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Author
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Topic: To swap shock tower or not?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1746
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 10-23-2002 08:32 PM
   
Here's my dilemma! I really need opinions ...
1) I've got a pesky alignment problem. I can't get the right camber on the passenger side wheel, and after current work is finished, I was planning on a trip to the frame rack.
2) I just spotted a crack in the driver's side shock tower, where the engine support bracket meets the tower. Someone repaired this before, but the bracket is depressed back into the tower rather than sitting on top of it. Could this possibly affect alignment much?
3) I have a metal worker here at the moment who is really good at his stuff. He says the shock tower can easily be reinforced and sees no need to replace it ... but he has no opinion on the alignment issue.
4) There is a 67 S-code being chopped near me which should have the reinforced shock towers, right? I'm planning a trip to see if they're in good condition.
As you all know, changing shock towers is a major undertaking. Do you think I should go for it, whether for the alignment reason or anything else?
Many thanks!
Simon
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Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1235
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 10-24-2002 02:18 AM
Actually, almost every 390 Mustang I have seen has had the standard shock towers. Most 69-70 Cougars I have come across have had the Boss/428CJ style reinforced towers, but I`m not sure if they are dimensionally the same as a 67-68 Mustang. To change a complete shock tower is a very big job, requiring removal of the engine, fender, upper suspension etc. If this fellow can repair your original tower correctly, putting it back into the original posistion, thats the route I would choose.------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed 10.20@130mph
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA Stocker under construction, 302 5 speed
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1746
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 10-24-2002 03:46 AM
Well, the fender's off already and the upper suspension is due to come off anyway ... but there's still that engine!
Personally, I think it would be next to impossible to repair the tower with the engine in place such that engine support bracket sits right ... but I really don't know.
I think for me it really all hinges on that alignment issue. The engine does sag slightly down towards the driver's side, and as a non-expert I can imagine how it could affect the ability to set accurate camber on both wheels. Am I completely wrong? No possible connection?
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