Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
Very unusual indeed.
Is there a backstory that led to the idea for the build?
I bought it on a whim for $500 thinking I could get it running for cheap... and then things started to spiral out of control lol. Actually it has been a good hobby for me, I've learned a lot, and enjoyed solving all the little problems. I've always wanted to do an engine swap of some kind, and wanted an engine small enough I could work on it easily.
Originally Posted By: andyd
Typical Ford, the rear springs are shot. They lose their temper after 20 yrs or so. . Always had a soft spot for the Continental.
Possibly some sagging going on. A lot of it is from replacing the heavy engine.
Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Wow, this is something. How did the Tacoma do towing that esp for 300 miles? I'm guessing it's a 4cyl manual.
I agree with clipping the front spring a little bit for aesthetics.
It's a four cylinder auto. So starting from a stop was easier, but I couldn't always hold the gear I wanted. I put it in third, Maintained as much momentum as possible, and tried to keep it from downshifting to second or unlocking the torque converter. It did want to sway a lot with how high and light the front end was. It required a real light touch on the wheel to counteract any swaying without overcorrecting. The temp needle never moved though and I never got a transmission temperature warning.
I may eventually clip the springs for sure.
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: Milkman
Just curious, what gave you the idea for this swap ?
This is what crossed my mind as well. I think it is pretty neat project but what the heck inspired putting an anaemic 4-pot in a massive land barge?
It doesn't have a set goal in mind, I just want to be able to drive it around, and surprise people when I pop the hood.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
It's beautiful but I'm not that clever. I probably would have found a 130 hp 302 from an 85 grand marquis and forced that to work.
It's crossed my mind from time to time that I should have done that
Originally Posted By: Rhymingmechanic
Cool project. There's something to be said for using what you've got. I see it has the A/C delete If it has a 9-inch rear, it might not be too difficult to find a center section with low gears to wake it up.
A/C delete was not a factory option
It does have a 9 inch. If I could find an already low geared center section that would be the best. I don't want to pay hundreds to have someone else re-gear it. I guess I could do it myself, but I don't have a hydraulic press or any special tools.