New guy here.... First, the Chandler, AZ Pick N Pull has a Red Shelby Dakota, they want $750. One wheel missing, driveshaft missing, Rack and Pinion mounting bolts missing, looks that is extent of missing parts. I was checking it out last week, saw how they mounted the v8, by using an extra front crossmember. It looks a lot like the ones used to mount engines in a ramcharger 4x4. Am I on the right track? I have an 89 short bed dakota with blown 4 banger and 5 speed. I want to install a 92 5.9L Magnum engine, using a carburetor. I have it all stripped, down to the frame, ready to mount the engine, but really want to avoid the Schumacher method of adapting motor mounts. I would rather use the extra crossmember, it is a much cleaner installation, not to mention cheaper. I can get the crossmember for $50 at a junkyard. Already have a 92 8.25 3.55 suregrip axle installed, with 5 lug axle shafts installed. That gives me bigger rear brakes, front discs are already the "big" ones. But I will be looking at later version Dakotas to see if I can get even bigger front discs. Are the front coils for a 4 banger too light? I will be using aluminum intake, and removing the AC and power R&P in favor of a manual version, so I have made the front a bit lighter already. Thanks in advance for any advice....
yeah, definitely too light. you can get a 4 banger, with no a/c and manual rack, so you still have the weight of the iron block and heads, and 4 extra cylinders, etc. napa or rock auto has the right springs, and they're pretty easy on the wallet. i'm building up my second shelby now ( #347, after i did the Panther Pink #923 a few years ago) and the springs are indeed different.
