center the wheels.

I appreciate all the input guys, thanks.

mR

[matt67350]

try this http://porterbuiltstreetrods.com/site/

[memphisrain]

Thanks, but that's out of my price range.

mR

[Hezie]

First off I am as cheap as they get,that being said save up and get the Porterbuilt piece.I started with a MII rack from Flaming River built my own control arms and used S-10 drop spindles so I would have the option to raise it if needed and more brake options.While it's more cost the time it saves being a bolt in is worth it especially if you are planning on layin frame plus you are back on the road that much quicker and you don't loose intrest.My 2 cents.