RustlesRoadster

The chassis is designed to accommodate any tank up to 2004. You'll need the appropriate cover and straps. When using the later tanks the rear of the right side strap attaches to the horizontal tab visible in the trunk.

Jeff

Rear brakes

sometimes this car makes me feel like a dummy.... I am using '98 Lincoln IRS knuckles and would like to know what FORD calipers will fit??? My parts search shows that the '03 - '04 IRS Mustang calipers are no longer available (I'm not even certain that these would fit and I tossed the Lincolns assuming I could find later and better calipers). Do the solid axle axle calipers fit? or can they be made to fit?

My parts search in the Ford parts catalog shows the solid axle and IRS part numbers to be close but slightly different (1R3Z-2553AB(Solid) versus 3R3Z-2553CA(IRS). Any advice would be helpful but want to avoid Wilwood if possible.

irs pumpkin install

before i throw in the towel.... i am using a 98 lincoln irs with the ford racing cover/girdle and it just doesnt want to go in. we tried a third time today unsuccesfully. does any one have some guidance or must i cut out the fixed mount and fabricate a removable one ala mikeinatlanta?

Are the Mark VIII hubs metric like the supercoupe hubs? If so, have you had them drilled and new studs installed yet? Not something you want to put off until last and find out then....

Bob

russelljones48 said:

before i throw in the towel.... i am using a 98 lincoln irs with the ford racing cover/girdle and it just doesnt want to go in. we tried a third time today unsuccesfully. does any one have some guidance or must i cut out the fixed mount and fabricate a removable one ala mikeinatlanta?

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Not sure if your housing is aluminum but I think it is. They are physically a little larger than the cast iron pumpkins and thus are a little more difficult to get in. Some people have trimmed off offending parts and I think taking the cover off might make it easier too. If your cover is thicker than the stocker in any spot, it might be hanging you up. You have to get it just right for it to go in. Do a search and you might find more tips for getting it to fit in. Good luck and hope this helps!

Mike

russelljones48 said:

before i throw in the towel.... i am using a 98 lincoln irs with the ford racing cover/girdle and it just doesnt want to go in. we tried a third time today unsuccesfully. does any one have some guidance or must i cut out the fixed mount and fabricate a removable one ala mikeinatlanta?

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Hey Russell, I have put these in before and they can be tricky ! Taking the cover off may help a lot, but may not be necessary. Check your PM's, I sent you a note, Maybe I can give you a hand on this. Jim

I installed my aluminum MK8 IRS pumpkin in my MK4 without any issues and not cutting anything. I anticipated problems, but had none.
It's tricky, but went in first try.

Good luck!

I just installed mine in a couple of days ago and it didn't take more than 5 min with my son operating the jack. I followed the instructions in another thread (I have a link to it in my build thread, post 74). Basically point the nose up with the belly of the pumpkin facing where the rear passenger side wheel would go. As you jack it up to position tilt the nose of the pumpkin toward front of the car and as the main body passes the cage, rotate the body so belly goes toward the ground. I got it in on the first try following these instructions. The link has really good documentation and pictures.

BTW, my aluminum pumpkin came from a 96 Mark VIII.

russelljones48 said:

before i throw in the towel.... i am using a 98 lincoln irs with the ford racing cover/girdle and it just doesnt want to go in. we tried a third time today unsuccesfully. does any one have some guidance or must i cut out the fixed mount and fabricate a removable one ala mikeinatlanta?

Click to expand...

OK, 4th try wasn't successful either. Had some experienced hands and we followed the suggestions and pics provided - so thanks for the pointers - but no luck and my jack gave up the ghost so I won't be trying again until it's repaired/replaced. At this point I believe it's the Ford Racing case with the girdle supports - the cover is considerably larger than those I've seen in the pics. Has anyone used that FR cover and been able to install the pumpkin? If not there seems to be 2 possible solutions 1.) the removable mount like mikeinatlanta faricated or 2.) make the trunk cross brace/gas tank support removable. I've not seen that option mentioned - does anyone know if it will work?

Re: Brakes

The knuckles have been rebuilt with FR Cobra hubs - so all is OK there. I'm just trying to find what Ford calipers/mounts will bolt up?

This should get me some flames, but I'll outline my procedure anyway.

I put the back of the frame up on 4 foot horses and the front sits on the ground (no front tires). Then I can stand where the pumpkin goes in and it really worked out well. Stick it shaft vertical and the top of the housing pointing to one side (I forgot which side). Lift it and rotate it into position. Once you find the sweet spot you'll be amazed how easy it goes in and out. The key is to find a comfortable height so you're not trying to bench press it in. The previous method I used was to lift it with my engine hoist, by the flange so the shaft is pointing up. That way works but the elevated frame thing is easier. And yes, my housing was aluminum.

That sounds like an interesting way to keep my old bones off the floor!! Will try it for the next attempt. Thanks.

rj

Don't know if you finished your center section install but this may help.

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-fac...5886-installation-irs-center-section-how.html

George

IRS CS install

Thanks, George. Reviewed that install sequence and pics but was still unable to get the CS in place.

IRS CS install

After weeks of house guests and frustration with the pumpkin mount, Monday and yesterday were productive days! Made my decision and started on the removable rear mount - A "Shout Out" to Mikeinatlanta for the pics and idea!!

I built a template out of luan for the removable rear mount and took it out to a local metal supplier yesterday and they cut me a back piece that fits the triangle formed by the X tubes and bent me a Z brace to fit over the 1X4 - all for $37.50!! All I need to do now is cut the mounts out and get the pieces welded up. However, my welding skills are now 30 years gone and they weren't that good to start with. So, I have to trailer it somewhere to get the welding done... or find someone with a portable welder. Hope to find that portable welder since I haven't yet purchased a trailer :001_tongue:

Wheeeeels!!!!

The FedEx fairly just delivered my wheels!! and timely too - should be able to get it rolling in the next week or so....

Pumpkin in!!

After all this time and effort, with the rear brackets removed the pumpkin slipped in in 2 minutes.... The new rear mount is still not complete but should be shortly. FFR shipped me 2 new brackets that should arrive today. Then there's just a couple of cuts and welds and I should be done - YEAH!!! :weight_lift::weight_lift:

What camera r u using and from what device r u posting?

Try changing the album to public? I just requested access to the album and will help figure out what's going on if I can.