Swapped to Muscle - 75 Duster Daily build

Chambec said
Got a bit of work done on it yesterday.

Go the new radiator hoses and some coolant and threw in the new radiator. The Champion radiator fit really snug. For those that are curious, its the Champion part# CC526B. A bit too snug at the top but was able to to get the bolts in the stock location. After getting the old radiator out though, I noticed that it was the "pick-n-pull" radiator. It was labeled with some paint, 77 Volare 6 cyl. Taking a closer look, I can definitely see why the lower radiator hose was leaking... its like 1/2" too small of an inlet for the hose that was supposed to be there. Super glad that I swapped that out.

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Since the car was jacked up for the exhaust install, I decided to take the wheels off and check some bushings on the control arms and better inspect the balljoints. Not good. The bushings in the control arms are virtually gone. That is probably why when driving it, it would kinda jerk a small amount to a side and steering really funny. Thinking about what the best option is... Also took a look at the strut bars and the rubber is really dry-rotted out as well, similar to most of the other suspension. Really leaning towards to swapping the uppers out for some of the PST upper controls or the QA1's with the QA1 strut bars for now and just replace the lower control arms with new balljoints.

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On a similar topic, I was playing around with some wheels that I had to move from the 14's that are currently on it. Tires and wheels are definitely something that I need to address soon as the current tires are really weather-checked. My current options are some factory 15x7? steel wheels that I can clean up and paint or I also have a brand new set of Vision 85 soft 8's that are 16x8 0mm/4.5 in offset.

Here is the specs of the Vision's - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M8KKZ8T/?tag=fabo03-20

I am really leaning towards the 16's and get new tires for it. I was thinking for the tires, I would get g-Force Sport COMP-2 Front: 225/50ZR16 Rear: 255/50ZR16 but not sure on the fitment in the rear. I threw the 16's (with 235/70's) on the front and cycled the steering and didnt hit or rub anything.... granted the suspension is at full droop at the moment.

But here is the conundrum that I have.... No matter what option that I go with, I have to swap the rear to go to the 4.5 BBP. I am really leaning towards Dr.Diff Stock axles. But if I go that route, I have to get new brakes. I have read that any backing plates from a 8.25/8.75 with the BBP will drop right in. But I am also looking at the rear-disk swap (10.7"). This is such a spiral effect.

Nice project. I have 15x7 steelies from chrysler M body fifth Avenues going on my sons 69 will be black w chrome lugnuts, and some of the same in body color with dog dishes on my 67. Think I payed $8 per wheel lol. Then blasted primered and painted them. 15" rims are what you need to fit an 8.8 rear with disc brakes. Plus if you upgrade to larger diameter 78-79 cordoba front discs you will need 15s at minimum to be able to clear the calipers. Heres pix.

Last fifth ave rim pic is fresh from pick n pull. I have seen these center rim webs on 15x6 rim hoops so take a tape measure with a you and compare the depth of the offset to get 15x7s. Final pic is that 2002 town car aluminum donut spare. It was never even used. The black w chrome lug nuts is like a drag pak look for cheap. Tires are a 225-60R15. A 2002 lincoln town car aluminum donut spare fits the spare well, has same bolt pattern, and is same height as a 225-60R15. It clears the front and rear discs no problem, and the spare tire board and trunk mat will lay nice in flat over it. Dont mind the hacked out wheel tubs, I am reversing a minitub hack job.