Suspension Swap 1990 to 1999 & Later

[powerstrokin400]

I am new to this site, so thank you for your patronage in advance. With that said, I have picked up a 1990 LX 5.0 5spd Hatchback. This is Dad's next project/toy. Looking to convert to an updated suspension, and wondering if 1999 to 2003 running gear will bolt-up? This will be a slow moving project, so I've got the time to R/R whatever is required. Possibly a donor 2000 GT?

Thanks again

 

[powerstrokin400]

Part II Suspension/Brake Swap

Is it possible to just change the axles, backing plates, disc brake assy. from the 1999+ axle housing to the 1990 axle housing. And, can the same be done with the front spindles from a 1999+ to the 1990?

 

[Mac-man]

the front spindle/brake swap is a very common thing as you get better braking and a 5 lug bolt pattern which opens you up to quite a few choices for wheels.

for the rear i know they make a set of backing plates which allows you to run the rear rotor disc set-up but i am not sure if those backing plates are the same as a stock set... although i would assume it is ... maybe someone else will chime into with better info on this part of it

 

[Sicarius428]

You will be best off using 94-98 axles and spindles. The 99+ rear axle is 3 inches wider than the fox so you will run into some clearance isues. I am going through this right now since I swapped a cobra IRS in the rear and using some 2k GT wheels(8inches wide) I may have to roll the fender. You may be able to get some of the sn97 wheels to fit better since they have a 35+ offset i believe. As for the front spindles, you may still want to go with the 94-95 because they are just a tad narrower than the 96+ which will give you more clearance. I would suggest going with the 99+ front calipers which will take a little grinding on the 94-95 spindles.
Kevin

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Just buy 94-95 spindles up front. Go with Ranger rear axles and north race car brackets and 94-95 calipers out back.

 

[powerstrokin400]

Suspension & Brake Swap Con't

Back to the swap scenario. Where I'm intending to go, with this Mustang, is "Road Course" set-up. I'm a NASA, SCCA, SPEED GT, Long Beach GP, kinda junkie. That said, I'm also watching the "Green Backs", during this economy, if you know what I mean. So, I'd like to take advantage of the unfortunate souls who's cars now reside at the local Pick-A-Part wrecking yard. My curiosity wonders if I can just unbolt a bunch of stuff during 50% Off days, and transfer as much as possible. I'm talkin' both L & R front control arms, spindle assy., all of the front running gear. Also, the complete rear axle assy, drive shaft, upper & lower control arms, E-brake, all of it. I had a 2000 Mustang GT, (my EX-WIFE rolled & totaled it after the divorce) and there were some improvements in design over the previous years. The front spindle assy and brakes at all four corners were some of the areas I was interested in as well as the 5 lug benefit. I understand the general geometry is similar and, if possible, I'd like to add as much of that to my Fox Body as possible. I will, however, stay loyal to the push-rod 5.0 configuration. If the general consensus is to stick with 94-98 running gear, then that's the direction I'll head. The future would have a Watts-Link, Tubular control arms, coil-over rear suspension with Cobra Brakes, and Maximum Motorsports Full K-Member, coil-over tubular a-arm set-up. However, that's "LONG RANGE" at this time. Thanks for the imput.