1983 Mustang GL with 3.8

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01-01-2012, 10:50 AM

#11

28HopUp

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Join Date: May 2005

Location: South Carolina

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Quote:

Originally Posted by projectresto83

The first thing you need to do since you want to stay with a 4 lug setup is to upgrade to 87-93 5.0 spindles, master cylinder, and brake booster.....

This earlier suggestion is still a good idea. The original 10" front disc brakes are barely adequate, but going to 87-93 5.0L stock front brakes will be a big improvement for you. It won't stop like your Cobra, but it will certainly stop better than stock.

01-05-2012, 04:16 PM

#12

04BlueGT

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Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: Georgia

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Yeah, that would allow me to keep the 4-lugs, wouldn't it? I just dropped money into new calipers, but it wasn't much. Will my flex lines fit the newer calipers? How big are the stock 87-93 fronts?

01-07-2012, 09:18 AM

#13

28HopUp

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I cannot say with certainty that the flex lines will work if you install stock 11" front brakes from a 87-93 5.0L (yes, they are 4-jug).

01-07-2012, 10:42 AM

#14

projectresto83

M.A.D. Motorsports

Join Date: Jul 2006

Location: Indiana

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No, they are not the same as the 87+ 5.0....front or rears..... they are however the same for the 87+ 4 cylinders but again that doesn't help you in your situation...

05-31-2012, 12:38 AM

#15

04BlueGT

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UPDATE!

She's up on jack stands in the garage as I continue to rebuild the underside. The rear suspension is done. I have installed control arms and rear sway bar from a 2004 with all rubber replaced with polyurethane. I also replaced the shocks and springs.

The front suspension is completely off the car. I have poly bushings for the front along with new struts and springs, and new i/o tie rods and bellows for the rack. I'm replacing the rotors and pads while I'm at it.

I did change the MC. I removed the pistons from the old one and they looked horrible. I suspect that the brakes will perform much better now.

I hope the have the front end back together in the next 10 days and test everything. I planned to put the front sway bar from a 2004 on it, but that will not work. The stock one will remain and is enough for what it is, anyway.

After 29 years, it's amazing how frozen the bolts were, lol.

12-09-2013, 04:13 PM

#16

04BlueGT

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Okay, since my last update, the motor let go. So, I've had the machine work done and purchased new parts to rebuild.

Here's my question: On the connecting rods, there is an oiling port on one side of the rod. Which way does it face, up or down? I'm getting conflicting data on this one so I need help from you all.