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| Engine/Cradle Swap - Considerations? (Page 1/1) |
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Chantruese
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APR 27, 11:03 PM
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I have an 85 GT auto, getting ready to do an engine/trans refresh. The plan is to build the new bits on a cradle outside of the car and get it as prepped as possible for just swapping out (3.4 engine, stock trans, stock cradle, all just rebuilt and happy.) If you were doing this, what considerations would you have? I'm trying to make a parts list (bushings, struts, ball joints, rotors, Rodney's stainless vacuum lines, new spark plug wires, alternator, etc.) so that I can get the new engine cradle as ready as possible, so that my car has as little downtime as I can manage.
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Patrick
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APR 27, 11:23 PM
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You or may not be aware that using an '88 cradle would allow you to do quite an upgrade on the rear suspension. It's an option you might wish to consider.
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Dennis LaGrua
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APR 30, 03:28 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
You or may not be aware that using an '88 cradle would allow you to do quite an upgrade on the rear suspension. It's an option you might wish to consider. |
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Very true and while the 88 cradle bolts in, quite a few other suspension parts will be necessary. The knuckle, lower suspension arm, stabilizer strut and rear rear brakes and rotors all need to be changed. If you add the rear 85-87 sway bar and are not road racing the improvement might not justify the cost. Just my opinion,
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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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darbysan
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MAY 03, 11:04 AM
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Make sure your "new" cradle is square, with no damage, before starting. I didn't check, and found the "new" cradle was out of square, and would not fit. It wasn't obvious just looking at it, but the rear cradle mounting holes were out of square about 1/2"- enough that I could not get the cradle to bolt up to the frame. Had to take everything off, redo the original cradle, and then re-install. ------------------
'87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)
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fierosound
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MAY 03, 12:15 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by darbysan:
Make sure your "new" cradle is square, with no damage, before starting. |
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From '86 Factory Service Manual.
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DimeMachine
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MAY 03, 05:55 PM
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Upgrading to an 88 rear - while much better, comes one potential future issue. Replacement part availablity. 84-87 are dime a dozen, 88 getting harder and more $$$ to find..
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Patrick
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MAY 03, 06:35 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by DimeMachine:
Upgrading to an 88 rear - while much better, comes one potential future issue. Replacement part availablity. 84-87 are dime a dozen, 88 getting harder and more $$$ to find..
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Other than acquiring a complete '88 cradle (with suspension and brakes) in the first place, what's the "future issue" with "replacement part availability"? Rear wheel bearings and struts are the same as all other years, and as far as I know, all bushings are readily available. Rear brake calipers may be relatively rare, but it seems the '84-'87 ones are getting harder to find as well. Is there something else I'm missing?[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-03-2020).]
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