91 Cougar LS 5.0 Teardown and Build

[XR7-4.6]

Did you guys also lower the trans X member?

No but 3/4” didn’t amount to much angle change front to back. If I used any thicker spacers than I did I’d probably measure the driveshaft angle and lower the front of the diff down the same to neutralize the pinion angle.

I don’t recommend going too thick on the spacers either, I really feel like the 3/4” ones I have are on the edge of tolerance, not just for pinion angle but suspension geometry.

 

[Zep5.0]

Well today was the day! Engine, trans, K-member, driveshaft, and front suspension all installed.



I need to do a bit this week too get a head start for next weekend. For one, I need to order tires and get them mounted on my nice wheels. These mustang wheels rub the spindles. The tires literally won't turn.

Forgot to take pictures underneath. That's the sexy part.

 

[Zep5.0]

Tires mounted. I would have waited a few more weeks for these, but the set I have on it is +50 offset and the tire won't turn up front. It's against the spindle. No sense buying spacers for wheels I won't use more than for sitting around.

 

[XR7-4.6]

View attachment 11985
Tires mounted. I would have waited a few more weeks for these, but the set I have on it is +50 offset and the tire won't turn up front. It's against the spindle. No sense buying spacers for wheels I won't use more than for sitting around.

I love FR500s!

 

[Zep5.0]

Please tell me I'm doing something wrong...

Sway bar is hitting the shock base and the K member and I can't bolt down the bushings. Also can't mount my alternator. This is frustrating

 

[Zep5.0]

I needed to shim the sway bar up 3/4" to match my k member lowering blocks. Alternator is doable with a long arm

 

[White Lincoln]

View attachment 11985
Tires mounted. I would have waited a few more weeks for these, but the set I have on it is +50 offset and the tire won't turn up front. It's against the spindle. No sense buying spacers for wheels I won't use more than for sitting around.

Work of art... you should be proud Zep. I like how you have that wrench set mounted to your fender! That would come in handy when your out on the road and your brake line is a little loose or you find the altenator bolt is not tight.....

 

[Zep5.0]

The brakes were more of a job than I anticipated. I had to clearance the caliper where it mounts to the spindle. Otherwise, the S&S not worked well. I will say that 14" rotors is the limit for 18" wheels and good things these wheels have some offset to the spikes. I'd say there is 3/16" between the spoke and caliper. Overall a great fit.

I also got the fuel injectors, rails, and injector wiring harness on, but forgot to take a pic of that.

 

[supergordo]

Super nice!

 

[CDsDontBurn]

I will say that 14" rotors is the limit for 18" wheels and good things these wheels have some offset to the spikes.

What is the offset of your wheels there?

 

[Zep5.0]

What is the offset of your wheels there?

18x9 +35 front 18x10 +40 rear. And I should note the rear is not nearly aligned and camber is way out making the tires poke more than they will when corrected.

 

[XR7-4.6]

View attachment 12009View attachment 12010View attachment 12011
The brakes were more of a job than I anticipated. I had to clearance the caliper where it mounts to the spindle. Otherwise, the S&S not worked well. I will say that 14" rotors is the limit for 18" wheels and good things these wheels have some offset to the spikes. I'd say there is 3/16" between the spoke and caliper. Overall a great fit.

I also got the fuel injectors, rails, and injector wiring harness on, but forgot to take a pic of that.

Excellent! FR500s were basically designed around Brembos, (albiet the the 13” Cobra R/Focus RS ones, but…)

I’m surprised by the sway bar clearance being so effected by the K member drop, but I do know some big Addcos pose challenges even without so kudos for finding a solution, I thought you were SOL for a second

 

[Zep5.0]

Excellent! FR500s were basically designed around Brembos, (albiet the the 13” Cobra R/Focus RS ones, but…)

I’m surprised by the sway bar clearance being so effected by the K member drop, but I do know some big Addcos pose challenges even without so kudos for finding a solution, I thought you were SOL for a second

I was shitting bricks..

 

[XR7-4.6]

I was shitting bricks..

Yeah I get it! I spent literally spent 5 hours(!!!) yesterday debating and finally executing whether factory Kooks own dipstick tube clearance for my driver side header would be enough and ultimately clearancing it just in case. The anticipation for fail is the worst with these cars.

 

[Zep5.0]

My brother asked if there was another sway bar option. I had to hold my laugh.