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Post by n8 on Dec 2, 2012 4:12:30 GMT -5
bumper brackets r junk on these years of cars cut the i beam out and weld it to the main bracket or the bumper will fall off them for sure the rear-end on these cars also are bad news they tend to go down notch and prebend the rear-ends the frontends aren’t that bad weld the innerfenders and core support if allowed and they hold up pretty well
weld all seams on the core support weld fender wells to fender pretty much if ya see a seam weld it burn out the rubber in the bumper brackets and beat em in till flush weld em solid take stock bumper and throw it as far as you can use one from older ford 74 or 75 or one from mopar or gm Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by adamc44 on Jul 3rd, 2004, 08:47am
front is stout back is soft notch and pre bend usually try to use front the most Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jul 21st, 2004, 12:20am
i have a 76 grand marquis, where do these bend in the front? the bumper will be directly to the frame, looks to me that it would bend at the firewall cuz from there to the front bumper looks pretty strong Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jul 21st, 2004, 12:28pm
also, i was wondering how to tell what rearend is in the car? first ford so i have no clue, i put a chev motor in it, spliced a driveshaft, just curious on the rearend Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by JOKER on Jul 21st, 2004, 1:10pm
alot of those cars had a odd ball rearend 8.7 which there is nothing that really can be done with it but i have seen one with a 9in rearend before but only one Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jul 21st, 2004, 4:40pm
is it a ford thing that there are only 3 control arms holding the rearend in? im used to the Gms having 4, 3 seems weird to me Terry Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jul 23rd, 2004, 7:59pm
The ford has the two axle locators and the one side to side on the top. 76 Marquis is a good car make sure to notch frame in the back or else if it's not rusty it will bend at the humps over the axles. Use the front. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jul 24th, 2004, 3:22pm
i use thunderbird rearends 9'' swap em from car to car,also ive seen that a 2 door in this year skys whereas the 4 door plows,either way notch it and give her hell Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jul 24th, 2004, 5:19pm
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #13 on: 03/19/2010 at 06:54:15 » ________________________________________
Ok guys im looking at a 77 ford ltd two door how are these cars? i know i should notch I learned that from my 77 ltd wagon. I would be droping in a 307 olds i will have to set the motor back to make it work?? right?? Anyother ideas on this car?? Neal #71 Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jan 25th, 2005, 9:00pm
would rather have a 2 door the rear goes up most of the time on a 2 door,yes the motor will have to be set back,everything else is pretty much covered here Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by TheEnforcer187 on Jan 29th, 2005, 4:04pm
anything that you can do to slow it down from bending at the "crush box? not necessarily plating the hell out of it, just anything in particular, can't change body mounts either Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jan 29th, 2005, 8:48pm
if ya can weld the seams really good and i meen a heavy bead it slows it down some Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crash33e on Feb 5th, 2005, 01:25am
i just welded the seams real heavy if u figuire out something better i'm all ears Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ROOKIE on Mar 10th, 2005, 7:25pm
i have a 77 marquis wagon 460 that runs good.car is in really good shape.i plan on putting leafs in it.is there any other good tips out there.this is my first good car i plan on doing it wright.outlaw class.i was told not to use the 460. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by JUGULATOR on Mar 10th, 2005, 8:03pm
Ya know, I never seen a 460 do well in a derby. perfer small blocks myself. a 302 or 351 winsor from the 70 s should bolt in. But you would have to change the trans........lenny Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ROOKIE on Mar 10th, 2005, 10:38pm
THATS WHAT I WAS TOLD.GETS TO HOT TO QUICK.I DO HAVE A 350 CHEVY WITH A 350 TRANNY IF THAT WOULD BE BETTER.AT LEAST IT DID RUN GOOD AFTER THE LAST DERBIE.ITS BEEN UNDER A TARP SINCE LAST JULY. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Ottopartz460 on Mar 11th, 2005, 9:52pm
I drive these cars as daily drivers. I've thrown rods on two 400s. The 351 Windsors have alot of lower end problems (crank walk, bearings, etc). Put a 460 and C6 in it. Don't use original bumper mounts. I've had bumpers fall off of all of them.
At the Route 66 raceway in Joliet, they use 460s but they don't use anti-freeze or radiators. I guess they call it "Dry-blocking". They also don't use alternators or anything. I've never seen anything like it, but I guess it works for them. They put the 460s and 429s in everything, from Chryslers, Fords, and even the 80's Caddys. IT's weird. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Mar 12th, 2005, 12:29am
every 460 that ive seen run shuts down when it gets hot,got a 351w thats seen 12 derbies and its been header glowing red at the tips hot and it still screams....if ya put the chevy motor in it you will have to beat the firewall back some to get it to sit in Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by T.J. Weaver #23 on Mar 15th, 2005, 4:03pm
anybody put a small block chrysler in an ltd before? how big of a pain is it? Got a 77 4 door with no m/t and no ford power plants that are ready to be put in. the car originally had the 400 in it if that helps Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Mar 15th, 2005, 7:58pm
if ya got all the mounts handy should be easy altho you still might have to sledge the firewall Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by T.J. Weaver #23 on Mar 16th, 2005, 9:49pm
that's not a problem Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by appliancide on Mar 31st, 2005, 9:43pm
My brother in law just picked up a 1974 ltd that doesn't have a back bumper. How important is it on this car? It's going to be run in a chain only show so our options seem a little limited. Would notching it and and chaining the trunk to the frame rails help? Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ONE TON on Apr 1st, 2005, 1:25pm
actually you dont need a back bumper. I have ran ltds without one and it makes it so the frame doesnt go down. backend just pushes in. smash in the trunk lid and run threaded rod from trunk lid through trunk floor and tighten the shit out of it. beat in back fenders to make it BOX up. also hit a crease with a sledge hammer across the the trunk right by the rear window. when you hit with the back end it will start to bend there and either go up or fold in. here is a pic of my ltd see how it bent and started to fold Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by appliancide on Apr 1st, 2005, 3:27pm
Cool, I won't waste any time trying to find a bumper then. So you didn't notch the car at all? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DerbyGirl85 on Apr 1st, 2005, 3:28pm
I love these cars, the guys on my derby team say that I'm nuts b/c they say the rearends go down, but I havent had any problems. Mine had a 400 motor which purrs like a kitten. I loved the motor so much that we pulled it and plan to use it again. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Apr 2nd, 2005, 12:14am
i dont see where the rear bumper makes a difference in what direction the rear goes,that bumper just for looks 1st good shot and it flattens out Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ONE TON on Apr 8th, 2005, 4:43pm
I have never notched the frames on one of my ltds and have not ran a bcak bumper on most of them. I just put a crease across trunk near back window and thats where it seams to bend each time. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ONE TON on Apr 8th, 2005, 4:45pm
also if you are allowed to jack car up and stretch the shocks all the way out and then flatten the shock sleeves so they cant go back over the shock. This will raise the rearend and make it alot stiffer. Also because its higher when people hit your rear they tend to puch it up instead of down. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Apr 13th, 2005, 8:20pm
yea,but they are soft in the reae compared to mopars and gms,stock that is,ya should see the damage 1 thats leafed can do Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crash33e on Apr 16th, 2005, 12:44am
back bumper it lasted 2 hits then i ran over it Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Apr 17th, 2005, 8:42pm
ok i need ball joint tips took out factory made a plate out of 1/4" to go on top of the a-frame drilled out so a 5/8 bolt would fit. 4hits and a grade 8 bolt broke do you put spacers between the a-frame and spindle piece or pull them together tight i used a 1" spacer and left the bolt a little loose to allow it to move and this doesn't seem to work any ideas?? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by bearcub58 on Jun 4th, 2005, 8:00pm
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pull the rubber out shove the mount all the way in and bolt thru the frame Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Leadsledracing on Jun 6th, 2005, 11:25am
i have ran 3 76 ltds on the ball jonts just take them out put 5/8 all thread in their place tighten them up and go. never had any problems doing this,, i was always breaking the factory crap. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crash33e on Jun 10th, 2005, 11:04pm
ok do you put a spacer between upper aframe and spindle it looks like if it was pulled down tight the steering wouldn't turn Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jun 15th, 2005, 9:51pm
a 1in nut makes the perfect spacer and ya want to use a grade 8 bolt it will take alot more abuse Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crash33e on Jun 15th, 2005, 10:38pm
i had a grade 8 bolt and a pipe nipple about an 1 1/4" in between it took 4 or 5 hits and it snapped Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by derbybrian on Jun 30th, 2005, 9:40pm
rebolt all bumpers most of these cars have three bolts in each bracket ,take bolts out drill through bumper to bracket and put threaded rod through and nut on outside of bumper and inside ,then they wont fall off unless your frame falls off Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Mike 31x on Jul 4th, 2005, 12:15am
