Quick question for the old timer stangers

[1fstfox]

I will shortly be buying a 65 Mustang Coupe that is completly stripped for restoration. It was originally a 6 banger car and I want a nice little small block in it. So my questions are...

1 - Could I swap a V8 stangs front suspension and brakes over?
2 - What rear end would be best. I kind of want to run a 8.8 but to my knowledge those are only made for coil springs not leafs.
3 - Everyone I talk to tells me the chassis was built "weaker" on the 6 cylinder cars in comparison to the v8's. I personally don't think it's true but it would be nice to know.


Thanks!

HINT: rep given to those that help. :icon_wink

[77 ford]

suspension and brakes swap, i dont see why not
rear end 9" all the way
chassis weaker, i wouldn't believe/ don't believe it

[91Notch]

if you can find one, I think a Lincoln Versailles will have a rear end and front disc brake set up that will work well for your car.

http://www.americangranada.com/owners/eds_77_versailles-4.jpg

Also maybe V8 Granadas/Monarchs of the same era

[hangemhigh]

1-yes
2-9"
3-unlikely

[Fryguy302]

1-yes
2-9"
3-no

[NVR2FST]

If you really wanted an 8.8 you could get one out of an Explorer/ Ranger which ran leafs. Not sure if size wise what you would have to have cut off etc.

I think the v8 cars (at least later on) ended up with front tq boxes, maybe that's why someone said that.

[Mr Mach 1]

1-yes
2-9"
3-unlikely

:thumbup:

[91Notch]

If you really wanted an 8.8 you could get one out of an Explorer/ Ranger which ran leafs. Not sure if size wise what you would have to have cut off etc.

I think the v8 cars (at least later on) ended up with front tq boxes, maybe that's why someone said that.

not sure on the X, but the 8.8's found in Rangers and Aerostars are offset to one side. (Ranger is shorter on the DS and the Aerostar is shorter on the pass side)

[82hatch]

Car Craft just did an article on swapping over a 8.8 from a Fox Mustang into an older one. Had to cut off all the coil spring stuff and weld in pads for the leaf springs. Think it was an issue or two back.

[91Notch]

Car Craft just did an article on swapping over a 8.8 from a Fox Mustang into an older one. Had to cut off all the coil spring stuff and weld in pads for the leaf springs. Think it was an issue or two back.

if it's a recent issue I might have it. Can you find out which issue?

[2004boss]

1. yeah everything fits my dads got a 67 and we did it on his
2.9" all the way, 8.8's are strong enough but if you can find a 9" throw it in.
3.Idk maybe there's something to this, my dads car was a v6 car we put a 281 in it and the unibody cracked up the pinch weld.