85 swap using sn95

Bravos26

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Mar 19, 2011
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Hey guys, im kind of new to the forums. I was a member here a long time ago but a question has brought me back! I have an 85 4 cyl coupe and I got a really good deal on a wrecked 95 5.0 and want to swap the motor and everything else that I can possible swap over. I have a 94 5.0 and do most of the work on it myself so im pretty familiar with the 5.0 motor but this is my first experience with a fox. Im just not sure what all I can use from the sn95 suspension wise, Id like to use the 8.8 and everything to do the 5 lug swap as well...any help would be appreciated
 
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I have '98 Mustang GT (SN95) front spindals, rotors, calipers, rubber brake lines, proportioning valve, 8.8 with disc brakes, sway bars (front & rear) rear rubber lines , upper and lower control arms (aftermarket but ordered for '98GT) and '05 Mustang GT wheels on my '83 Fairmont (also a Fox Chassis).
They all fit just fine. The 8.8 is 3/4" wider on both sides each from your original rear end. Also the front spindles are as well a bit different. So you will need to watch out for the right or best back spacing for your wheels to clear you wheel wells.
Check out my car with pic's. Eric's Fairmonts - Home
 
I'm running almost all SN-95 stuff on my 91 the 95 is a great year for the spindles they don't stick out so far as the newer ones. and the brakes work out great also. Not sure about the engine stuff i think that's a little different
The complete rear end will go right in and yes it is a little wider (longer axles) same rear end. And you got the booster and master cylinder you need also. 1995 is a great car for parts for a fox
 
Just a heads up, if your going to run the 95 drivetrain in the 85. You might over shoot the cross-member brackets because 94/95 T-5s and bellhousings were longer in length. Did a similar swap, but vice-versa (91 to 95) and came up to short.
 
Swap it all... Interior (I did... love it) engine, electronics, A/C, cruise... everthing. if you unbolt it from one car, bolt it to the other in the same spot. Makes it easy.

The trans can be accomidated my moving the engine forward a little bit and the trans x-member back a little, by cutting the spot welds on the crossmember and sliding it on the tubes.

If you swap the dash over you will have to re-radius the front where it meets the windshield, and make some mounts. I would also cut out the firewall from the booster down to the steering shaft bearing in the SN95 and swap it into the older car. Will make the steering right. The Hvac box is a swap.

ugh I can go on for hours....

Sorry. Any questions, ask!!


Charlie
 
Hey guys, im kind of new to the forums. I was a member here a long time ago but a question has brought me back! I have an 85 4 cyl coupe and I got a really good deal on a wrecked 95 5.0 and want to swap the motor and everything else that I can possible swap over. I have a 94 5.0 and do most of the work on it myself so im pretty familiar with the 5.0 motor but this is my first experience with a fox. Im just not sure what all I can use from the sn95 suspension wise, Id like to use the 8.8 and everything to do the 5 lug swap as well...any help would be appreciated
You can use the sn95 disks, and rear-end, rear disk, etc. Basically, it's similar to an M2300K install.

BUT, for a four eye, there are a few differences - that are important.
1) You MUST run CC plates. The k-frame is shorter. Forget about having camber close without CC plates.

2) How do you feel about modifying your front fenders (like folding the fender lips,pushing out the bottom, etc)? For *ME*, I like my 100% STOCK AS FROM THE FACTORY front end. So, that means NO sn95 FCAs, and a very tight fit for 245/45/17s. I'm talking slight rubbing when the car isn't sitting level, turning the wheels all the way, and I have the stiff Mach1 springs.

If you're willing to modify your front fenders, then you can use the sn95 FCAs (better because wider track), and you may be able to stuff even a 285 up front.

3) You'll use the sn95 struts up front, no big deal.

4) Putting in the booster can be a pain. It depends on the exact booster. 4-eyes have the strut tower closer to the firewall.


M2300K instructions:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-2300-K.pdf

You won't have to worry about the spring in the hand-brake.
 
You can use the sn95 disks, and rear-end, rear disk, etc. Basically, it's similar to an M2300K install.

BUT, for a four eye, there are a few differences - that are important.
1) You MUST run CC plates. The k-frame is shorter. Forget about having camber close without CC plates.

2) How do you feel about modifying your front fenders (like folding the fender lips,pushing out the bottom, etc)? For *ME*, I like my 100% STOCK AS FROM THE FACTORY front end. So, that means NO sn95 FCAs, and a very tight fit for 245/45/17s. I'm talking slight rubbing when the car isn't sitting level, turning the wheels all the way, and I have the stiff Mach1 springs.

If you're willing to modify your front fenders, then you can use the sn95 FCAs (better because wider track), and you may be able to stuff even a 285 up front.

3) You'll use the sn95 struts up front, no big deal.

4) Putting in the booster can be a pain. It depends on the exact booster. 4-eyes have the strut tower closer to the firewall.


M2300K instructions:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-2300-K.pdf

You won't have to worry about the spring in the hand-brake.





I can almost agree with some of your spoken words, I know I didnt have to modify my finders and I did not have issue's with the brake booster.
I am just saying there is other ways to use the SN95 parts with out doing a major cut, chop, and rebuild. There is easy options that do not put you and your car in danger or weaken the car.
I agree with CC plates and using SN95 struts. Also, the tire rubbing with the wheels turned maxed ....some people fix this by adding or changing the bump stops in the steering rack. The size rim and tire combo...can be a bit of an issue. I have '05 GT 16" wheels on my car with 205s ....no tire to finder rubbing and no finder mods.
Please, ask questions if anyone wants more info on how I used '98 Stang GT spindles , 8.8, and 4 wheel disc brakes.