Tech | Rearend Install
After a few parts delays and a hectic summer event travel season, we've finally gotten our act in gear and have plenty of work getting accomplished on our "halo" project, our '68 Mustang dubbed Generation Gap. We've gotten some great feedback from our readers, both in person at events this past summer and through email as well. Several of you have told us the build, at least as far as the drivetrain and modular engine swap, are something you are planning for your own classic Mustang or Ford project. Others were simply blown away by the conversion from coupe to fastback (the first three articles in our build series) and felt this was a great alternative to purchasing a completely new shell for the build of one's dream Mustang. Whatever it may be, the comments and feedback have put a smile on our faces and have really pushed us to get the project moving.
Before our fastback can move (literally) to the paint and body phase we need to have the full suspension hung and some shop wheels installed, as well as the engine and drivetrain in place (which will include some final welding of the engine mounts, and so forth in the engine compartment and under the car). With the completion of our Strange built 9-inch in last month's issue we can install our Heidt's four-link rear suspension setup, add our Stainless Steel Brakes (SSBC) rear-disc kit to said 9-inch, and get the rear fit to the chassis. So check out this installment on our Generation Gap project and stay tuned for the front suspension and brake install, as well as the engine and trans fitment, then it'll be off to the body shop for many hours of sanding, fiberglass work, and panel fitment. Wow, I guess that means we better finalize our colors soon too!
The Heidt's four-link rear suspension kit is available for '65-'70 Mustang, '60-'65 Falcon, and '66-'67 Fairlane at this time. With prices starting at just $1,095 it's a great upgrade for anyone tackling a V-8 conversion, upgrading to better handling, or wanting adjustable ride height and suspension options. Our kit is the RM-101 Mustang four-link with optional ($100) CB-105 billet adjustable coilover shocks. We also checked off the option boxes for Heidt's RM-102 subframe connectors ($179) and RM-023 chassis stiffener kit ($249).
Completely mocked up, our...
Completely mocked up, our four-link looks ready to rock 'n' roll over some twisty roads. Of course we'll be yanking it all back out to paint and powdercoat the brackets and control arms after our bodywork is complete.
The Heidt's four-link installation...
The Heidt's four-link installation begins with the partial assembly of the shock absorber crossmember and end brackets, which is then fit to the framerails of the Mustang. The instructions provide text and drawings to help with the assembly, as well as measurements as to where the brackets should be positioned. Some persuasion with a hammer might be necessary to fully seat the brackets. You may also have to trim the end of the brackets to clear the factory suspension snubbers.
Once you've checked and verified...
Once you've checked and verified the fit, clean the metal of any primer, dirt, rust, and so on. You have the option of drilling and bolting the brackets in, or welding them in. You can install the complete kit (minus the axle brackets) with handtools and a drill, but for high-horsepower applications even the guys at Heidt's recommend welding the brackets, which we did for our installation.
Here's our finished welding...
Here's our finished welding work. The ends of the brackets were welded completely around the framerail and the original bolt holes were plug welded to the framerail sides as well. Once both brackets are welded/bolted you can finish tightening the shock crossmember retaining bolts.
The installation of the front...
The installation of the front link brackets is the same as the crossmember brackets. Fit them to the car's framerails as needed and then drill and bolt or weld them into place.
The optional subframe connectors...
The optional subframe connectors are also designed as a bolt-in upgrade and to tie into the front link brackets, but since we already had the Miller out and fired up we went ahead and completely welded in the subframe connectors as well.