Figured I'd start a new subject that would keep all our rides together. Here's a couple pics of the latest work done on the Cougar.

So I've obviously been doing a lot of research on the net lately about these front ends. Appears Mercury/Ford made them kinda weak. Small blocks not so much a problem though I have read about them even cracking shock towers. My left brace had a kink in it and the last owner informed me that it had been hit in the left front fender under the original owners possession. So I figured for insurance and my own peace of mind I would drop in a new Export brace, around $60.

mysite.verizon.net/res..._sized.jpg

And a pic from the front end test drive. Good to see the front bumper and grille still shine.

mysite.verizon.net/res..._sized.jpg

Yep, stock 'Stang and Cougar (and ever Camaro) suspensions were weak. Well, think about it, it was Falcon bits. Notice that Cobra kit cars use Mustang II fronts and Jag rears for the most parts. Whole aftermarket kits are available for 'Stang chassis and not a bad way to go (to say nothing of disc brakes). If your frame isn't rusted, it's a life-preserving move to change as much of the front (first) and rear (distant second) to keep it between the ditches.

It sucks to be able to go, but neither turn nor stop when you want.

Those pics look great! And I dig that export brace, that's quite a deal for only sixty bones, and it looks like it'll firm things up a fair bit! Makes the ol' engine compartment look like serious business as well. NICE.

FYI things haven't changed much over the years as far as Ford suspensions go....my Mustang had to have the lower ball joints replaced a couple thousand miles ago, at 38K miles. Just mind-boggling to me how they went bad that fast. I thought about upgrading to FRPP GT500 lower control arms but...tough to justify the cost for how much I drive the car...

I am SO glad you didn't sell that Cougar!!!!!!!!!

JG300-Ascout wrote:

Whole aftermarket kits are available for 'Stang chassis and not a bad way to go (to say nothing of disc brakes).

Ya, WCCC has this complete kit but being on a budget just opted to go with the export brace for now.
static.cougarpartscata...harge.html

Man Stoopy you are babying that Stang. 38k miles and it's how old now?

A pic showing the new contol arms, 620 coil springs, perches, shocks, idler arm, tie rod, rotors, calipers, pads, brake hose and the new steel brake line that was replaced on the last project. Can even see some of that original Grecian Gold in shock tower.

Bought new tires today and made a huge difference. Tomorrow morning I head over to Marlo's alignment.

Mmmmm....coilovers, discs, steel lines, I'm starting to get...aroused here.

I agree. This cat is looking better all the time!!!!!!

Oh I'm up to 44K on the 'Stang now I believe. Trying to keep the miles low until I can get the Edelbrock E-Force supercharger bolted on (like that'll ever really happen)....

The stock tires are still on, so 8-year-old rubber makes for longer burnouts . Nothing like Doug's Challenger I'm sure....