Finally got done with all of my other projects and was able to get back to the 40.  I installed the rear axle housing, airbags and 4 bar set up. Of course all the stainless and chrome had 16 years of gunk on them which meant a fair amount of time cleaning and buffing to get them looking good again.

I then installed the differential carrier with it’s new limited slip and axles. The axles were made in 1999 and the bearings had Made in the USA stamped upon them, also this is a large bearing setup so I have my fingers crossed that I will not be having the bearing failures that I had in the ’56 Dodge.

Next up was installing the rear disc brakes, which of course required more time in front of the buffer… The brakes have Wilwood dual piston calipers and a nifty set of little mechanical spot brakes for use as a parking brake. I ordered a cable set for them and a brake handle which will be installed after I get the engine and transmission back in the chassis.

Next up, reinstalling the brake and air lines. I found a front sway bar that should work with my front airbags, it should be here by the end of the week then I can reinstall the front suspension. I did try to swap the Mustang II rack & pinion for a slower ’82-88 T-Bird rack. Unfortunately, the angle of the steering shaft was lower than the Mustang II which put the steering shaft through my motor mounts, so back to the Mustang II set up.

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Reassembly Begins!

Okay before any sharp eyed individuals comment on the fact that the nuts have not been tightened, I know I left them loose so that I can align the rear end and adjust the pinion angle…