Might get back into the Merkur game and had a question

[NiggyMerk]

Well all the baby having is done and my little guy is about to turn 1.
I was thinking about building a V8 XR this time and was just
curious if anyone has thought about using a Mustang II
weld-in subframe and using A-arm suspension?

Such as on this site:
http://www.fulltiltstreetrods.com/index.htm

Feels good to be thinking about Merkurs again.

[Camaro5690]

I do believe its easier and cheaper to just fab or buy mounts for a v8.

[wicked93gs]

No offense...but why would you want a mustang II suspension in a XR?..I welded one into my 66 mustang and while its certainly an improvement over the stock 1st gen mustang(heidts kit with tubular arms, rack and pinion steering etc) it has its own issues....namely the upper control arms...they clamp down on the camber adjustment slots....and while this allows great adjustability, they are known to come loose during hard cornering. This very issue is causing me to consider welding on an angle iron piece to mount the UCAs to and use shims to adjust camber. It seems a lot easier to weld some mounts on than the major surgery a MII suspension is.

[Mike McCreight]

Welcome back, Nick!!

[NiggyMerk]

Thanks Mike, good to be here.

I just think it would be an easier way to tackle several issues at once. Like V8 swap, air ride, better brake setup, steering rack options and wheel bolt pattern change and also get rid of the strut towers to free up some room.

For those of you that followed my last build, I don't skimp and know what I would like to improve on.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

In my best Jeff Foxworthy voice....

Here's your thread... viewtopic.php?f=37&t=9364&hilit=appalachian

[NiggyMerk]

That's pretty extreme and poorly done. He had the right idea though.

[jjbmwm5]

I think you are better off modifying what is already there I work with mustang II and various other custom front ends every day and aside from the benefit of a quick motor swap I am not sure that you would be gaining anything.

[wicked93gs]

I will admit your goals would all be accomplished in one fell swoop...but do you really need enough more room to justify hacking out the shock towers? Just what v8 do you plan on swapping that you need that much room? Even the ultra wide modular 4.6 can fit with them in place and anywhere a modular can fit a big block can fit easier.

[merk23literturbo]

Does anybody have a count of how many people have wanted to do a V8 swap? Just curious.

Step 1. Buy all the nice shiny parts, "Man, this is gonna be cool"
Step 2. Look at all the nice shiny parts, "Man, This is gonna be a lot of work"
Step 3. Take everything apart, "Man, this sucks"
Step 4. Sell project, start looking for nice stock XR, "Man, what a stupid idea that was."
LOL

[Firefox]

You forgot step five, Don. Wait 5 years, forget about original project, try again. Good luck with your dreams of an XR (V8 or not), OP!

[merk23literturbo]

LOL Yeah