front end drop?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by andwrong, Dec 27, 2003.

  1. andwrong

    andwrong Member

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    I'm purchasing a 70 maverick with a 6cyl blown auto tranny. The car is setup with 4lug front and an 8inch 5lug rear end. I am paying $500 for the maverick minus the 6 BUT with a 78 351w from a e250 van. i'm on the super cheap budget here, so i decided i do not need to change the front sus to 5 lug, i will just leave it at 4lug if anything maybe put a stiffer spring in it.

    to those that have installed the 351w how much will the bigger motor "lower" my front end?? and does anybody know how much the factory front springs are rated at on 4lug mavs?

    thanks :D:D
     
    andwrong, Dec 27, 2003
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  2. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

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    andwrong; you can take a coil or so out of the springs to lower the car. However, the brakes you have on that car, 9" drums, will not do well with the added weight of the 351. Your best bet, is to find a donor car, or Granada, and get a set of disc brakes. They are a fairly easy mod, and make the car much safer. Good luck with your project!

    Earl
     
    Earl Branham, Dec 27, 2003
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  3. andwrong

    andwrong Member

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    what i meant was how much will the extra weight drop the car? i dont want to lower the car, but i knwo the 351w is much heavier than the 250 i6 in the car. i know the brakes are a little on the small side, but they will work for the current purpose of the car.
     
    andwrong, Dec 27, 2003
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  4. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

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    andwrong; sorry I misunderstood the question. When I put my 302 in my 69.5, it didn't drop it but about 1". I still have a good ride height, and the 6cyl springs are still ok. I still want to put the v8 springs in it, and make it ride better. The 6cyl springs will wash out quicker, and will not be as tight as the v8 springs, in my opinion. Yours may be different. I still stand by the brake comment I made. Those drums are bad, and with the extra weight, you will have to stand on them, and still they fade bad. Good luck, and if I can be of assistance, be sure to let me know.

    Earl
     
    Earl Branham, Dec 27, 2003
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  5. andwrong

    andwrong Member

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    i was planning on putting some stiffer i6 springs in to handle the little extra weight, i dont really mind if it drops much or not.

    I may just take the front end out of my 74 4door since it has the discs and 5lug, but i think that for the little bit of daily driving it will see the crappy brakes may work. As i said, first thing i'm gonna do is get it running, then i'll see what i have to change. brakes are pretty important to me, so i may just have to
     
    andwrong, Dec 27, 2003
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