After seeing Frank Cooper's video of Patches screaming down the highway knowing that it had the Mustang II suspension change, I was thinking that maybe we could hear from the Maverick/Comet owners, that have done this swap already, as to their opinion of the results. How does it compare from driving it with the stock system and then driving it with the Mustang II setup especially since it now has rack & pinion steering? How does cornering or a lane change feel now? Any issues with the Mustang II setup or anything that you wished that you didn't do or anything you wish you had done differently? I know that we also have different spring combos out there. Coil overs are a popular choice, like Frank's, and I have chosen to go with the stock mustang springs & shocks but mine is not yet finished. Maybe someone even has an airbag setup. I thought it would be interesting to hear first hand about the new "feel" that comes with this swap.
Good question. I have been tossing the MII swap around in my head for a while, and would be interested to hear about the improvements. I bet they are pretty impressive...
I would hope that the driving results would be much better than the stock system. I remember back in my stock car days, figuring out front end geometry using a computer program where you chose where your A-frame pivot points, ball joint centers and spring locations were going to be for you best cornering speed ability. No where did it even remotely mention anything about locating any springs way up on any top A-frames.
Very good question! I'm saving money slowly for this swap myself. My main reason to do it is the space I'll have without the shock towers there and the good power steering system.
My towers are gone but my crossmember isn't in yet - too cold right now for the kerosene heater to keep up with. I did hang my Cleveland down in the frame rails last week and that big ol' engine looked really small now.
im very interested in this swap too. i can get a m2 front end of an hot rod frame. wut else would i need for this swap if i got the entire m2 setup and the welder series crossmember and a arm kit? also about putting the power steering on here seems like a good idea if i do go through with it. wut all parts would i need to add ps?
I'm running a manual rack on mine but my guess would be to get a power steering pump, power rack, hoses and brackets from a 74-78 302 Mustang II and it shouldn't know the difference that it is installed in a Maverick.
mustang II swap I recently stumbled into a 74 mustang II pretty cheap. i plan to use the chin strap and fastback as well as the center console and tail lights in my 1970 maverick. The motor is gone and Im not sure what the tranny is or motor was. what else if anything (besides the power steering apparently) should I be looking to save. Any help is welcome.
I think you need spindle to spindle, up to steering wheel, and the front subframe. Plus any power steering accessories. I let one pass a few years ago for $100 and have been kicking myself ever since.
If I was gonna do a rack & pinion swap...I'd buy a kit that fit my car. Not a kit (or parts car) that I cut up my car to fit their kit/parts. If I was a good fabricator and was setup to do the work it might be a different story. Google is only a few key strokes away so read up on what head aches others went through when they did their swap. It all comes down to pay now or pay later to complete the swap.
The welder series looks like a good way to go. They have detailed instructions on how install it and get it right. You can even buy it pre welded for an additional $25.
I have recently installed the R&C kit in my car. I have everything welded in, and have mocked up the suspension. This is with out question the way to go. I know it's expensive. However I can't put a price on the safety of having installed something that was designed to go in our cars. The welder series aren't bad if you have major fabrication skills. These will need more than just welding. In fact I would think that would be the easy part. The fab work of getting the geometry correct and have everything work together is going to take some time and skill. The instruction s that come with may have nothing to do with the instalation in a Mav/Comet. Taking a factory crossmember from an actual MII would be a mistake in my eyes. They definatly aren't designed to fit in this car. Keep one thing in mind when thinking about taking on this major of a project. You and or your loved ones will be riding in the car as well as other people on the roads with you. If not done correctly you would be an accident waiting to happen. My background is pre 49 hot rods, where the MII front end is very common. I have seen jobs done incorrectly by guys that were trying to save a few hundred $$. It's not worth it in the end. Please be safe and smart!! As for how it drives and handles.... I'll let you know ina couple years!!
I watched them install a Welders Series today on "Trucks", unless you have the skills, I wouldn't suggest that kit.
i also watched the trucks episode several times and see how it goes together. as long as u make all ur marks and measurements it should go in pretty easy. i can weld and will have help with every aspect of the swap. so if i had put the crossmember and a arms on would i be able to swap the full m2 supension from the hot rod drag project to the maverick?
