[CJH2772]

Long story short, I'm hot-rodding a 1950 Chevy pickup. I bought a Heidt's cross-member for Mustang II and installed it. My dad has a friend who had planned on doing the same thing to his truck, but he sold the truck instead, so he gave us the front end components for free. The entire front end is complete (as in I have all the parts; they're just sitting in a toolbox right now), but I have no idea what year the parts are. I know he pulled them off a Mustang II car a few years ago, but I don't know the exact year.
This is where the problem starts. How can I determine the year of the parts? Is it even possible just by looking at them? I'm asking because the instruction on the Heidt's cross-member say to C-notch a spot in the frame for the power steering rack, but it is in a different spot for 74-78 Mustang racks and 79-93 racks. I need to have this done and welded by the end of this upcoming weekend so I can paint the frame (It's getting cold in Montana and my shop isn't heated).
I don't know if this helps, but it's a four-lug front end with disc brakes. It uses a strut rod, too, but I don't know squat about Mustangs, so I don't know if that helps determine the production year or not.
Thanks a ton for your help.

(Shorter version: how do you tell the model year of a Mustang II power rack-and-pinion setup?)
-CJH2772

[FASTFORD]

from what I know,hear & see, most of the OEM parts interchange from 1976 to 1978.
these were the Mustang II years of manufacture.

after market parts may or may not interchange between
manufacturers.
example Heidts,TCI and Fatman parts may not interchange

[454 Rattler]

I thought the Mustang II was first built in 1974. Maybe CJH2727 should check in on one of the Mustang II sites. They should have all the answers.


454 RATTLER

[CJH2772]

Thanks, guys. I think I have an idea of what to do now. Once I get back to the shop I'll mock up the rack and see how it looks. From what I understand, Mustang II only refers to 74-78? I'm pretty sure these parts are from around that time. The guy that pulled them forgot what year the car was, so it gets a bit confusing when I order parts or start welding stuff to the frame.

Thanks again, guys.

[timothale]

I think the major differende was the space between the mounting holes . I think there is about an inch difference. some kits have an oval hole on one side so either rack will fit. and I think the fittings changed later in the Fox mustang build years, The SVO turbo 4 Mustang used lincoln suspension with 5 bolt brakes and special flat face rims to keep the wheels under the body.

[FASTFORD]

Originally Posted by 454 Rattler

I thought the Mustang II was first built in 1974. Maybe CJH2727 should check in on one of the Mustang II sites. They should have all the answers.


454 RATTLER

sir,you are correct. Mustang II 1st appeared in 1974.
the reason I gave 76 to 78 (78 was the last year for the II)
is because the last time I purchased a suspension part for MII
the counter person stated the computer separated 74/75 parts from 76 to 78.
I do not know if this is accurate information. all of us know those computer parts programs are lacking in a lot of ways.
also the counter person could just be blowing smoke ?

[dgriffith]

76 and newer used a 7/16 bolt to hold the strut brace to the lower control arm. That is what I have noticed from all the stock front suspensions, I have installed. The eariler ones used a T shaped bolt to hold the upper A frame. The later years used a rivet headed bolt, installed from the bottom up on the crossmember.