IRS TO SOLID Swap Questions

[Nazman]

Gentleman,

I hate to take some of your busy time but I have several questions regarding an IRS to Solid (97 Cobra) swap. I'm stationed in Germany so my options are very limited. As of right now I have access to a 97 Cobra solid along with all the suporting parts (stock springs, shocks, DS, UCA, LCAs) all exept the brakes/rotors.

I understand that the Solid (95-98) are 1 inch shorter than the IRS set-up. Now my questions are:

1. Will this be a straight up swap (i.e. COMPLETE BOLT ON). Will I have to relocate mounting brakets to adjust for the 1 inch?

2. Will my 99 Cobra rotors/calipers BOLT ON (please notice the emphasis in bolt on) with no modifications?

3. I know I will losse the Track CTR, how do I disable it? Chip, electronic or do nothing?

4. ABS, will I have any problems with this?

5. What is the diference in hight from the STOCK Cobra Rear Springs vs. the Eibach Pro (IRS)?

6. Which other parts I'm overlooking?

7. Last, but not least Wheel spacers? I'm assuming 1/2 inch at each side, is that correct? Will the Stock Rims fit with no problems?

Thank you for your time and my apologies for the long list of questions.

Naz

 

[mustangfiveoh]

NAZMAN,

I've recently done a swap from IRS to Solid, the questions you're asking are very legit, but I can only offer answers to a few of them.

I wouldn't worry to much about the width of the axle, you can't even tell on mine unless you're really looking. Spacers are always an option, but 1/2 inch is a big spacer.

The Solid Axle should be a direct bolt in provided you have the original or aftermarket control arms. There are no brackets to extend.

The brakes should be able to be swapped, I've never done this, but I know most IRS units you see for sale are missing the Cobra brakes because someones put them on the solid axle.

The ABS and Traction control are tied together, they use the same sensors. If the 97 solid has ABS sensors, it should tie into your system and make the Traction Control and ABS functional. I would keep you original sensors in tact, don't even remove them from your vehicle, and put them in in place of the 97 sensors. That's what I did on mine.

As far as other parts, make sure you have the following: pinion snubber, driveshaft (some say the GT shaft will work), the correct exhaust (goes over the axle), the upper and lower control arms, a speedcal if the gears are different, the shocks and springs from the solid axle car.

There's probably more, but I'm going off the top of my head.

Good Luck!

Jason

 

[32vmonster]

...so the factory control arms are a direct bolt on? that would be awesome if everything was. i was considering swapping my 2000 gt solid rear for my 2003 cobra irs. would it work? all parts are there and are perfect condition.
thanks