Didnt want to read through all 6 pages but i just got done helpin smash a 77 Marquis, prebend the trunk with a sledge, comes up perfect, weld teh bumpers as much as you can, you can laugh at us like everyone else did but we ran the electronic distributer, RUN IT!!!!!!! the car never died once, just mount the little computer thingy on a piece of rubber in the inside of the car right above the tranny, works great, never killed once Mike Ford thunderbird Post by kraussy783 on Jul 16th, 2005, 5:46pm
I have a 78 tbird with all the wires under the dash ripped apart. Anyone know how i can go about getting it started? any info would be greatly appreciated Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 11Xderbytime on Jul 17th, 2005, 04:52am
Tap into the + side of your batt..Run a hot lead to the + side of the coil...Touch power however you can to the "s:" side of solenoid to star it.....done. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by likearock on Jul 23rd, 2005, 11:52am
alright i ran a 77 ltd its been in 2 derbys soon 3 so heres what i know the front ends like radiator support suck my sheered apart but i didnt hole back on the trottle either but there not tough do somthing peersonally im putting a gm front end on it before the next i had a 351m in mine and it runs harder than hell i just put some accel wires and plus on it and that car got so hot my hoses exploded but it never died i ran my idle about 1400 rpm and advanced the timing by ear andd the back ends are pretty tough but i took my back bumper off and left the mounts in stock place and the ass end came right up dont forget the linchage cut a hole in the floor and run a bar and the tranis are week i had this car and the trani never slipped and what do ya know take 2 hits and there goes reverse Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crash33e on Jul 26th, 2005, 5:17pm
ok my 76 marquis finally bent the frame just in front of the crush box this car went through 4 derbies 3 of them were hard hitting ones the front bumper is tough but the mounts are junk its broke off twice after welding it back on always broke behind the weld so themetal must be brittle broke 1 ball joint and 2 5/8" bolts in the front a-frames broke spider gears 1 time replaced with mini spool then broke an axle the 5.43 gears worked really good with the sbc 350 and th400. i notched the rear about 8" from the bumper the first time and then about 10" from the rear humps it packed in good and became a battering ram front was very tough it made a lot of shots on wheels and made 1 half track shot on a 69 pontiac wagon without the front bumper and still didn't bend the front of the frame this car took a lot of beating and just didn't want to die i would put one of these against justaboutanything Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Aug 2nd, 2005, 9:30pm
ltd are tough if ya yake the time to build em but i still think thunderbirds are aolt tougher...just me i guess Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 11Xderbytime on Aug 4th, 2005, 11:26am
Personally I like the Marquis 2 doors the best...they seem to fold up pretty good each time. Maybe because the t- birds and ltd's I've run havent done as well though, my opinion might be biased.... Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by goatropenracer3 on Aug 4th, 2005, 2:18pm
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #15 on: 03/19/2010 at 06:55:29 » ________________________________________
i didnt think this would work in the 79 and newer thread even know its a 79 t bird lol anyway i was just wonderin if i have to make a new driveshaft and cross member for a sbc 305? or just weld the motor mounts down and go from there any help is appreciated thanks!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by canman01 on Aug 26th, 2005, 10:36am
weld the mounts down, but you will have to make a driveshaft, might also half to modifiy the crossmember a little. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by mudslinger226 on Aug 26th, 2005, 11:02am
anybody else know about putting a sbc in a ford t bird? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by canman01 on Aug 27th, 2005, 11:45pm
all depend on what was in the car originally. My ford had a 460/C6 and I had to extend the driveshaft a lot.
But here a tip, find an 80's ford driveshaft. It will slide over the chevy and the end of the ford. slide them in the as far as you can and it will keep things straight and vibrations down Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by mudslinger226 on Aug 28th, 2005, 10:17am
i had a 78 merc grand marquis a few years ago and it had a 3 link rear end 2 trailing arm on one side and only 1 on the other wel this was not any good in my car
the center cection and the axle tube with 1 trailing arm twisted up and the rear yolk hit the floor board broke the driveshaft and rearend i just junked the car i didnt care about it any ways
but has any one ever had this problem? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by canman01 on Aug 28th, 2005, 5:12pm
They have three control arms and one stabalizer(sp) bar that run sideways. The three control arms keep thing from moving back, fowards, and spinning. The bar prevents it from moving side to side.
No I have never had that problem. If you can just reinforce the upper control arm. And you MUST have the bar, otherwise things will break Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Aug 28th, 2005, 8:23pm
bend the idler and pitman arms down and adjust the tie rod ends so toure tires are straight and it will give ya all the space ya need Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by mudslinger226 on Aug 28th, 2005, 8:48pm
is it ok after that as far as putting on in gravedigger?? u think olds motor would be more of a challenge? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by mudslinger226 on Aug 28th, 2005, 9:00pm
oo and i had a 78 ltd last year where big bolt gm wheels worked on it will it be the same case for the t bird? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Aug 28th, 2005, 9:20pm
on the 1st ? you might have to make some releif cuts on the hump to clear the tranny(some ya do some ya dont) and if ya have headers then it will go easy if ya dont then get ready for some cussin cuz the manifold will only clear the steering box if ya beat the firewall back about 4 in the 2nd ? is nope they are the same as the 80s fords Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by mudslinger226 on Aug 28th, 2005, 9:36pm
so if im lucky i might not have to cut the hump? a 76 305 is going on it with a turbo 350 tranny and yes i am gonna have headers Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Aug 28th, 2005, 10:58pm
the most you will have to do to the hump is make a cut around it from the floor to the firewall around to the other side ,not remove it just cut so it will flex up, if ya have to.you will have to remake the crossmember mounts cuz a rear sump engine sit farther back than the front sump 1 does,angle iron works best,the last t-bird i ran i put a rear sump 351w in and didnt have to make any cust cept for the shifter,but the 3 before it i had to cut around the hump Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by crashbro744 on Sep 11th, 2005, 3:35pm
well yesterday i learned a pointy bumper will break before the frame bends i'll give it some credit anyway.....and i never touched the crush box. I'll never run a ford again but a tip i would give is to push the trunk floor up before its ran.....the first time i ran it the frame bent fine in the back but the middle of the trunk floor was almost on the ground cuz it sits so low Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by spiritstealer on Sep 29th, 2005, 10:30pm
it will hold any bumper ya want to put on it...74-79 t-bird bumpers,74-76 gm bumpers,and enforcer has proven that it will hold up to the dreaded mopar pointy...just junk the bumper mounts and weld em to the frame Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by brokeassracing on Nov 5th, 2005, 11:48am
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WHAT A SHAME You know how hard people look for bumpers that nice? and no its not only me Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by byerly82 on Nov 29th, 2005, 9:56pm
yeah i would like to know how you pinched that trunk and rear quaters in so tight on that mid 70s ltd that looks ignorant did it do any good Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Wa11ace on Dec 3rd, 2005, 2:09pm
The tuck job on the trunk wasnt too hard and def. paid off....it worked perfect..it wadded up and was fairly hard...and i dont know how you have problems findin those bumpers as far as i know the are everywhere...over all the car got 4th in the feature and didnt do so well the 2nd time.... Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by JordanBlanton on Jan 6th, 2006, 7:34pm
When those go down out back, how do they bend? Do they do it like the '80s GMs, where the rear humps blow out and push together? I guess I'm mostly asking if a chain between the humps to keep them from blowing out would help along with the tuck and notch to keep it all together.
I haven't picked up my '77 grand marquis yet, but I'm looking forward to it. It'll be in a stock class with plenty of '70s GMs and Mopars. Not sure if Imps are still gonna be allowed next year or not. Regardless, it should be a fun ride. I'm unsure on if I'm gonna dryblock my Olds 350 and toss it in there or go with the Mopar 383 I'll be getting shortly. I'm leaning towards the dryblock so I don't have to worry about a radiator since it sounds like I'll be driving forward most of the time. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jan 8th, 2006, 6:50pm
well no 2 bend the same,ive seen em bend like the gms but ive also seen em bend before the humps so take it from there Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by JordanBlanton on Jan 12th, 2006, 6:10pm
Hmmm, just found out we may be allowed to weld A-arms forward and run 1/4" hump plates 22" long in the rear. With body rebolted minus the stock rubber mounts would welding A-arms forward be a benefit? Also, with plating the humps, would you still notch? Wish they'd just let us go ahead and leaf 'em. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jan 12th, 2006, 8:10pm
yes welding a-arms foward will help,yes still notch,and give em hell Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by happyholiday on Jan 31st, 2006, 4:09pm
Hi Guys, I have a 77ltd, just leafed it . and im puting the upper control arm back on it. Where do think it will bend? Im thinking of notching behind the rear spring hangers. We are allowed Two bans or #9 wire around the frame. Where should i put them? around the center frame crossmember behind the bumper? or midways in the thunk to the body? im also allowed two up front.
