Some questions for you guys or Nate (Porterbuilt)

[rddiaz]

Ok guys I am at a good stopping point right now so I decide to sit down ask some questions, maybe some of you guys have already gone through some of these problems: well I have taken the rear and the front suspension apart and ready to takle the front crossmember:
1. Should I first take off the drive shaft before I start with the xmember?

2.Any suggestions on using floor jacks to hold engine up while dropping the factory crossmember?

3. Or do you suggest using a hoist? Where and how?

4. Do I still have to drill out the new drop spindles for the new tie rod ends?

5. Is it possible to use any other brand of rack and pinion besides that $250unit? b/c I found one at a local auto store for $78. and it has the exact 15.5 mounting point. It is an AGR unit, not as pretty as the $250. until but functional. I have an 86 swb ready for 2nd part of the build any suggestions will be appreciated. Time to get back to work!!!


last week's pictures

[SCOTI]

1. Should I first take off the drive shaft before I start with the xmember?

2.Any suggestions on using floor jacks to hold engine up while dropping the factory crossmember?

3. Or do you suggest using a hoist? Where and how?

4. Do I still have to drill out the new drop spindles for the new tie rod ends?

5. Is it possible to use any other brand of rack and pinion besides that $250unit? b/c I found one at a local auto store for $78. and it has the exact 15.5 mounting point. It is an AGR unit, not as pretty as the $250. until but functional. I have an 86 swb ready for 2nd part of the build any suggestions will be appreciated.

1) No. It's not mandatory to remove if you plan on leaving the rest of the drivetrain in place during the swap.

2-3) You could rig a bar that runs along the top of the frame & try & attach it to the front of the engine or attach the hoist like removing the engine. It would be much easier to install the DM w/no motor or trans in the way.

4) Yes, the spindles still must be drilled for the tie-rod ends.

5) Any brand of R&P that works on the fox body MII will work. The Unisteer stuff is just nicer quality & looks good to boot.....

[rddiaz]

Hey thanks SCOTI for the information, the real concern is holding up the engine, yeah it would be easier w/o the engine in it but too late now it ain't going anywhere right now, gotta figure out a way to lift it. Any mechanics in the house??? I also like the shinny stuff too but little steep for me!!!

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by rddiaz

Hey thanks SCOTI for the information, the real concern is holding up the engine, yeah it would be easier w/o the engine in it but too late now it ain't going anywhere right now, gotta figure out a way to lift it. Any mechanics in the house??? I also like the shinny stuff too but little steep for me!!!

The easiest way to install the Dropmember is with the drivetrain OUT of the vehicle. But, since it's too late for that... let me give you some pointers:

Use an engine hoist to suspend the motor. This may not be the easiest way, but definitely the safest.

When installing the Dropmember, with the drivetrain in the vehcile, it will be best to install the transmission crossmember FIRST, without drilling or bolting it into place at the frame, just bolt it to the transmission, and let it set on the lower part of the framerail. This will allow you to move the drivetrain forward and up without worrying about the tranny falling off a jack or stand. As for the Dropmember, bolt the motor mounts to the engine (leave them loose so they can move around a little) and then bolt the motor mounts to the Dropmember (don't tighten any of the motor mount bolts). This will leave the dropmember suspended by the motor. You can then use the hoist to raise the motor up and forward until the Dropmember mounting holes line up. It's not very fun to install the Dropmember's mounting bolts in the lower crossmember with the engine in the way... but I have done it... once.

[PBFAB.COM]

On the rack... 79-93 Mustang. 22-201F should be a part number that is easily crossed at any local parts house.

[rddiaz]

Hey thanks Nate, I needed a little bit of assurance,if you have done it once then that is good enough for me!!! I have a hoist handy so i'm gonna give a try. I also figured it would be better to ask ??? here instead of emailing you, in case other had the same question Stay tuned more questions later.... Thanks again!!!!