Progress Thread Finally got my first Fox Body - 1988 GT

In order to use the factory plug you'd have to drill and tap the end, where the rubber grommet is, and install a plug. A 3/8 pipe thread tap and 3/8 plug works well for that. It looks ugly though...and as cheap as the aftermarket plug is...its worth it not to have the hassle. I bough mine from LMR. It didn't come with a new o ring so I used my old one. It goes at the end of the threads by the top of the cap.
I went ahead and ordered the one from LMR as well, despite it not having the o ring. The shipping cost for the MM plug was $24 (cheapest option) and I couldn't find anything else on their site that I desperately need right now.
 
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Finally got the driver side door able to stay open, by replacing the lower door hinge tension spring.
84CD21A9-5673-4EF7-B424-12E55DC770C1.jpeg

The installation video from LMR definitely made this seem like an easier install than it actually is...at least for me.


View: https://youtu.be/RHfewEuIt8Y
 
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Shocker! They always make it look easy.
When I was researching springs, I watched one the LMR videos on installing springs. The comments took me in the direction of some random threads, including on SN, and it was one of the few times I’m glad I read comments. Definitely seems more challenging than LMR makes it out to be.
 
I am planning to try and make some progress on the brake master cylinder swap this week. I've been looking through this article: https://lmr.com/products/Fox-Body-Mustang-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Installation-SVE-5-Lug-Kit and there's MC install instructions (about 3/4 of the way down). It doesn't say anything about removing or draining brake fluid from the MC reservoir before removing the MC...it just says to put paper towels or rags in the area below because fluid will leak. I'm wondering if this was maybe just an oversight and it does make sense to try and remove as much fluid as possible before pulling the MC out. Any thoughts from folks who have done this swap before?

Thanks
 
I am planning to try and make some progress on the brake master cylinder swap this week. I've been looking through this article: https://lmr.com/products/Fox-Body-Mustang-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Installation-SVE-5-Lug-Kit and there's MC install instructions (about 3/4 of the way down). It doesn't say anything about removing or draining brake fluid from the MC reservoir before removing the MC...it just says to put paper towels or rags in the area below because fluid will leak. I'm wondering if this was maybe just an oversight and it does make sense to try and remove as much fluid as possible before pulling the MC out. Any thoughts from folks who have done this swap before?

Thanks

I recently did a MC swap in my truck. I just disconnected the bolts, unhooked the lines and took it out. The rags and towels are for the drips that will ruin your paint if you get it on it.
Bench bled my new one, and reversed the process.
Then of course bled the brakes once all was reconnected.
 
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Any time LMR uses the word "simply" in a video you know you are in trouble.

LMR: "simply remove your guage cluster, steering column, dash and heater box and the heater core is easily accessible" .......:rolleyes:
 
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The brake fluid won’t pour out. It might drip out a little bit but it should stay in the reseviour.

when I bought my hydroboost setup they shipped the Mc full of fluid and disconnected. Tiny bit of seepage out
 
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I recently did a MC swap in my truck. I just disconnected the bolts, unhooked the lines and took it out. The rags and towels are for the drips that will ruin your paint if you get it on it.
Bench bled my new one, and reversed the process.
Then of course bled the brakes once all was reconnected.
Awesome. Thanks!

Any time LMR uses the word "simply" in a video you know you are in trouble.

LMR: "simply remove your guage cluster, steering column, dash and heater box and the heater core is easily accessible" .......:rolleyes:
So true, lol

The brake fluid won’t pour out. It might drip out a little bit but it should stay in the reseviour.

when I bought my hydroboost setup they shipped the Mc full of fluid and disconnected. Tiny bit of seepage out
Very helpful, thanks!

I removed the hood to replace the hood hinge cups and to install the hood firewall seal, but it seems this will make the brake MC installation a bit easier as well.
81724E9A-249E-4CCB-B630-AE33E3FB9250.jpeg

Passenger side is quite rusted...so I’m glad I decided to replace these.
A8B46D1B-A642-4092-B96E-9B41051302BB.jpeg
75B7975F-F20F-4C22-865C-BE3A8FA17CB7.jpeg

Driver side isn’t as bad but still needs some work.
625296B5-775C-4ED9-A0BC-39FB2A6B9090.jpeg

I also ordered valve cover gaskets so I’m planning to do those and also clean up and paint the valve covers and intake manifold while I have them off.
 
Awesome. Thanks!


So true, lol


Very helpful, thanks!

I removed the hood to replace the hood hinge cups and to install the hood firewall seal, but it seems this will make the brake MC installation a bit easier as well.
81724E9A-249E-4CCB-B630-AE33E3FB9250.jpeg

Passenger side is quite rusted...so I’m glad I decided to replace these.
A8B46D1B-A642-4092-B96E-9B41051302BB.jpeg
75B7975F-F20F-4C22-865C-BE3A8FA17CB7.jpeg

Driver side isn’t as bad but still needs some work.
625296B5-775C-4ED9-A0BC-39FB2A6B9090.jpeg

I also ordered valve cover gaskets so I’m planning to do those and also clean up and paint the valve covers and intake manifold while I have them off.

Wow..... I guess that rust on the hinge cups was a product of the bad hood seal. Havnt really heard of that being a typical rust spot.
 
Wow..... I guess that rust on the hinge cups was a product of the bad hood seal. Havnt really heard of that being a typical rust spot.
Right? I was thinking the same thing....I need to look back through my pictures and see if the seal was significantly worse on one side because the rust is definitely a lot worse on the passenger side.

I did a little bit of drill brushing last night. This is the passenger side.
Before:
IMG-1794.jpg
After:
IMG-1811.jpg

Still gotta do some more work. I'm hoping the small can of POR-15 I got recently will be enough to cover both this and the shock tower but I guess we'll see...
 
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Right? I was thinking the same thing....I need to look back through my pictures and see if the seal was significantly worse on one side because the rust is definitely a lot worse on the passenger side.

I did a little bit of drill brushing last night. This is the passenger side.
Before:
IMG-1794.jpg
After:
IMG-1811.jpg

Still gotta do some more work. I'm hoping the small can of POR-15 I got recently will be enough to cover both this and the shock tower but I guess we'll see...
Every fox body car I've owned has had ( including the current one) significant rust issues in those areas.
 
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I made a brief attempt at getting the MC out last night but I wasn't able to get the nut off on the side closer to the fender. Any tips on getting that one out without breaking something or lighting the engine bay on fire?
IMG-1853.jpg
 
Soak it with some penetrating oil ( I like PB blaster ) and let it sit for a while.
Not sure what kind of wrench you're using but if you have a socket or combo wrench in 12pt. that will grip the best.
If none of that works a little heat could be necessary.
 
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I made a brief attempt at getting the MC out last night but I wasn't able to get the nut off on the side closer to the fender. Any tips on getting that one out without breaking something or lighting the engine bay on fire?
IMG-1853.jpg
I needed a 14mm mid-length socket. None available locally; bought a 1/4 in drive deep well & had a friend mill it down. Then used a wobble extension on the modified socket.
 
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I needed a 14mm mid-length socket. None available locally; bought a 1/4 in drive deep well & had a friend mill it down. Then used a wobble extension on the modified socket.
Thanks. I need to get some wobble extensions...been meaning to pick some of those up for a while.

Is it because the nut will not turn, or you can’t get a wrench on it? Or both?

Both...I managed to get a 14mm (I think) wrench on once but couldn’t get it to turn. Also managed to get a mid length socket on but I can’t fit the wrench down there. I tried an extension but it was pressing against the shock tower and I couldn’t get a good angle and it wouldn’t turn.