I put a 318 in with headers, the motor is slitly tilted in the front. I Also was wondering how strong the ball Joints on these cars are? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by sweetsack on Jan 31st, 2006, 6:08pm
dont notch it just weld the back ass much as you can it wont go anywere heres on after 5 heats a concie a feature and 1 roll over Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jan 31st, 2006, 6:59pm
the 1 i leafed i didnt notch but i did dent the frame real deep about 2in past the hanger and it rolled ok,replace the ball joints w/a grade 8 5/8 bolt Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by happyholiday on Feb 1st, 2006, 07:17am
Thanks for the tips. Ill send pic's soon when finished . itll be may before its ran though. i have a 78 grand here for a fresh front clip if needed or to run later after i see how this one does. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Feb 5th, 2006, 10:39pm
i have a 77 ltd 4 door just ready to start on it but i cant weld anything what r the biggest things i need to do to it. thanks Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Feb 5th, 2006, 11:31pm
heat the rubber in the bumper mounts and beat em flush,replace the bell joints w/a grade 8 bolt,and change the steering column for 1 that has a knuckle Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jwwright on Feb 12th, 2006, 09:50am
ok gents got a question i got a 75 merc does any one no if a 318 360 will fit in there Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Feb 12th, 2006, 12:33pm
sure but you’re going to have to do some fabricating Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by rush49 on Feb 12th, 2006, 2:11pm
yes it will fit, just make your own mounts and put and truck pan on it. the problem that I have seen is that the motor sits to far back and you have to much room between the fan and the radiator and they get hot quicker. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jclaytonm on Feb 13th, 2006, 8:50pm
The bumper on the car are good bumpers if they are not rusty. I ran one on a 73 riviera and it flattened out but held up good. I beat the skin all the way down on the bumper and welded the skin it the bumper and it held up good. also take the shock of the car and burn the rubber out of them and collapsed all the way in and weld every thing you can and put them back on the car and weld to frame and it will be very tough Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jclaytonm on Feb 16th, 2006, 6:44pm
got a 78 ltd 2 dr got the back end up pretty high with different springs and shocks. Anyone run one of these should i tuck and notch or leave it? Also how are the front bumpers with the skin welded? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Feb 25th, 2006, 12:41am
yes tuck and notch the rea,i don’t like the 77-78 bumpers had too many break in half but the last 2 i ran i used a t-bird bumper on 1 and it held up fine and the last 1 i used an impala bumper Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by budha on Mar 8th, 2006, 8:27pm
I like to take a 70's cordoba bumper and shocks turn the shocks flat end down will line up dead center with ltd frame blow holes run bolt through frame . then weld around whole shock to frame weld shock solid then bumper to shock. Does very well for me. It also gets your bumper higher. Haven’t lost rad.since. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by STOMPER72 on Mar 22nd, 2006, 4:04pm
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #17 on: 03/19/2010 at 06:56:39 »
take the stock mounts off set them on fire to burn out the rubber, then collapse and weld them, bolt them back on weld the bumper to them and run it. they are a lot stronger than they look you cant just weld the bumper to the frame unless you cut it off and make it flat. the front frame horns on lincoln and ltds aren’t square they are pointed thats why i love it when everyone says just weld it to the frame.... its not that easy Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by chevy48x on Apr 1st, 2006, 7:45pm
I got a 77 ltd ot has been ran 2 1/2 times rolled first hit on the 2nd run. it has pretty much been a front ender still got the original bumper mounts on it but thinking about putting 76 impala horns shocks and bumper on it before i run it again. my tranny crossmember i bolted through the floor on both sides. tuck and notch in the back it folded up and never moved again. this has been a strong car. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jclaytonm on Apr 16th, 2006, 10:23am
hey gravedigger you think 6.00 is to low for a small track or will be ok? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Apr 19th, 2006, 7:15pm
yea too much gear 4:56 would be better Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by JOKER on Apr 20th, 2006, 04:47am
6.00 are pretty deep but a if its a little track and auto trans you should be fine seen them used before in suicide door and they worked fine Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Apr 20th, 2006, 9:37pm
seen good engines scattered on small tracks by 5:13 gears but its yours so do what ya want Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jclaytonm on Apr 22nd, 2006, 12:02pm
hey thanxs guys, i think i will go with something in the high fours. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by soyster89 on May 7th, 2006, 04:47am
I've read everything in here, but there isn't muh written for stock derbys. Will a 76 LTD wagon be ok without any major modification done to it? Like I said, it's going against 70's iron and Imperials.
2nd question. Since our derbys around the area require engines to be of the same make, IE Ford with a Ford, GM with a GM, what are the best Ford engines for derbying? We have access to a 289, a 400, and the LDT already has a 351 in it. Are any of these good solid engines? What should we be looking for? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on May 7th, 2006, 09:45am
351w is my 1st choice,289/302 would be 2nd,400 is ok, without pre bending or leafing that wagon will be plowing in no time, use the front. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by soyster89 on May 8th, 2006, 12:22am
on May 7th, 2006, 09:45am, gravedigger187 wrote: 351w is my 1st choice,289/302 would be 2nd,400 is ok. without pre bending or leafing that wagon will be plowing in no time, use the front.
Thanks gravedigger! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by carbender53 on Jun 7th, 2006, 2:10pm
jus wondering if the steering box off a 76 thunderbird will interchange on a 76 ltd . friend got a thunderchicken for parts an said i could have the steering box for a 12 pk Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jun 17th, 2006, 7:38pm
should be the same cub,but id take some measurments before i started removing it Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by bearcub58 on Jun 17th, 2006, 8:06pm
on Jun 17th, 2006, 7:38pm, gravedigger187 wrote: should be the same cub,but id take some measurments before i started removing it
thanks digger he's pulling it off for me thats y i told him ide buy him a 12 pk for the parts . 1 more run against the ks. kids should finish the car off Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jun 18th, 2006, 3:39pm
you’ve did better w/that ltd than i have the 3 I’ve ran, i only get 1 show out of them lol Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by bearcub58 on Jun 19th, 2006, 12:00am
on Jun 18th, 2006, 3:39pm, gravedigger187 wrote: you’ve did better w/that ltd than i have the 3 I’ve ran, i only get 1 show out of them lol
u probably drive harder then i do Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Jun 27th, 2006, 10:09am
Does ne one know how many spline came in the 1978 Marquis, it has a nine inch rear just wondering how to tel how many spline it is Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by carguy289 on Jul 17th, 2006, 8:03pm
I am currently building a 78 merc grand Marq 2dr that came from the factory with a 460 4bbl, a C6 automatic tranny, and a 9 inch. I pulled the axle to check it and it was a 28 spline. I would bet that yours is the same.
The only way to find out how many splines and be sure is to pull the axle and check. I would do it that way, so you know for sure what you have. It is really easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Mike 31x on Jul 19th, 2006, 2:38pm
Guy Please do something to get the front end up I’ve watched probably 10 of these over the years and 4 of them have been ran by guys i help build with. Get the front end up HIGH!!!! There was 3 ran at my local derby and everyone had the rad/core support bent over the top of the motor and the frame strait as an arrow. I also think that tucking the truck would help the back pack in and make a battering ram. Mike Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Jul 19th, 2006, 8:33pm
pushing the floorpan up helps alot to Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Jul 22nd, 2006, 02:32am
floorpan what do u mean by that Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Jul 22nd, 2006, 3:42pm
on Jun 17th, 2004, 9:22pm, gravedigger187 wrote: not knocking an sbc now not by any means, just got done dropping one in a buddy’s galaxie just for me i like ford power and i love to run these model ltds allot of welding and creative sledgeing and definitely take out the ball joints and replace with a 5/8 bolt(3/4 to big and u still have to do some drilling to get the 5/8 through)strap in hammer down and have a blast
does someone have a pic of this i want do it just not 100% sure how to
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #18 on: 03/19/2010 at 06:57:02 »
A buddy of mine run a 77 4dht it stayed 100% strait be sure to notch rear end and run a chevy motor you get better clearance you can hit with the front end all day long Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Aug 30th, 2006, 9:12pm
Chevy geesh I got Mopar Power in mine, runs like a raped Ape, Mopar all the way IMO Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Aug 30th, 2006, 9:15pm
I just cant see doing this notching stuff, i never had a problem as long as i put big body mounts in, cant see cutin my frame just so it bends up Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Aug 30th, 2006, 9:28pm
i agree w/ya 100% Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by BHayes on Aug 30th, 2006, 11:30pm
one thing I've seen guys do is welt a couple of bolts to the spring cup on the outside of the frame in front to keep the spinde from comeing in and breaking the ball joint. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravethresher on Aug 31st, 2006, 12:31am
got a rust free 77 ltd 4 door.
im gonna leaf it, notch it behind the leaf springs, tuck the trunk, replace all body mounts and drop in a 350 with a turbo 350.
will that drivetrain combination fall right in on the stock tranny crossmember or will modifications have to be made? any other advice? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Sep 7th, 2006, 9:02pm
the last time i did this i had to cut the entire tranny hump out so it would fit,but im shure some1 has a better way Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on Sep 8th, 2006, 08:30am
lots of firewall cutting use channel for the crossmember Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Vynck143 on Sep 13th, 2006, 12:21pm
i planned on cutting lots of firewall, the less firewall the better.
