1966 Ranchero Question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1966 Ranchero Question
Did 1966 Ranchero's have an original firewall to shock tower brace?
I have seen them on '65's. Is it important to have one on a 66? Why not ?
Will an original 65 brace fit a 66, if it's a good idea to have one. I don't like the after market braces i have seen.
I have seen them on '65's. Is it important to have one on a 66? Why not ?
Will an original 65 brace fit a 66, if it's a good idea to have one. I don't like the after market braces i have seen.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,476
Likes: 2,800
Not dumb at all. No one knows.
I would guess it did. You should be able to see up on the firewall where it bolted to the firewall. The one piece and two piece braces bolt up the same I think.
Why is it important? Because it's part of a triangulation design that gives the whole front end enough strength to stay fairly close to it's designed shape.
Fairly.
These things--Ranchero, Mustang, Falcon etc, are pretty flexible and prone to getting whacked out of shape. "Weak" would be another way of putting it.
I would guess it did. You should be able to see up on the firewall where it bolted to the firewall. The one piece and two piece braces bolt up the same I think.
Why is it important? Because it's part of a triangulation design that gives the whole front end enough strength to stay fairly close to it's designed shape.
Fairly.
These things--Ranchero, Mustang, Falcon etc, are pretty flexible and prone to getting whacked out of shape. "Weak" would be another way of putting it.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, WA
No shock tower braces in 66
Though I wasn't really clear myself (even though I happen to be president of a FCA chapter) I did a little research and there were no shock tower braces in '66 Falcons - the foundation of the Ranchero for that year. Or, at least, I can not find a single image of one with shock-tower braces.
Though it was still a uni-body car, Ford must'a not thought it was needed, whereas the year before it was needed. The engine bay radically changed in that one year though - allowing for much larger motors than you could shoe-horn into the bay in '65.
Could it benefit from one is perhaps the question. That I can't say for sure, but I think the more torque your motor can make, the stiffer you want things t be.
Hope this helps.
Though it was still a uni-body car, Ford must'a not thought it was needed, whereas the year before it was needed. The engine bay radically changed in that one year though - allowing for much larger motors than you could shoe-horn into the bay in '65.
Could it benefit from one is perhaps the question. That I can't say for sure, but I think the more torque your motor can make, the stiffer you want things t be.
Hope this helps.
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Can you use the 289 v8 66 mustang steering box upgrade on a 1966 ranchero 289 v8? Does any one have any leads on what is interchangeable for the 66 ranchero ?
Trending Topics
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
1966/67 Falcon steering gear. Manual steering different than power steering.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
The only Ranchero's that have a separate chassis are 1957/59 & 1972/79.
1960/71 Ranchero's have integral bodies, the body & chassis is a one piece welded assembly, w/a stub frame for the engine/trans to bolt to.
New User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: NY
Just bought a 66 Ranchero at Mecum, in Harrisburg. Having been brought with GM, I need some help finding some needed parts. If someone could respond with some suggestions, I would appreciate it. Mike D (Western NY)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Mostly, the 66-70 Falcons were the same as 66 Fairlanes. There were some minor changes to the 67 Fairlanes that got incorporated in the Falcons starting in 67 (dual bowl master cylinder to name one). In 68, the Fairlane changes completely, but the Falcon did not.
So if you are having trouble finding 66 Ranchero Parts (I am assuming you have tried Falconparts.com., Macs and/or AutoKrafters), trying searching for 66 Fairlane or 66 Falcon station wagon parts, as the Ranchero was based on the wagon.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Yes, and the Falcon stayed on that same 66 Fairlane chassis all the way through 1970, but not 1970-1/2.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
1970 1/2 Falcon (assembled from 1/2/1970) is a sub series of the Fairlane, uses the Fairlane 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan and 4 door station wagon bodies.