hey guys! been a while since i've posted anything, but think i'm finally going to get time to start my project soon... started doing some research & have determined my tr4a body is actually setting on a early tr4 chassis. is there anything that is inherently weak on the early front suspension that would need to be upgraded? i don't see much difference other than the upper ball joint looking like a large tie rod end & also that the early lower trunnion doesn't have the castor upgrade.
also have a brake question. i was leaning towards doing the cressida rotor/4runner caliper upgrade in the front & having the hubs redrilled for the 5 lug small ford pattern. in the rear, i am narrowing an explorer 8.8. i noticed during research, that the stock explorer rotors are approx 1/2" larger diameter than the cressida fronts. will i run into any problems with this or will the adjustable prop valve handle it? i think i'll be fine with caliper piston volumes front to rear & may look into swapping the rear brakes for the v6 mustang setup if it will bolt on to the explorer rear axle. here are the rotor sizes & caliper piston sizes for each:
cressida/4runner front:
rotor diameter 10.6" caliper pistons 1.68" & 1.33"
explorer rear:
rotor diameter 11.22" caliper piston 1.81"
mustang rear:
rotor diameter 10.51 caliper piston 1.49"
Steve, The Explorer rotor is larger diameter because the large hat(drum) emergency brake. You probably don't want 4 lug in front and 5 lug in rear. Easy to redrill Ford 5 lug to 4 lug(same circle).Use one existing lug and opposite is exactlly centered between two existing holes. The other two are close to existing holes but work fine.
You should probably tie the mounts together like in the late TRs.
just to clarify, i'm changing the lug pattern up front to 5 lug small ford to match the rear end (already have the wheels in 5 lug). am also planning a few extra braces & such after i get the new motor set in place to check clearances etc.
I know i'm reviving my old post. progress doesn't move too fast around here lately & I've been trying to finish up my mustang project before getting too deep into the triumph. I've located some of the later type upper & lower control arms etc. but still cant get a definite "yes" or "no" as to whether they will be a bolt in swap on my early chassis or not & if the extra castor set into the later trunnions is worth it or not on these cars... hoping to hear something before I go to the trouble of picking them up. thanks!