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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Pinto5.0 on May 02, 2012, 10:24:08 AM

Title: '73 Crossmember with '78 Spindles & Control Arms?
Post by: Pinto5.0 on May 02, 2012, 10:24:08 AM
I searched the archives for 2 days & CAN'T answer this question with any certainty.....
 
Is there any difference between an early '71-'73 front crossmember & a '74-UP crossmember?
 
If all the holes are in the same places on both crossmembers then all the '74-UP suspension parts should just bolt on but NOBODY seems to know for sure.
 
SOMEONE HAD TO TRY THIS BEFORE......
Title: Re: '73 Crossmember with '78 Spindles & Control Arms?
Post by: Fred Morgan on May 02, 2012, 12:18:46 PM
73 and a 78.  Fred   :)
Title: Re: '73 Crossmember with '78 Spindles & Control Arms?
Post by: oldkayaker on May 02, 2012, 01:02:03 PM
I checked 71/72 versus a 79. The link below shows the measurements taken.  The late lower arm inner bushing is too wide to fit in the early frame.  The late upper arm mounting bolt spacing is too wide to fit the early frame.  The late rack and its mounting is a different design from the 71/72 with 73 being a unique year.  If adventurous, things can be modified to fit.  I have read of swapping in late crossmembers (seems like a lot of work).
http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/early-vs-late-front-suspensions/msg75756/#msg75756 (http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/early-vs-late-front-suspensions/msg75756/#msg75756)
Title: Re: '73 Crossmember with '78 Spindles & Control Arms?
Post by: Pinto5.0 on May 02, 2012, 04:00:31 PM
That pretty much means I gotta do it the hard way.....
 
I think I'll toss the 2.0/4-speed  back in the '73 & drive it that way for awhile till I get a game plan figured out for the V8 swap. I had this crazy idea of stretching the wheelbase 6 inches by moving the crossmember forward & stretching the fenders when I tub it anyhow.
 
That just pushes the build a few years down the road to when I really have the time to get it done right.....