...and I'll explain why. As some of you know, I've been redoing my 460/Tremec setup with all new goodies. I kinda went all out, but I've run into a lot of assinine problems that I shouldnt be.
Allow me to review these issues so I can vent about how the aftermarket screws up more with Fords than Chevys.
First, I purchased QA1 control arms, a K-member, and struts. Per QA1 you are suppose to reuse your factory control arm bolts so I did. Problem? They drilled the holes so close to a steel plate, that there is no possible way to get a bolt head to fit. There is maybe a 1/4 inch between the bolt hole and the "roof" of the K-member. How do you fit a nut or bolt in there without shaving off a flat?
Second issue. I wanted to switch to an electronic setup for the speedo which includes an electronic speedometer and sending unit that bolts into the transmission, both from autometer. This allows me to dial in any gear ratio and so forth and give me a cleaner install. Problem? I have to grind off half of the mounting tab on the tranny to get this large sending unit to slide into the speedo gear hole. That wasnt in the instructions.
Third issue. I bought a March serpentine pulley setup for the 460, but the spacers and bracket holes dont work with my water pump. So I had to just use the pulleys and reuse my ugly homemade bracket. It would be nice to spend $350 for a setup that works.
Fourth issue. The aluminum rack bushings from Steeda are suppose to work with any tubular K-member. But since the design for bolting on the rack is different on a tubular K-member, you cant. So I went with prothane bushings. No returned answers from Steeda.
Fifth issue. X2 balljoints dont work with tubular K-members. I learned this after removing the originals from the brand new tubular control arms which were tacked in place.
Before any of you mention research, I did plenty and I dont buy anything unless I'm certain it should work. Not to mention all the brand names I just used, Steeda, QA1, autometer, and March.
Most of this doesnt even relate to the 460 so take heed when doing your project.
Allow me to review these issues so I can vent about how the aftermarket screws up more with Fords than Chevys.
First, I purchased QA1 control arms, a K-member, and struts. Per QA1 you are suppose to reuse your factory control arm bolts so I did. Problem? They drilled the holes so close to a steel plate, that there is no possible way to get a bolt head to fit. There is maybe a 1/4 inch between the bolt hole and the "roof" of the K-member. How do you fit a nut or bolt in there without shaving off a flat?
Second issue. I wanted to switch to an electronic setup for the speedo which includes an electronic speedometer and sending unit that bolts into the transmission, both from autometer. This allows me to dial in any gear ratio and so forth and give me a cleaner install. Problem? I have to grind off half of the mounting tab on the tranny to get this large sending unit to slide into the speedo gear hole. That wasnt in the instructions.
Third issue. I bought a March serpentine pulley setup for the 460, but the spacers and bracket holes dont work with my water pump. So I had to just use the pulleys and reuse my ugly homemade bracket. It would be nice to spend $350 for a setup that works.
Fourth issue. The aluminum rack bushings from Steeda are suppose to work with any tubular K-member. But since the design for bolting on the rack is different on a tubular K-member, you cant. So I went with prothane bushings. No returned answers from Steeda.
Fifth issue. X2 balljoints dont work with tubular K-members. I learned this after removing the originals from the brand new tubular control arms which were tacked in place.
Before any of you mention research, I did plenty and I dont buy anything unless I'm certain it should work. Not to mention all the brand names I just used, Steeda, QA1, autometer, and March.
Most of this doesnt even relate to the 460 so take heed when doing your project.