120-what do you mean by channel for the crossmember? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Sep 13th, 2006, 9:19pm
peice of c-channel makes a great crossmember Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by OU812Kansas on Sep 30th, 2006, 6:56pm
use c channel for the cross member, I had to cut my craddle for fuel pump clearance Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by OU812Kansas on Oct 2nd, 2006, 1:09pm
do you guys not trust the stock crossmember then? or does it just make for easier tranny mounting?
stock c-members not strong enuff and wont work for a gm motor weld and bolt it to the frame use the bolt as an extra body mount Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Lincoln on Nov 8th, 2006, 12:04pm
on Aug 30th, 2006, 9:15pm, HighRoller01 wrote: I just cant see doing this notching stuff, i never had a problem as long as i put big body mounts in, cant see cutin my frame just so it bends up
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #19 on: 03/19/2010 at 06:59:38 » ________________________________________
Ive seen guys weld their A-arms to the frame does anybody know about this or seen it? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Tude on Dec 2nd, 2006, 4:34pm
this is on an 80s ford (i know it isnt the exact same) and its bolted instead of welded i welded one and it busted befor the demo so to even it out we had to bust the other side what a pain that was with no torch
it does make it harder to bend the a-arn but i do it for the heighth Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Lincoln on Dec 4th, 2006, 9:39pm
Gravedigger, do you bolt or weld yours?
Exactly how is it done? do you just push the frame up to the A-arm or do you slice and bend the A-arm to the frame? I’m pretty skeptical of this but I’m always open to new ideas if I can see the benefit or purpose. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Dec 5th, 2006, 8:50pm
i take out the rubber bump stop, adjust the a-arm all the way down and there is usually a gap so i use a rod as filler and weld it(sway bar makes great gap filler) Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by wicKed707 on Dec 15th, 2006, 08:58am
are a ford torino the same size as ltds and grand merqs Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by lethalthreat76 on Feb 7th, 2007, 7:50pm
Well where do I begin!!! Ive been running these body styles (only the 2 drs) since 1995. Heres what I do to compete in my area according to rules I have to follow.
Remove all body mounts and replace with washers or shims 3/4" thick. Front mounts under rad support are removed and rad support is sucked down to the frame. I am allowed to use 5/8 bolts in place of factory body mount bolts. (Grade 8 reccomended)
Steering linkage and front suspension: I dont even worry about the steering as I havent lost any yet (w/exception of column and steering box) Replace column rag joint with a racing u-joint. ALWAYS RUN POWER STEERING PUMP WITH THESE STEERING BOXES OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF NO STEERING WITH NO WARNING!!!
Unless you are runnin a Linc or T-bird w/ 460 in it, replace the front shocks and springs with 460 Linc or T-bird springs/shocks or truck springs to jack up the front end.
I have always used the front bumpers on these cars EXCEPT FOR 460 CARS AS THESE BUMPERS HAVE AN ALUMINUM HOUSING WITH CHROME FACE BOLTED TO IT. JUNK THEM!!! USE STEEL HOUSING BUMPERS ONLY. I cut the thin H beam out from between the bumper mount plate and the shock box, weld the plate to the box, FLIP THE BOXES UPSIDE DOWN, butt them up against the frame crossmember under the rad support and weld them to the INSIDE of the front frame stubs. You will need to cut the lowere rad support out to make the clip fit right and make a new lower support. I made mine out of 1/4" flat and it bolts between the clip and frame at the front body mount location. Look at the pics that I will post in a couple days and you will see what I mean. You can leave them in the stock locations, but I have had the frames peel back on themselves and run the box back inside of the front tires, making steering difficult. I HAVE NEVER BENT THESE FRAMES FROM THE A-ARMS FORWARD. Always bellied under the firewall where side frames are welded to the front frame (but that was after some EXTREMELY HEAVY AND HARD HITTING) The Pass front frame rail is likely to buckle a little between the a arm and firewall before the car will belly. Dont ask me why, but the driver side wont buckle. I am allowed to weld the top frame seams from the a-arm forward. this helps a lot.
As for the rear, I dont even bother welding the rear bumper as the cars I get around here are so rusty the bumper cant be welded anyway. I notch the frame on the top side about 8-12 inches forward of the back bumper. The Humps are double framed from the factory so these wont bend. The frame will snap in front of the humps (under back seat area) befor the humps ever bend. I like to use the front springs out of a 460 car in the rear to keep the car up. I have had really good luck with this setup. I also bolt the springs to the spring perches on the rear end. I have yet to lose a spring.
I weld the body seams solid on the outside. (Door bottoms are hard as the rockers are galvanized from the factory. I just use 3"X3" straps spread apart about every 6" on the bottom door seams.) I weld the side seams of the trunk solid, but I dont weld the top seam ( the seam nearest the back window). I use the sledge and create a small crease along this seam to help it fold. I have wedge one of these cars (2 dr cougar) and the end result was the same as a regular car. Every one of these cars Ive ran has always folded up and in. Never had one go down. Any other questions, pm me.
Brad Forney Abie Ne Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by forney00 on Feb 10th, 2007, 10:17am
If you look between the rad support and the frame, you will see the home made lowere rad support I made in order to flip and mount the boxes like I did.
This bumper set up also keeps the ends of the bumper from coming into the tire. The ends still bend around, but they are far enough away that they wont make contact. Also, If you are allowed to weld the chrome face to the steel housing of the bumper, I highly recommend doing so. Welding the bumper solid will also help keep the bumper ends from bending in also.
