James' rear end and 4-link adventure
Here is where the project goes a little sideways and hit scope creep. My built 904 and torque converter disappeared after being picked up. Thankfully the shipping company scanned it at pickup. Not to go into details, but I could not get the replacement 904 until the builder was reimbursed from the shipping company. Which took almost three months before the 904/Converter replacement arrived – different shipping company
During this stoppage I started looking at upgrading suspension to handle the big increase in torque, frame rail connectors, boxing kframe etc. were easy decisions. My focus moved to the rear suspension. I had already upgraded to Espo 6 leaf springs a few years back and started looking at some of the CalTracs offerings and reviews. From my perspective the CalTracs solution was to one dimensional toward drag racing. And when I added up the cost – I started looking for other options.
I was excited to learn that RMS has the Street Lynx for the 66 Barracuda. I did some research and found a lot of positive reviews and write ups. Made a couple phone calls to RMS to discuss options and pulled the trigger on the Street Lynx with the Viking coil overs and matching Vikings front shocks. Delivery would be a little over a month because they are made to order.
Many delays during the engine-transmission swap and to be honest I ran out of money. Fast forward to September 2019 and I started having discussions with @Cope to install the 4 link, 8 ¾ and Wilwood Disc brakes. I quickly become comfortable with Brian and his enthusiasm and excitement about my project. We agreed on everything and he could take on my project toward the end of October.
Jump to the end of October, dropped the car off and Brian got to work quickly dropping the 7 ¼ with the leaf springs and removing and prepping everything. He kept me updated during the process with some pictures during the mockup, testing fitting and the initial install. In one of the test fit pictures you can see the borrowed mustang wheels which are 245/45-17s with almost negative backspacing – happy with the size of tires I was able to fit under the car. In fact, I bet I could get more under there. And of course, super happy with the welds. The project was really moving along
Next phase disc brake install
Here is where the project goes a little sideways and hit scope creep. My built 904 and torque converter disappeared after being picked up. Thankfully the shipping company scanned it at pickup. Not to go into details, but I could not get the replacement 904 until the builder was reimbursed from the shipping company. Which took almost three months before the 904/Converter replacement arrived – different shipping company
During this stoppage I started looking at upgrading suspension to handle the big increase in torque, frame rail connectors, boxing kframe etc. were easy decisions. My focus moved to the rear suspension. I had already upgraded to Espo 6 leaf springs a few years back and started looking at some of the CalTracs offerings and reviews. From my perspective the CalTracs solution was to one dimensional toward drag racing. And when I added up the cost – I started looking for other options.
I was excited to learn that RMS has the Street Lynx for the 66 Barracuda. I did some research and found a lot of positive reviews and write ups. Made a couple phone calls to RMS to discuss options and pulled the trigger on the Street Lynx with the Viking coil overs and matching Vikings front shocks. Delivery would be a little over a month because they are made to order.
Many delays during the engine-transmission swap and to be honest I ran out of money. Fast forward to September 2019 and I started having discussions with @Cope to install the 4 link, 8 ¾ and Wilwood Disc brakes. I quickly become comfortable with Brian and his enthusiasm and excitement about my project. We agreed on everything and he could take on my project toward the end of October.
Jump to the end of October, dropped the car off and Brian got to work quickly dropping the 7 ¼ with the leaf springs and removing and prepping everything. He kept me updated during the process with some pictures during the mockup, testing fitting and the initial install. In one of the test fit pictures you can see the borrowed mustang wheels which are 245/45-17s with almost negative backspacing – happy with the size of tires I was able to fit under the car. In fact, I bet I could get more under there. And of course, super happy with the welds. The project was really moving along
Next phase disc brake install
