Completed Project 98 Mountaineer SAS...

Project Merc...

New here. Big time Ford guy but I have been building Jeeps last few years. Having two growing boys I need something bigger then my Wrangler. And my XJ is kinda rough to wheel when you sit in it for 8 hours of off road action. So was looking for something a little more plush. Grand Cherokee are nice but Uni body and there V8 options suck since there is no aftermarket for them. Having a couple Fox Body Mustangs I am already familiar with the 5.0. I worked out a deal on 98 Mountaineer 5.0 V8 should be picking it up Tues. I can't wait!!

I will post pics after I pick it up. I did SAS swap in a Diesel Jeep Liberty for a friend so already have practice. Plan on using XJ Dana 30 to start and upgrade to 44 at a later date. I welcome any advice and things I should avoid. I have Miller Plasma Cutter, Miller 212 Mig, JD2 tube bender, and garage full of tools so this will be a fun challenge.

Pictures of my Mustangs...

 

[Glen4X4]

Awesome, this truck keeps on getting better.

 

[FROADER]

Already tested them they stuff just as well as the XJ coils did. They are awesome!

Well that's interesting, but good.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Loving the new coils. The truck handles great. I was able to dial the shocks down. Which makes for a smoother ride. Probably couple weeks before I get to try them offroad.

 

[turboexplorer]

Glad it has better road manners now. Post pics when you get them flexed offroad.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Glad it has better road manners now. Post pics when you get them flexed offroad.

I will hopefully in couple weeks once all the family visiting stuff is over. LOL

 

[Stang5lgt]

Picked up a F150 steering box time to tap it for my hydro assist.

Should be pulling the front axle next week to install the ram and move the track bar. Have couple other things I wanna do at that time too.

 

[SkyJumper]

2 questions for you, why do your bottom coil seats sit forward of the top coil seats? And secondly, Why are you running a angled trac bar? Would it not be wiser fr strength to use a straight bar mounted on top of the axle housing instead of stock front axle tube location?

Concerning the TT, have you added the additive in the gear lube for the TT, I am thnking why you are experiencing high speed vibrations, just a thought.

Also are you running 31 spline axles in that D30?

 

[kanuck15]

Just read this entire thread, Great work man. Gives me hope for what I am going to do to my 1998 ranger. Minus your awesome skills, I will be learning as I go

 

[Stang5lgt]

2 questions for you, why do your bottom coil seats sit forward of the top coil seats? And secondly, Why are you running a angled trac bar? Would it not be wiser fr strength to use a straight bar mounted on top of the axle housing instead of stock front axle tube location?

Concerning the TT, have you added the additive in the gear lube for the TT, I am thnking why you are experiencing high speed vibrations, just a thought.

Also are you running 31 spline axles in that D30?

I set the coil bucket to center of old center line of IFS. Cause originally I was going to run a Dana 44. I didn't pay attention much to the 30 coil buckets when I didn't this. The 30 coil buckets are forward of center axle 1.5" so there is your reason for that. As far track bar again planning on 44 so I used stock location so it wold be easier to sell the axle to a Jeep guy later. But now that I am keeping it, if you noticed I said I was going to move it to the top when I pulled the axle to do hydro assist. I will probably fix the coil buckets at the same time too.

As far as the TT it worm drive there is no additive required since there is no clutches.

30 is stock 27 spline. Even running stock shafts.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Just read this entire thread, Great work man. Gives me hope for what I am going to do to my 1998 ranger. Minus your awesome skills, I will be learning as I go

Thanks man. You can do it. Just takes some patience.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Oh and order the book to build these PVC train horns. This should encourage the J walkers to move a little faster out of my way. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK33N59tQns&feature=player

 

[turboexplorer]

Lol, that's funny!

 

[Stang5lgt]

Made some upgrades to the Merc today...

Pulled the 30 out..

Cut the old coil retainers off and mocked up the hydro...

New coil location, new track bar location, and hydro assist...

Back in and hooked up...

Look how straight the coils are now!!!! Those guys who were worried can sleep good tonight. I only drove 9k miles with the coils being crooked. LOL

 

[gmanpaint]

(Borat voice)
Looks a very nice!

Are those quick disco's on the swaybar?

 

[Stang5lgt]

(Borat voice)
Looks a very nice!

Are those quick disco's on the swaybar?

Thanks!
Yeah some home made ones I cooked up.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Since seeing is believing behold...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyEayzbw8w

Moves those 35s like they are stockers. LOL
I ordered a overdrive pulley too. Seems to be fine without it but. I think a little more pressure will help.

Also a side note my new box came from a 96 F150 4x4. And has a much fast turn ratio. I am thinking close to 15:1 compared to the Ranger box I had was 20:1. Scared me when first took it for spin cause it turned so fast. LOL

 

[turboexplorer]

Are you still running the factory ps pump still? With the assist and the better ratio does it still feel good on the freeway?

 

[Stang5lgt]

Are you still running the factory ps pump still? With the assist and the better ratio does it still feel good on the freeway?

Feels pretty good. The assist is kinda spooky on the highway cause if you turn the wheel a little it wants to push. Think the old 20:1 box would have been a little better with hydro cause it won't turn as fast giving me a little more leverage. I think I just need to get used to it. Been driving it with 20:1 for so long it just feels weird with the new box.

I am still running factory pump. I ordered a 97 Ford Escort PS pump pulley looks like it will fit and is about 3/4" smaller diameter then the Merc has now. Should be here in couple days.

Merc pulley just under 5 1/4"
Escort pulley right at 4 1/2"

So math master what % of speed am I gaining?

 

[turboexplorer]

Theoretically should be16.6% Is there any way to put a limiter for the hydro assit? So when on freeway you dial it down some and when you hit the trail you turn the knob a little while doing sway bar disco's? Like an variable orfic type thing?

 

[Stang5lgt]

Theoretically should be16.6% Is there any way to put a limiter for the hydro assit? So when on freeway you dial it down some and when you hit the trail you turn the knob a little while doing sway bar disco's? Like an variable orfic type thing?

Sweet 16% more pressure is a good thing at low speed. Not sure only time it became a issue is on corners it kinda wanted to push me. It wasn't horrible but I could feel it for sure.