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #20 on: 03/19/2010 at 07:00:12 » ________________________________________ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by carbender53 on Feb 10th, 2007, 2:37pm
Okay, I’ve read and read and read and it sounds like you guys are either hard pressed to find ltd wagons or you just don’t like them.... Mostly hear about the sedans...... My question is, I have a 99% rust free 77 ltd wagon that I just got done putting 3/4 ton leafs in and was wondering how strong shell be.... It sits really high right now and was planing to take 1 or 2 leafs out so it moves a little (per the rules). Do I need to notch it at all or will it do what I want it to? I don’t really want it to go up, but better up then down...... Will they hold up to caddys, montes and roundbacks if thier leafed Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravedigger187 on Mar 20th, 2007, 8:48pm
I don’t notch i dimple(make dent in top of frame)works about the same,yes it will hold up just fine...if ya do dimple the frame id do it about 1ft from the shock boxes
an i dont know about any1 else but i really dont like the wagons...find em all the time take what parts i need scrap the rest Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by gravethresher on Apr 20th, 2007, 10:32am
ne way you guys know how to make the front end of these cars higher off the ground, i am only getting like 17-18, i lookin for around 20-22 let me know thanks Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by whop on Apr 28th, 2007, 02:18am
how r u doing it Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on Apr 28th, 2007, 02:43am
take the wheels off, weld a pipe between the A-arm, only way ever did it, on a 80 LTD i can get 20 easy this thing is givin me problems. id like to get it up there so i dont mess up my rad. sopourt. let me know if u got another way Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by james4728 on May 2nd, 2007, 12:42am
My brother used to run a 400 thought it was a good one. As far as the carb goes just go to the parts store and tell them what the car is and what motor it has, then just get a kit. All the kits are the same for what you are going to do. All you need is an excellerator pump, and a couple of gaskets, needle valve and seat. Take the choke off the side of it and plug the holes left with some of that tube steel that you mix into a ball then it hardens. If you can put a timing chain in it and give it a good tune up. Now the car you will need to put allthread throught the radiator support bolts down through the frame right next to the radiator. Take the factory rubber mounts out by the radiator, taking the front clip off will help. Thes kind of suck to take out, just catch them on fire and let them burn a little first. Put a bolt in each side of the fender above the wheel. Put a bolt in the floor pan down by youre feet, look at the frame and their is a hole in the frame but not the floor pan, make one and put a 1/2" bolt in it with washers on each side. In the back seat the same think next to the seat belt their is a hole in the frame but not the floor pan, cut a hole and put a bolt here, VERY IMPORTANT, or the frame will separate. Put some 2 or 4 pieces of allthread in the trunk through the frame. I don't run back bumpers so I trim the top of the frame a little half way back and roll the trunk. Build you a nice steering wheel and do away with the rag joint and weld in a nuckle off of an 80's ford or anything. Most guys cut the ford shocks short and weld the plate to the outside part of the shock and then put the bumper back on and weld on the bumper. good luck. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by pijun76 on May 2nd, 2007, 7:20pm
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #21 on: 03/19/2010 at 07:00:50 » ________________________________________ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DERBYDRIVER666 on May 5th, 2007, 12:25pm
use water pump pullies made for 2 belts set on top of springs then put em back, have to collapse the spring. cut the center out so your shocks will go back up through it and you cant see a thing. just go to autozone and rent the coil spring compressor . just did it to mine middle of bumper is around 25 inches, only bad thing is it's a rough ride. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 6th, 2007, 01:28am
what if i cut the shocks out and jacked the car up and welded a pipe between the A arms would cuting that shock out or spring out make it go up more Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on May 6th, 2007, 11:29am
take the rubber bumper out of the upper a-arm theres an inch, also adjust the a-arms out away from the motor it will give you a little, what tires are you running? the shocks may be causing you some trouble if its to short Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 6th, 2007, 7:01pm
I runnin 7.00 15 tires i pretty sure or 7.50 15, If i cut the shocks out would that allow me to spread the A-arms apart more?? cut this is how i piped the shocks, i jacked the car up and took the tires off and welded a pipe between the arms so if i cut the shocks would that work Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on May 6th, 2007, 8:28pm
did you put a pipe between the arms or the lower and the frame? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 6th, 2007, 8:31pm
between the A arms Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on May 6th, 2007, 8:38pm
try either jacking it up and welding the upper to the top of the frame or welding pipe frome the lower to the bottom of the frame Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 6th, 2007, 9:04pm
ok i try that see what happens Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DERBYDRIVER666 on May 8th, 2007, 8:59pm
What kind of springs you guys use on the rear of these cars to get it in the air?? So that i can be lookin for a set. My car is a 75 ltd 4-door Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on May 11th, 2007, 09:59am
on May 10th, 2007, 11:52pm, donkeyinc_8-3/8 wrote: What kind of springs you guys use on the rear of these cars to get it in the air?? So that i can be lookin for a set. My car is a 75 ltd 4-door
wagon springs or front coils Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 11th, 2007, 11:36am
when u put them springs in how high is it gonna be?? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by HighRoller01 on May 11th, 2007, 11:38am
I GOT A 77 MERC GRAND MARQUIS WHATS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE FRONT UP IVE ALREADY GOT BIG BLOCK SPRINGS IN Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ALLEN on Jun 26th, 2007, 5:29pm
I GOT A 77 MERC GRAND MARQUIS WHATS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE FRONT UP IVE ALREADY GOT BIG BLOCK SPRINGS IN Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by forney00 on Jun 27th, 2007, 1:19pm
If you didnt gain a whole lot with the bigger springs, and the coils are tight in there, you have to go with a longer shock. Go to the parts store and ask the man behind the counter to look in their books and get a shock that is the right length. If ya need 2 inches, get the shock thats 2 inches longer than the stock ones for your car. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Donkeyinc83 on Jul 6th, 2007, 12:19am
I ran my 74 and the rearend is startin to go up. I dimpled it about a foot from the bumper and one side is bending at the demple and the other is bending right b4 the hump would you guys notch both sides where i dimpled it so that is bends strait at the notches or leave it. i'm thinkin that when it goes it will bend all thingyeyed if i leave it, and if i notch it, it will pack better. gimme your thoughts!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Jul 6th, 2007, 01:27am
i notched my frame in two different spots and i ran it and its starting to push up on my first notch and another thing get the rear up as high as possible agot 1 ton chevy springs in it and man its like riding a bull alot a fun Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Donkeyinc83 on Jul 8th, 2007, 01:38am
I ran it tonight i didn't notch it but i wish i would have it bent perfect on the passenger side were i dimpled it and the drivers side went up at the knee i'm gonna try to pull the driver’s side down and notch it and role it like the passenger side. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on Jul 20th, 2007, 12:13pm
anybody ever have any trouble with them bending on the out side of the frame at the steering box
we had a lincoln bend at the same spot on the pass side(the nose went up), never had one bend there before, wondering if this is a common prob on both sides or just the pass side, need to fix it Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jul 22nd, 2007, 02:06am
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. The best way to mount a bumper to these cars is too completely remove the stock mounts. Cut the plate off of the mount to mount your bumper onto. Take a piece of 3" or 4" c-channel and weld the plate to the end of the c-channel, using 2 1/2" bolts on each side. Try to use the rear stock holes on the side of the frame rail, and then drill all the way through the c-channel and frame. get the front one as far forward as possible. Use grade 8 bolts and get it as tight as possible, the front one will squeeze the frame together and give you some more strength up there. Weld across the top, bottom, and back, the front is kinda hard to weld but it can be done. when you mount the bumper to the new bracket you made drill one hole all the way through the bumper and put in a grade 8 bolt, use the other three factory holes and backing plate, you should notice that the factory only used 3 bolts but there’s a spot for a fourth one drill that one all the way through the bumper. By doing it this way you can adjust the height of your bumper and get it in the air a lot better, also it is very strong. I ran my car tonight set up this way and it held up extremely good. I also did it on the back, but my frame was rotted out and could not repair it, it peeled the frame rail open but I think thats because the frame wasn't welded all that good from the factory just spot welded together. I used the original bumpers that were on the car. They held up very good and didn't bend in the middle, just the ends curled in towards the frame rails but not very far. Put all the bolts back in the bottom of the frame rails that held the original brackets on, they help hold the frame together at the seams. I ended up pinned between a dirt bank and 2 dead cars, dug a hole in the dirt and there I sat ended up with 6th in the feature but could have gone a lot farther. I ran against 4 impalas and 2 chryslers and some others not sure what they were though. The mercury held it's own pretty darn good in a chain only no weld show. This was the first time I ever ran one of these and think I will try another one, I was actually pretty impressed with it, even though I thought I was going to get killed out there with it. I will try to post some pics of this operation soon, gotta get ready for tomorows run. And give-er he!! again.
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #22 on: 03/19/2010 at 07:01:11 » ________________________________________ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Donkeyinc83 on Jul 22nd, 2007, 11:59am
Somethin else thats a good idea on these cars is to reinforce the pan hard bar on the three link one good hit on the passenger side and it'll bend in a u. i took some 1 1/2 pipe and and put it over mine just cut the bar in half and put it inside the new bar. They do hold up nice i've got a imperial v on mine and its been through two derbies the front end is startin to roll on the passenger side in the boxes a little and thats all. Thats the car in my pic. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jul 23rd, 2007, 02:10am
^^^^ I wish I would have knew that, I was questioning it but wasn't sure of what was gonna happen with the three link in the rear. Mine did exactly what you said today in run number 2 for this car. Here's a pic of what will happen to it. The bar should be straight. I don't know what happened to the shock though, half there, half gone. Oh well you live and learn from it. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jul 23rd, 2007, 02:23am
Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jul 23rd, 2007, 03:42am
next time I do it I'm going to angle the c-channel upwards a little more to get the bumper a little higher in the air. I ran this car today and all the other cars were impalas, new yorkers, and one old plymouth wagon. It held up pretty good for what I had. 5th on saturday and 7th today. I also figured out how to run a 351m big block with no radiator or coolant and not have it get that hot ran excellent no problems starting it or even cranking it with stock starter and plenty of power yet. First night got stuck in the dirt bank pinned by 2 dead cars, today I put a full track shot on an impala and new yorker that were sittin head to head pushing each other and hit them both rite on thier tires. Got hung up on the yorker and his dist cap broke when I nailed him, I couldn't get loose to make another hit and got DQed. The front of this car was very strong. I don't screw around out there, pedal to the floor full steam ahead. As soon as I see a car at the other end I hit the gas hard and hit him hard. I used the front alot more than the rear because I knew the rear was gonna be weak. The frame was rotted away were the pocket was for the bumper. (can't fix it here) The first night I notched it rite behind the bracket. I cut a 1/2" gap across the top then made a pie cut down the outside of the frame rail only, not the inside. It started folding up nicely and packing in. The frame rail where the rust was ripped open so I took the bumper off beat the stubs of the frame up to the body then remounted the bumper on the unbent portion of the frame rail and it worked nicely, it packed in real good and tight. here's a pick
ball joints really suck in these cars, take them out, and put in a bolt instead. Ever seen one of these cars do this before?
