I've been viewing this site for some time and have learned a lot just reading posts, but the time has come to contribute with some questions and maybe even an occasional answer.
Im just getting started on a 55 F100. i got a frame in real good shape and a cab in decent shape, a box, 4 fenders, grill in poor shape, nothing else.
I'm driving around in an 89 5.0 Mustang which will contribute its engine, 5 spd trans, rear end, seats, pedal cluster, master cylinder and whatever other parts I can scrounge. this site put me on to using an Aerostar frontend which I am currently redoing for air bags out of an 85 MKVII. The Lincoln supplied the other bags for the rear end as well as the ride height sensors, computer, compressor, pressure lines, etc.

I know I've got a lot of work to do and I know this site has many individuals who will be able to answer some questions as I move along.
A couple of questions to start.
Contrary to popular desire, I'm not interested in getting lots of high end horsepower of of the 5.0 and there are certainly lots of sources if this route was chosen. Instead, I would like to improve low and mid range torque as this is where most of my driving will be (I'm very rarely over 4K rpm in the Mustang). Any ideas. Do X-pipes or H-pipes hurt or help low to mid range. Long tube headers?
Second question - the Mustang rear end is 4 bolt, I want 5 bolt x 4 1/2 to match the Aerostar. What Ford had the 5 bolt axles and drums that would fit the Mustang 8.8 or do I just go get the Ford Racing kit.
Apologize for the lengthy intro but do look forward to a healthy exchange.

John

 

You should consider using a rear end from a Ford Ranger the small one 93-02 which is an 8.8 inch. It is also 5 lug same as the areostar front end. Attempting to change the Mustang will probably cost quite a bit if it can be done. If you have the rear end from the lincoln that would work then you can have front & rear dics brakes.
hope this helps
Jaye

 

Thanks Jaye

The lincoln rear was a 7.5" and a buddy wanted the entire driveline for his project.

I'm going to try to hook a trapezoidal 4 link system right up to the trailing link mounts on the Mustang rear and then hang some air bags behind the axle outside the frame rails right where the calipers and emerg cables would be.

do you think the ranger axle and drums would interchange or are the widths different. maybe at least the drums and I just order axles from ford racing or moser.

John

 

PJS55
This is copied from:
http://www.stangnet.com/tech/lug.html
Adios,
Brett
Rear
To convert the rear end to 5-lugs you need to replace the 4-lug axles and drums with 5-lug units. The axles that are needed will be either off of a Ranger, Bronco II or Aerostar van.
From an '83 to '92 4 cylinder or 3.0L V6 Ranger/Bronco II with a 7.5" rear end you will need two driver's side axles. Only the driver's side will work as the pumpkin on these rear ends is offset and the axles are different lengths (you need the longer of the two axles). It should measure 29-5/32".
From an Aerostar you will need two of the passenger side axles from an 86 to 97 model.
The axles are all the same so they can be mix-matched (i.e. - one driver's side axle from a Ranger and one passenger side axle from an Aerostar).
You can use the brake drums from either side of the above listed vehicles but make sure that they are 9" drums. The 4.0L Rangers came with an 8.8" rear end with 10" drums - these will not work.
Prices will vary, of course, but I was able to get the axles and drums from a local "Pull It Yourself" type yard. The axles run about $20 each and the drums will run about $15 each.
Be sure to check the axles to make sure they are not bent or worn on the bearing surface and check the drums to ensure that they are smooth or can be turned to no more than the maximum diameter.
Miscellaneous items for the rear include new brake shoes, fresh gear oil, RTV gasket maker to seal the differential cover and one additional lug nut for each side.

 

The primary reason everybody wants to make lots and lots of high end horsepressure with a 5.0 is because that it what they are good for. Period. They will really spin and make power in the higher RPM range, but the stroke isn't long enough to make any low RPM torque. Especially with a stock Mustang EFI manifold. You could switch to a truck EFI sytem and that would help some, but you'll never be impressed. If you really want lots of grunt on the bottom end, move aup to a longer stroke 351W. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.

 

Brett,
Thanks for the response. That's the info I was looking for. the response raises an interesting thought. Although I've settled on drums, I wonder if the ranger 10' drums backing plates, shoes etc, could all be easily connected to the Mustang rear. i am assuming that the axles out of the 4.0 Ranger driver's side would work.

Blue oval rage,
I understand your response and thank you. I was hoping that it wasn't going to be hopeless and that I could pick up a bit of low end with some smaller diameter (1 1/2 " primaries) long tube headers. Would the truck cam help a bit or is there an aftermarket cam that would help. Do the x-pipes help or hurt low end or are they just high end.
I do enjoy the 5.0 as it is especially since I've been used to 4 cylinders for so long. I think the Mustang 5.0 would be entirely adequate for my truck especially with some 3.73 gears to take advantage of that .68 5th but i was just looking for a little more.
Thanks - John

 

I have to agree with Blue here. The 5.0 is a lightweight engine for a lightweight car.
Depending upon you interests and ability there are several choices.

292/312 Y block, done right they kick ***.

352/390 FE The 352 is a workhorse, was even a favorite cop car engine. The 390 can be made to be reliable with simple changes.

429/460 I like the 429 since its a pre smog motor and doesnt need any work to make power. Usually almost free in rotted out TBirds and you get the C6 also. Around here a fine running combo is $300-500. Less if you buy the Bird.

351W/351M/400M Lots of all around in junkyards in pickups, 70's era TBirds/Cougars and others. Cheap to rebuild.

 

Merc286,

thanks for your reply

I'm going to stick with the 5.0 EFI as I think it will be entirely adequate for my needs as simple as they are. I've got it now after a fresh 30 over rebuild and it does run sweet in the stang

But you know the way you always look for a little more.

John

 

PJS55,
Brakes and axles swap between 7.5 and 8.8's. I can't think of a reason that you couldn't use the 10" brake setup also. If I remember right I think some 78-79 Fairmont wagons had 4 lug 10" brakes on 7.5's, that will swap right onto Mustang axle housings. I got roped into assisting a 3.8 to 351W and 8.8 swap in a mustang just recently, so this is all still fresh in my mind. I think you'll be plenty happy with the 302. Think of all the 302 F150's out there dragging around trailers everyday. But, I have to admit I was impressed with this 351w, and it definitely gives you the best bang-for-buck.
Good Luck!
Brett

 

The 5.0 EFI will be entirely adequate for what you are describing as your driving habits.
My 54 with 92 5.0 EFI with C4 with 8" Locking rear won't burn a lot of rubber (255-60/15) but it will give you a headache on the back where it hits the back window if you don't prepare properly before you slam the pedal to the floor.

Also, if you want to spend the money, there are several speed vendors who will sell you new 5 bolt 4 1/2 axles to fit the Mustang. Lots of Mustang fanatics do that.

Good Luck!
Winford

 

Brett and Winford,

Thanks for the responses.
It looks like I have a few options. Go to the junk yard and take a chance or measure carefully. Go to the dealer and buy 2 left ranger axles or 2 right Aerostar axles or order up axles from Moser or Ford racing. The drums sound like they could be picked up at any parts store. I love the choices.
With regard to improving torque, i went to the small block message board and exchanged some notes with TorqueKing. He indicates that significant torque increases are possible with a Comp Cam 258 duration and some small tube headers. I like this idea.
John