A Real Mustang II Suspension on a 65

[Scorpion65]

OK a REAL 1976 Mustang II suspension on a 65 Mustang coup!
Anyone done this before? I just got a 76 Mustang II for free. I can’t
afford the suspension kits that are available. Does anyone have some
information on doing this swap?

Also does a set of 1968 Mustang front Rotors fit on the 1976 front end spindles?
I am going to do this swap….I will need all your guys help………
Thanks
Scorpion56

 

[rbohm]

what you need is the crossmember kit from fatman fabrications. it runs about $400 and includes instructions on installing it. you can cut out the stock mustang ll crossmember, and weld it in place on your early stang, but you have to be absolutely perfect in your install to maintain stock suspension geometry, otherwise you end up with an ill handling poor riding pig. the aftermarket crossmember kits maintain the proper suspension geometry and are well worth the money if you really want to do this swap. as far as brake rotors are concerned, there are kits to put granada rotors and calipers on the mustang ll spindle. the bearings are different and wont work with the early rotor on the mustang ll spindle.

 

[samwe]

I did that.
It worked.
Your car is narrower than my '70 and would work better.
You will need drop spindles though.
And strut rods for the lower arm.

 

[yeloxr7]

I'd fix up the Mustang II

No, seriously. If it's in any kind of shape.....

 

[bnickel]

No, seriously. If it's in any kind of shape.....

another vot for fix it, my most favorite little fun car i've owned was my 78 II, it had a 2.3, auto, ps and ac and was such a pig down low it really sucked, but i could take a corner faster that anyone or anything else and proved it quite often. even the neighbor across the street with a porsche 914 couldn't keep up with on the twisty little roads to our houses in austin (oak hill) that car was fun, i could stand on the gas coming off a freeway "clover leaf" off ramp and stay in it all way to the end, it rocked. the car still had 13" wheels even, with a set of 235/50-15 radial t/a's on 13x7 "turbine" style ET wheels. with a better motor like an intercooled SVO turbo motor that car would have really scared some people, one day i'll do another one like that

 

[Scorpion65]

Thanks for the reply. Did you use the original Mustang II crossmember or tie the antire front end into the cars unibody frame?? I have a set of spindals and rotors from a 1968 Mustang. Do you know if they will work with the Mustang II suspension?

 

[Scorpion65]

I would love to keep the Mustang II but it dosn't have papers and I already have too many projects going on.. Thanks for the info though!

 

[samwe]

Thanks for the reply. Did you use the original Mustang II crossmember or tie the antire front end into the cars unibody frame?? I have a set of spindals and rotors from a 1968 Mustang. Do you know if they will work with the Mustang II suspension?

I used just the crossmember.
The '68 Mustang spindles won't work.

 

[ashford]

i did exactly that to my falcon for rotors you can buy 5 lug ones from speedway motors for about $40 a piece along with all other parts you need. only advice to you is get the modified lower control arms where you don't need strut rods- those buggers really get in the way.

 

[cobraii351]

only advice to you is get the modified lower control arms where you don't need strut rods- those buggers really get in the way.

Definatly do not do this! The Mustang II fornt crosmember was designed with strut rods. Even the redesigned lower arms w/gussets can't releave the stress that the new lower put on the factory crosmember. Those lower arms are designed for use with reverse engineered crossmembers that were made to take the added stress. The 2-3 layers to sheet metal that make of the OEM crossmember were NEVER designed to work like that.

 

[wildstang]

You can use the older granada disks, the late 70's models, on the mustang II spindles. Next you need to by a set of caliper brakets that you can purchase through AFCO racing for around $40 a pair and then you will need to purchase some chevy car calipers, I don't remember which ones, AFCO might be able to help you. I have the parts, I just don't have it together yet.

 

[samwe]

You can use the older granada disks, the late 70's models, on the mustang II spindles. Next you need to by a set of caliper brakets that you can purchase through AFCO racing for around $40 a pair and then you will need to purchase some chevy car calipers, I don't remember which ones, AFCO might be able to help you. I have the parts, I just don't have it together yet.

That is the best way to do it.
For calipers, you need a mid size GM. I think I told ther parts guy it was a Monte Carlo or Camaro.

 

[Jester67]

What shape is the II in you night be able to sell it and get better parts and save a nice car for someone that will enjoy it? As for not having papers that is not a problem that can’t be solved. Just my .02 cents

 

[Scorpion65]

Originally Posted by ashford
only advice to you is get the modified lower control arms where you don't need strut rods- those buggers really get in the way.


Thats good advice....I needed that kind of input...
I'll take it ! and I will make this thing work!

Thanks again..............

 

[Scorpion65]

What shape is the II in you night be able to sell it and get better parts and save a nice car for someone that will enjoy it? As for not having papers that is not a problem that can’t be solved. Just my .02 cents

It has rust but is a good car to restore. I love all the parts it has to offer me. but I'd hate to see this PONY die.....

I'm going to look for a good horse trainer befor I take her apart.... I hope I can find one and with that money I can get what I need... Other than that??? I might have to lay her to rest.....She'
s a good organ donar!.

I promis I will try to find her a well deserved owner, I have some time befor I start my project..
Thanks!

 

[Scorpion65]

Definatly do not do this! The Mustang II fornt crosmember was designed with strut rods. Even the redesigned lower arms w/gussets can't releave the stress that the new lower put on the factory crosmember. Those lower arms are designed for use with reverse engineered crossmembers that were made to take the added stress. The 2-3 layers to sheet metal that make of the OEM crossmember were NEVER designed to work like that.

So what do you sugest? Thanks for the input! I need all that I can get befor making my final decision........
Wouldn't be nice to have lots of money? We wouldn't have to wory about how to save....... Just give it to some ACE who does this sort of thing and say, I'll pick it up on Monday.... I wish!
Thanks again........

 

[Scorpion65]

You can use the older granada disks, the late 70's models, on the mustang II spindles. Next you need to by a set of caliper brakets that you can purchase through AFCO racing for around $40 a pair and then you will need to purchase some chevy car calipers, I don't remember which ones, AFCO might be able to help you. I have the parts, I just don't have it together yet.

Great advice... Thanks!...But where does the Chevy calipers come in ..???

Keep it comming..... I'm learning and taking notes....

Thanks again!

 

[wildstang]

the granada discs are 5 lug and larger in diameter, something like 10 or 11 in compared to 9 inch or something like that for the mustang II. You buy the caliper adapter brackets that bolt in to the stock mustang II caliper bolt holes and the caliper brackets are designed for chevy calipers to bolt on. I don't think ford makes a bolt on style like the chevy, this is why you use the chevy one. I believe samwe is right about which chevy caliper to get. If your good at junk yard hunting you could probably find a good set of disks and calipers for next to nothing and just have to buy the brackets. You could buy the brakets from one of the mustang II kit manufacturers but you will pay twice the price compared to AFCO racing and they are just as high quality and strength because they get used in racing.