The frame came completely apart in fron of the rear wheel on the pass side, nothing holding them together. Hit the gas and watch the hump spin down to the ground, kinda strange I think. What would cause it to do that? Crappy welds from the factory? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Donkeyinc83 on Jul 23rd, 2007, 11:18pm
Here's mine after two runs all i did to the rear was notch it a foot from the bumper and tucked the trunk down across the trunk lid and in on the quarters and also pushed the trunkpan up inside itself. As for the front its not goin up or down its goin in, right behind the a-arms the frame is buckling inward towards the motor and the crush box is goin back and pulling the frame rail around towards the tranny. I guess this is better than shootin it to the moon! Jus shortenin it up a little LOL!! I also used my stock mounts too on the front bumper just modified them Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Aug 5th, 2007, 4:21pm
get the height you wnat that knoch the frame once in the middle and for the back shocks on the top take the rubber out and put some washers up there mine just pulled staraight out Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by soyster89 on Aug 6th, 2007, 08:55am
I watched two 70's Fords ran yesterday at a pretty hard hitting derby. A 75 LTD was track shot in the rear by a box Imperial and had the body rip right off the frame in the trunk. Both body mounts ripped right out. Frame also broke on the passenger front end side of the rear humps on the hit.
There was also a 71 Grand Marquis running there. I know they're a bit different, but the rear body mounts ripped out of the frame in the trunk area on a tough rear end hit as well. They ended up breaking the stock motor mounts on the hit as well.
Is it common to have the body rip off of the frame on these type of cars? Replacing body mounts a must it seems? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Aug 6th, 2007, 12:30pm
i got a 75 merc i took 2 ring shots from and older imp what it all did was this in the rear poped out my rear spring the reason for that spring is not welded in still got factor mounts in the back and they didnot rip out and the back end is rolling in back height is 22 the front 21 in height a arm passanger side broke right on top were the greese insert is and steering sector broke but i got all body mounts still in ready for round 4 all you need for these cars is height plus some tender loving sledging tourching welding and good motor Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DerbyPatrol on Aug 6th, 2007, 3:35pm
The body mounts will not rip out if you take out the rubber and put a plate on the top and bottom 3"X3" works good, will fit right in the frame rail. My driver's side held up nicely, but the pass side didn't, the frame was rotted from the original brackets so the frame tore. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Aug 8th, 2007, 2:19pm
im going to try that c channel idea i just cut my trunk pan out and knotched the frame and its rolling up my front end on my car is pretty tuff but with your idea i think it will make twice the car up front but i was wondering is it me or the front brakes on these car have aproblem of locking up in derby it happened twice to me and it cost me the heat Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Aug 8th, 2007, 3:51pm
My c channel idea works very good. I was going head to head with newyorkers and It didn't move an inch. It makes the front of these cars a lot stronger, I haven't had a problem with the brakes on my cars. I take the retaining bolt out of the caliper. If you look at it from the top there is the little plate with a bolt through it, take the bolt out, it should be an allen head bolt, it will allow the caliper to move a little bit more,and the the caliper won't come out unless the plate and spring do, even then it's a pain to get the caliper out of there, I only run with front brakes, no rear brakes in the car
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #23 on: 03/19/2010 at 07:01:39 » ________________________________________ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Aug 8th, 2007, 9:45pm
Have you had any problems with the frame splitting into 2 in front of the rear humps? I've heard that it's a weak spot and it happened to me. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Aug 9th, 2007, 05:18am
The frame on mine is startin to split apart on the the drivers side between the a arm and the boxes. The rear of mine went perfect i dimpled it at the back of the shock boxes and pushed the trunk floor up and the trunk lid down. very well please with the car its got a crysler v bumper on it and it hasn't went no were. Your definatly right about gettin the car up if not the the core supports aren't worth a shat. Mines goin to its third derby. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Aug 10th, 2007, 05:28am
On the rear of my car I removed the original body mounts, put a plate on top and bottom with a 5/8" bolt, I pounded in the quarters as far as they would go with a 15lb maul. I creased the trunk lid and the top of the quarters where i wanted it to fold and it worked pretty good, I also notched both frame rails only on the outside of the rails and across the top about 12" from the end of the frame
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Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Aug 8th, 2007, 9:45pm
Have you had any problems with the frame splitting into 2 in front of the rear humps? I've heard that it's a weak spot and it happened to me. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Aug 9th, 2007, 05:18am
The frame on mine is startin to split apart on the the drivers side between the a arm and the boxes. The rear of mine went perfect i dimpled it at the back of the shock boxes and pushed the trunk floor up and the trunk lid down. very well please with the car its got a crysler v bumper on it and it hasn't went no were. Your definatly right about gettin the car up if not the the core supports aren't worth a shat. Mines goin to its third derby. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Aug 10th, 2007, 05:28am
On the rear of my car I removed the original body mounts, put a plate on top and bottom with a 5/8" bolt, I pounded in the quarters as far as they would go with a 15lb maul. I creased the trunk lid and the top of the quarters where i wanted it to fold and it worked pretty good, I also notched both frame rails only on the outside of the rails and across the top about 12" from the end of the frame, also beat in the trunk pan, it was rolling into a ball pretty nicely. Should I have tucked the trunk lid in the trunk and folded the quarters over on top of it making like a half wedge? Then the frame tore in front of the rear humps. The rear axle is pretty much loose, flops around like a fish out of water when you put it in gear, I know the humps are double plated from the factory and are very strong the way they are. Is there an easy way to conceal an extra body to frame bolt from the inside where the 2 extra holes are by the back of the doors? I think it would help that part of the frame and maybe stop it from tearing apart at the seam in front of the humps. I can't do any seam welding where I run which really sucks. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Aug 10th, 2007, 09:34am Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by ki11er120 on Aug 11th, 2007, 11:48am
yeah that side did have a little bit of rust, but the other side looks almost identical but had no rust can't get a pic of it though, car is on trailer and won't back up, the pumpkin on the rear axle broke loose from the axle tubes but they didn't pull out. Is that a common problem with these cars or not? This is the first car that has ever done that to me. The pinion shifts up and down and binds up the u-joint Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Aug 11th, 2007, 11:47pm
i been tucking my trunk for years and it works good for me but the thing i had problems with these cars is all the metal in the back pills straight onto the rear axle so i cut the trunk pan out and knotched the frame in the back and it rolled right up you would think it would go away fast but it didnt its a chain car that went up in 2 chain derbys and i weld up derby but the key in tucking is make sure by the rear window you got it sucured good with bolts or chains Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Donkeyinc83 on Aug 12th, 2007, 02:33am
invert the trunk up inside itself and you won't have that problem worked great for me Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Jessie99j on Sep 3rd, 2007, 3:18pm
can you rack a 1977 grand marquis Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by horn on Nov 24th, 2007, 10:50pm
on Apr 11th, 2004, 6:50pm, rdcjrru12 wrote: please start posting any tips for these cars in here. thanks i found when you notch the frame,prebend it and run 4 pieces of ready rod through the frame works pretty well for the rearend Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by proppster88 on Feb 15th, 2008, 04:28am
i dont get some people y would u allthread ur trunk and weld everything up and not put a bumper on the back they are harder in the rear if u have a bumper on them that way the frame aint going all over he77 Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by forney00 on Feb 15th, 2008, 8:37pm
try finding one that doesent have rust in the back bumper or the shock boxes in the frame that are filled with rust. I hardly ever run a rear bumper cuz no matter how clean the car is, it seams like the rear bumper and bumper mounts are nuthing but rust. They pack in just as nice, even though they pack in quicker, but once they pack in, you can hit hard all night. _____ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by proppster88 on Feb 18th, 2008, 10:01am
ya, the damn thing is 100% rust free.... except for the damn rear bumber mounts!!! The mount on the driver side is rusted through!!! What dou you guys think? Bumber?, no bumper?, all thread?, wedge?, tuck Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by horn on Feb 18th, 2008, 12:43pm
i ran a 351m twice last year and it ran excellent, gonna use it again this year, i would chose it over the 400 or 302on Apr 11th, 2004, 6:50pm, rdcjrru12 wrote: please start posting any tips for these cars in here. thanks Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by dm440c on Mar 5th, 2008, 07:24am
