Mav1970 I have to admit I'm curious as to how you decided on a Cleveland instead of a stroked Windsor, or FE, or 385 series?
I bought from Full Tilt because their front suspension cradle came with the "You finish welding it" option and I needed to learn how to use a new mig welder I bought - not because of a package price difference since I pieced the rest of it together from many different sources to save money - I know of a few builds in progress right now using a Windsor with a Full Tilt set up but I have not seen one fully finished yet - I'm interested t to see how they turn out - It does appear that the R & C set up is the best fit, the quickest and easiest to install from what I have seen on this forum
It is a rare 4 bolt main 351 CJ 4V that I had in my 72 Gran Torino which I drove for 4 years - the car rotted out but I kept the 351C, top loader 4 speed and the "N" case 9 inch center section - now everything is in the Maverick - I always had what I referred to the "V8 Vega Syndrome" (big engine - little car) but had this Cleveland already sitting around so I used it and found a small Ford body - while I was at it I stroked the Cleveland to 393
That's what had me puzzled. The kits are basically the same MII set-up, yet the R&C seems to be the favorite, despite the cost difference. I was looking for feedback on why it's better, easier, etc. to justify the cost difference.
You can't go by my install for feedback because when I put mine in, Clay did not yet have one built to fit perfectly into a Maverick/Comet - mine was designed for an early Falcon/Comet and I had to revamp it to fit the Maverick - since then, Clay has made one that fits right in place - as I said, no one has come forth with finish feed back using a Windsor yet that I know of - lots of R & C installs to get feedback from though
Ah, yes. The infamous "I had one in my backyard already" rationale. I'm quite familiar with it. That's pretty much the excuse for a MII front end for me. I have a perfectly functioning 429 in an old truck I have in the yard. Probably dumb and cost a crap load more money to do, but I guess that's what a mid life crisis is all about, isn't it? haha
I went with the R&C because it came with all the nuts, bolts and brackets. it also came with the steering shaft and lower bearing...
Pre-welded and such too, I assume. Was it a very straight forward install? Clear instructions? Getting every part needed for the entire install in one package would be a bonus. Did you weld it in and install everything else yourself?
I installed the R&C kit as well. I upgraded to the coil over system, but if you are just doing normal street driving you may want to save the money. The R&C kit is very straight forward install. I am running an 89 5.0 engine with the double hump pan and have no issues with the steering rack.
one measurement...crossmember location... tell them what motor and they will weld the correct motor mount stands on the crossmember... we put it on the lift, then Jeff and I went and picked up lunch for the Guys in the shop. from full suspension to this in 45 mins...
lol.. Sounds about right. I went with a different manufacture. I bought my 72 with a cradle already welded in place so I decided to get what I needed to put it back together from the same place. After doing my research I may do my 73 with the same. I personally don't see the coil over as an "up grade", but that's my opinion. The one I am currently installing is from http://www.streetrodengineering.com/ . Here's where I post my stuff when I get around to doing something to it haha. http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=98835 .. I say read all that your brain and time allows so you make a decision you feel is best. As you may already know, steer away from piecing it together because of budget. Not seen good results doing that. I'm curious what you will do..
