1951 F16

[kb426]

O&S was in low gear this afternoon. The replacement rack and pinion is mounted but not for the last time. I spent way too much time shortening the tie rod ends. Cut some, measure some. Repeat. I need to install the jamb nuts and make a spacer to fit in between the mounting bolts and the bushings that are in the rack and pinion.

[kb426]

Very lame update. The lock nuts are installed and the toe in set. The camber is less than 1/2 degree different from side to side. The suspension is fully extended. When it's loaded, I will check things again. There's not supposed to be bump steer on modern vehicles. I'm curious what I will find.

[jaybee]

Looking good, how much width did you take out of the center?

[kb426]

4.75". That is what it took to mount up the different rack and pinion. That will leave me with around a 27" width between frame rails. Any narrower and I would start to have space problems. Some have used a mustang rack. I don't know what that measurement is.

[enjenjo]

What is the rack out of?

[kb426]

1996 Lincoln mark 8. It's almost identical to the cougar and tbird from the same generation. The length of the input shaft is different but the mounting points are the same. I don't think it would make any difference which you would choose because you have to fab the steering shaft to column anyway.

[enjenjo]

1996 Lincoln mark 8. It's almost identical to the cougar and tbird from the same generation. The length of the input shaft is different but the mounting points are the same. I don't think it would make any difference which you would choose because you have to fab the steering shaft to column anyway.

Just curious so I can add it to my data bank.

[kb426]

The actual number is 4 5/8" difference in the mounting holes. The crown vic is centered on the left hand mounting stud. The right side is slotted for production tolerance. I could have gone a little farther than 4.75 but I might have run into rack mounting troubles.

[kb426]

O&S found out that many engine builders don't update their websites. I have called several places in the last 2 days asking about short blocks. The sales people all acted like I was lost when asked. The answers ranged from we don't do that to we haven't done that for sometime even though they still list them on their websites. I wasted some time. No great loss in the winter. I made some spacers from 5/8" 4130 tubing for the rack and pinion mounts. It warmed up this afternoon so I brought the mark 8 rear in and took many measurements on the components while sitting at ride height. Everything is back outside so there is room in the shop for my wife's car.

[kb426]

I made a deal to buy an efi 302 and a carbed 351w from a guy 50 miles from me. I'm planning on at least one being a good core to build an engine for the f6. I've done business with him before and he seems ok. They have been stored inside for several years. I have spent enough time researching engines. This will be the only economical way to do this. Strokers and good heads in the future.

[chimp koose]

351W would be my choice. I have had a couple and they worked out well.

[chimp koose]

I started welding the louver panel into my hood side today . I was going to go in tonight but it hit -54C here today   about -40F plus the wind chill,so about -65F ish . I should really weld the panel outside as I would not have to quench the welds

[kb426]

BUURRRR!

[chimp koose]

No I grindeded all the burrrs off before i weldeded

[RipVW]

BUURRRR!

Hey there what ya gonna put the engine or engines in. Are you thinking a 347 stroker or maybe something like a 406 or there about ?