is there any significant difference between the LTD's from 74-78? Any reason to prefer one from a certain year within this range? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13mike on Mar 19th, 2008, 8:29pm
i have a 78 marquis going to leaf it, replace all body mounts, and weld doors and trunk. what kind of rearend will be in the car, is it any good? any other tips i missed? thanks all for the help Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Mar 20th, 2008, 03:48am
If you go from forward to reverse without using brakes you will sheer off the pins that hold the pumpkin to the axle tubes and it will bind up your u-joint and you won't be able to move. I had it happen last year and it put me out of the derby. I think if you can get that problem taken care off it should be ok. That's the only problem I've had with them Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Mar 20th, 2008, 2:40pm
never had that happen yet but i had all the metal pushed in the back were the back tires dont move Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Tude on Mar 20th, 2008, 2:48pm
on Mar 20th, 2008, 03:48am, Boudreau wrote: If you go from forward to reverse with out using brakes you will sheer off the pins that hold the pumpkin to the axle tubes and it will bind up your u-joint and you won't be able to move. I had it happen last year and it put me out of the derby. I think if you can get that problem taken care off it should be ok. That's the only problem I've had with them
ive had this happen on a driver once....that was a rough night. i didnt break my u-joint though, it was however hitting the floor board the whole way home....that was annoying as h3ll for 15 miles. i ended up derbying that car made 1 hit and it re twisted and the pinion went to the ground and i lost the driveshaft. looked like this "V" Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Mar 20th, 2008, 4:29pm
more details so i fix before it happens to me Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13mike on Mar 20th, 2008, 9:27pm
what kind of rearend is in these cars? is it an 8.8 or something else? would a GM 10 bolt bia go in one easy? thanks mike Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Mar 21st, 2008, 06:18am
Bummer man! I just cut up a nine inch that would have bolted right in. You could try to weld the axle tube to the pumpkin. It might help not sure though. If you go back a couple pages in this section check out the black and yellow #181. You will see all the weak spots of the rear of these cars. I put alot of pictures up. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13mike on Mar 21st, 2008, 8:01pm i bought one with a 9 inch posi underneath. thats always a nice upgrade Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by wG92 on Mar 24th, 2008, 08:31am
ya that is all i need is a set of gears for the one i have Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Mar 24th, 2008, 3:21pm
the gears that were in the one I cut up were 250's not much good for a derby car but good for cruisin down the highway Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by izzwins on Mar 24th, 2008, 8:32pm
wG92; Does that rear have a tag? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by wG92 on Mar 24th, 2008, 9:42pm
where would it be i can look Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Tude on Mar 24th, 2008, 10:55pm
where the center section bolts to the houseing, usually on the upper bolts and to the passenger side.....not every time though. but look in that general area for a thin tin tag. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by wG92 on Mar 24th, 2008, 11:01pm
ok i will do that these full size are a lot harder to build compared to a mini that im used to Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Tude on Mar 24th, 2008, 11:02pm
nahhh Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by wG92 on Mar 24th, 2008, 11:15pm
i can build a mini in 4 days 1 and a half days to strip and get the battary and gas tank in and the push button starter and the a day welding the body and bumbers and a half or a day on roll cage and a half a day to paint and fine tune everything and the other half a day getting tools ready for the demo i have been working on my 95 bubble for a week and just getting all the break lines and stripping done Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13mike on Mar 26th, 2008, 10:16pm
what would be the best rear bumper for a leafed 78 marquis? thanks for the info. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by catscratch on Apr 14th, 2008, 3:58pm
Anyone know if a Chrysler /6 will fit in one of these without cutting the firewall? Or would a sbc be easier? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by proppster88 on Apr 29th, 2008, 03:56am
I don't know about the /6, but I put a small block Olds in my 74 Galaxy, we had to cut a lot out of the firewall, the distributor cap is sitting right in the middle of the fire wall.... now does anyone know what rearend a 74 Galaxy has and if 411 gears would be tall enough for it, or should I go taller? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Lurken on May 6th, 2008, 4:14pm
on Apr 29th, 2008, 03:56am, proppster88 wrote: I don't know about the /6, but I put a small block Olds in my 74 Galaxy, we had to cut a lot out of the firewall, the distributor cap is sitting right in the middle of the fire wall.... now does anyone know what rearend a 74 Galaxy has and if 411 gears would be tall enough for it, or should I go taller?
should be a 9in 4:11 is plenty(what i run) Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by catscratch on Jun 5th, 2008, 8:13pm
How do you guys change the body bolts in these? There's no holes in the bottom of the frame to get a larger bolt/nut or backing wrench into it. Do you torch holes in the bottom of the frame or is there something really simple that I'm missing? Logged ________________________________________ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 13dford on Jun 5th, 2008, 9:15pm
LURKEN........theres aspot over the humps that thins down form3 to 2 inches you need to plate that spot and add a total of 8 body bolts each side. and tell everyone to get the hell out of your way or die.....the front are good and strong Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by goose420 on Jun 12th, 2008, 7:56pm
I have a 75 Ltd 351m and i just ripped everything out and rewired the ignition and starter. I ripped out the ignition box because i was following this diagram and and now it wont fire. do i have to have the box? or isnt their another way? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jun 13th, 2008, 04:29am
YES YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE BOX IN THERE, IT'S NOT A GM!! yOU COULD SWITCH TO AN HEI STYLE DIST AND THEN REMOVE THE BOX. FACTORY DIST HAS TO HAVE THE BOX Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Jun 14th, 2008, 1:41pm
it should already have hei you can swith it to points so you can get rid of the one box. its alittle easyier to wire that way. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by #181 on Jun 14th, 2008, 11:23pm
What I meant was you can get a gm style HEI dist then all you have to wire is a power and a ground I believe Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by thunderstruck on Jul 29th, 2008, 7:58pm
I have a 77 ltd wagon that looks like the 1 at the top of the page. It has a 351m in it that I ran last year. It did fine but got too hot to restart 4 min before the end of the feature. I wound up taking 4th. The wagon is still strait and I want to drop my chevy power plant into it. How difficult is it? Ive droped engines before but never a chevy into a ford. what about the drive shaft? Is there a strong way to mate the 2 so that it dosent break in the derby? any info is appreciated. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by catscratch on Jul 30th, 2008, 08:26am
on Jul 29th, 2008, 7:58pm, thunderstruck wrote: I have a 77 ltd wagon that looks like the 1 at the top of the page. It has a 351m in it that I ran last year. It did fine but got too hot to restart 4 min before the end of the feature. I wound up taking 4th. The wagon is still strait and I want to drop my chevy power plant into it. How difficult is it? Ive droped engines before but never a chevy into a ford. what about the drive shaft? Is there a strong way to mate the 2 so that it dosent break in the derby? any info is appreciated.
I did this earlier this summer. First hammer or cut your firewall back so that your dist. has some room when you get it in. Then I took the Ford lower mounts off the crossmember and bolted them to the Chevy uppers while on the motor. Drop the motor in and weld the lowers where they set (try to get the motor back, starter/crossmember clearance is important for when the frame bends at the firewall ).
I put a GM trany crossmember in as I didn't have the Ford one so I don't know how that will treat ya. As far as the driveshaft. I cut both of them long (the Ford and GM). One slides into the other without too much gap on the sides. I drilled 5/8th holes in the outside tube in about 12 different places, stuck into the trany and rear-end, marked it, took out and welded the cut end and in the holes. Time your joints!
Make sure you hit square with the front, this shows where they like to bend.
Good luck. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by thunderstruck on Jul 31st, 2008, 6:43pm
No problem, glad I could help. The car ran in one heat, I used the front a lot Look at how the joints line up before you do any cutting and make sure they line up the same way when you weld. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by jpjp34 on Aug 12th, 2008, 12:26pm
what do you guys do with the core support on these things. i got mine stripped today. car looks strong. all but the core support. also how the he!! you get to the body bolts no access holes in frame. think i had the body bolt issue on a 78-79 linc once. cant remember what i did. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by driver412 on Jan 23rd, 2009, 02:37am
I'm looking to change out the core support for one out of an '83 F150. So far everything seems to line up about right. I got the idea when I saw a guy run a box Vic with the dog house from an 80's truck on it. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by x416 on Jan 26th, 2009, 12:45am
Anyone put a big block Mopar in these things? How big of a pain in the butt is it?
A 400 Mopar is the only thing I have available that isn't being used for other cars... any advice, tips, or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks!!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by LTmudtire05jr on Apr 25th, 2009, 09:52am
Get a rear sump oilpan and pickup out of a truck. Or order one out of summit. Or you could custom-make your own rear sump oilpan like my buddy did last week. That's pretty much it. Drop it in and weld it up. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DERBYDRIVER666 on Apr 25th, 2009, 10:17pm
i would take a proper built ltd nose to nose with n e gm beside a 68 to 73 caddi Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by fordhavoc on Apr 26th, 2009, 12:03am
I use a front sump motorhome pan on a big block and a rear sump on a small block.no worry about getting that big block back in there far enough to get the pan to clear the steering linkages. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by BHayes on Apr 26th, 2009, 03:26am
that frame looks familer, I've done that before, killed the staret on my 400m. then again, the motor was already flopping around the engine bay, lol
on Jul 30th, 2008, 08:26am, catscratch wrote: I did this earlier this summer. First hammer or cut your firewall back so that your dist. has some room when you get it in. Then I took the Ford lower mounts off the crossmember and bolted them to the Chevy uppers while on the motor. Drop the motor in and weld the lowers where they set (try to get the motor back, starter/crossmember clearance is important for when the frame bends at the firewall ).
I put a GM trany crossmember in as I didn't have the Ford one so I don't know how that will treat ya. As far as the driveshaft. I cut both of them long (the Ford and GM). One slides into the other without too much gap on the sides. I drilled 5/8th holes in the outside tube in about 12 different places, stuck into the trany and rear-end, marked it, took out and welded the cut end and in the holes. Time your joints!
Good luck. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 333LRD on Apr 26th, 2009, 12:48pm
using a gm cross member helps. put it at an angle so that oem trans mount can be bolted to it as well on the pas side. also pul the cover for the cab mount above the crush box, put chain through and around the frame barely loose. when it starts to go it will hold better. R _ Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by WID on Apr 26th, 2009, 11:16pm
Hi all maybe i am missing something,just finished messing around with powertrain options on my 75 Ltd ,what i did is removed the factory mounts( swapped them from side to side) from the frame bolted them to my SBC motor trans combo dropped them in and re welded the the mounts,setting everything as far back as possible,seems to allow a fair bit of room for the steering linkage using the Chevy motor.Did i miss something,just wondering as it seemed to easy? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by dexter on Apr 28th, 2009, 1:29pm
Think i have read this thread over at least two or three times,maybe i am missing it i understand height is a big factor on these cars,mine being a 75 LTD what is a good front bumper and rear bumper height?And also where is the best place to notch these cars if running with no rear bumper?how wide and deep of a notch would you all recommend? Thanks in advance for your help!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by WID on May 11th, 2009, 09:06am
run the highest height the rules allow you to i use the front more then the rear on these cars a t bird bumper works great Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Derby08 on May 17th, 2009, 1:15pm
Another question for all,they have changed our rules up here and are now allowing us to run 8 threaded rods for trunk and hood in any order,now i need two for my tucked trunk,so was going to use 6 for the front,now what do you all think would be the best placement for these rods,using 1" diameter rods if that makes any difference. Thanks Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by LTmudtire05jr on May 22nd, 2009, 5:02pm
I im from montreal quebec and derbying for 14 year. my favorite car is ford and mercury 74 to 78 so if you want any help. its a pleasure for me man!
1. get ride off the bumper shock. weld chrysler bumper directly to the frame.<
2.get a new timing chain on the 351, and new starter.
3. change your timing system from electronic to point system.
4. best for the rear is to install leaf but what i do. is dimple the frame at 8 inch from the back and 16 inches from the first dimple. run big tire like 235-75 15, double tire with tube are the best. you can also change shock for pick up shock to put your rear end to the air .
5. MOST IMPORTANT, replace all bushings on the body with 3/4 bolt.
reweld the transmission cross frame. they often broke when head shot are violent
6. DRINK SOME BUD AND HAVE SOME FUN !!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by PHILXXX on May 23rd, 2009, 07:16am
AND I FORGET, RUN 2 1000 amp batterie. when the ford is hot, only 24v will start the beast.
GET READY TO RIP GM A PART!! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by WID on May 23rd, 2009, 12:09pm
Hey thanks for the help, unfortunately we can not do any welding to the bumpers at all, also i am running SBC powertrain. So any thoughts on the allthread placement,starting to drive me nuts must have temporally placed them about 20 different ways and never seems to look right without going through the frame? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by WID on May 25th, 2009, 08:46am
allthread anyone? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by LTmudtire05jr on May 26th, 2009, 12:13am
Place two of the allthreads at the spot where the wheelwells in the front clip start to go back down towards the back of the car, the clip likes to tear right there when the front end bends up. Try to weld as much allthread as you can to the clip when doing this, is all I can say right now. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by WID on May 26th, 2009, 09:05am
Thanks ,i assume you are talking about behind the tire? welded to the inner fender or the firewall? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by LTmudtire05jr on May 26th, 2009, 4:04pm
When looking at the outside of the car at the front fenders, where the body line is almost horizontal at the top of the front tires then starts going back down to the bottom of the car is where the clip will tear at the outer sheetmetal(hope you understood that, lol). I don't know exactly how to place the allthread, that's up to you, but that is the place I would try to reinforce as much as possible. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by Derby08 on Jun 17th, 2009, 10:59pm
I have the problem pretty much fixed on my pre ran, but I have a fresh car, and arent aloud to plate,.. Are you guys pitching/tilting these like the new styles? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by bubbaarmy17m on Jun 19th, 2009, 01:40am ________________________________________
pinning?
Oh yeah, that subject that no one wants to talk about, I think it was on the ford forum a while ago and it was just 6 pages of jokes Care to share? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by swm67 on Jul 4th, 2009, 06:30am
I plan on running a 76 ltd sedan in a derby next year and you are aloud leaf conversions.....If I were to do a leaf conversion would you suggest wedging the back end or what else would you do? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by lyellracing619 on Jul 9th, 2009, 03:35am
ok i just read through 26 pages and didnt find a single thing on a merc monteray anywhere! its a 74 are there any differences? anything that makes them tough or week? my first ford and any help would be appreciated! Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by KoryJr7 on Jul 14th, 2009, 5:09pm
How the heck can I get my 77 ltd nose up to 22" ? The back is high enough but the front is mabey at 15" or 17" and Im already running 7.50's PLEASE HELP...... Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by alta454camaro on Jul 24th, 2009, 12:00am
mine sat 24 in the front after i got mine done. Just hit with the front like i did. now it sits alot higher finished 7th.
Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by DerbyDudeINC on Jul 24th, 2009, 12:27am
im not much on these cars and havnt really looked at one a Whole lot but my buddy had one when i was younger and was gonna derby it but never made it lookin at the frames on a previous pic on here they have crush boxs like the newer fords if they bend at the firewall like the new fords do why dont you guys tilt these ? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 14PotterBros. on Jul 30th, 2009, 5:26pm
Just picked up a 1979 Cougar. Could someone tell me a little about these cars. How to set up the front bumpers, rear bumpers. Where the car bends and why. Just some info would be nice. The car has a 351w and a nine inch rear end. Thanks Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by dukefrhm51 on Jul 30th, 2009, 11:42pm
will big bolt pattern gm wheels fit on a 77 ltd? will be runnin one 95% rust free with chevy power. thanks df. Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by spooner169 on Jul 31st, 2009, 11:32am
they should fit i have them on my 78 ltd and i also got mine to sit 24" high to the bottom of the front bumper Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 14PotterBros. on Jul 31st, 2009, 1:43pm
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Gender: Posts: 6945 Re: 74-78 LTD, Grand Marquis thread « Reply #28 on: 03/19/2010 at 07:05:13 »
Ok got another question...I am converting it to leaf springs and a 12 bolt 5 lug rear end, the question is It has leafs on it right now and they dont line up with the frame on the car the width between the frames is bigger then the width on the springs do I just move the springs over? thanks this is my first and im not for sure.
Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by derby12oz on Aug 10th, 2009, 10:49am
put them where you need them or come get my 9 inch rearend Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by michael07zerr on Aug 10th, 2009, 1:41pm
well thanks for the offer, but I am not running this car till next year and I dont want to have your rearend for that long and you not be able to run, but thanks I will just figure out what to do with this one. I am looking for a set rear tires though if you know of any?...... Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by 14PotterBros. on Aug 26th, 2009, 1:48pm
Is a 1975 Ford Elite or Ellite, like a Cougar? Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by rwarren1 on Aug 31st, 2009, 7:04pm
on Aug 26th, 2009, 1:48pm, 14PotterBros. wrote: Is a 1975 Ford Elite or Ellite, like a Cougar?
virtually the same as a 74-76 Cougar or 74-76 Torino or 74-76 montego Re: 74-78 ltds grand marquis etc... Post by krazie41 on Sep 12th, 2009, 7:54pm
i notched the frame almost halfway thru,three inches wide.these cars will go south fast in the back and i dont take any chances so i notch them heavy then back them in on the line and wait for a nice square sideshot on a car to put the rear up where it needs to be. i body bolted the whole car and added bolts just behind the boxes and just in frot of the wheels..holes are already there ya just have to put holes in the body From the original website.
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