Maybe crazy idea - box body on newer chasis

[Lord Iffy]

I was just wondering whether it would be possible to place the box body (89 colony park) on much newer frame and chasis from PI. How difficuilt would it be. I am asking, because in few years (2, 3) complete renovation of my car will be needed and it would be great to have suspension, frame, brakes, engine, transmission.... from 2000+ PI with body of 89 colony park.

[87gtVIC]

I think there is some talk of how 2003+ cars are similar. I havent heard anything more than just talk though.

[1987cp]

Do you have a '03-up chassis available to refer to? If so, you might even be able to make measurements yourself.

I very much like the idea of such a swap ....

[P72Ford]

Do you have a '03-up chassis available to refer to? If so, you might even be able to make measurements yourself.

I very much like the idea of such a swap ....

Mike (MrLTD) has been wanting to do this for a long time.

I provided both Mike and Scott with a diagram, and approximate dimensions of the locations of the bodymounts on an '04. I also had a bunch of pictures.

I don't have the pictures, diagram or measurements any more. Maybe one of them does.

Edit: Actually, I lied.

One second....

[P72Ford]

See the attachment for the picture #s.

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Some of the pictures are alittle confusing.

I also have some pictures of the watts link, etc.

[trwp72]

Not to mention a box body with a 4.6 engine in it!

[gadget73]

Newest I'd ever personally go is 2002. I hate rack and pinion steering.

[PICKUP6772]

Newest I'd ever personally go is 2002. I hate rack and pinion steering.

Maybe so, gadget. But the handling would be GREATLY improved. You would lose 90% of the slack in the front end caused by the tie rods, centerlink, idler, and pitman arms. Throw in a set of poly bushings in the control arms, and some low profile tires, and a nice thick set of sway bars, and I bet that car would handle like it's on rails!
MIKE

[mrltd]

Maybe so, gadget. But the handling would be GREATLY improved. You would lose 90% of the slack in the front end caused by the tie rods, centerlink, idler, and pitman arms. Throw in a set of poly bushings in the control arms, and some low profile tires, and a nice thick set of sway bars, and I bet that car would handle like it's on rails!
MIKE

The steering preciseness would be greatly improved, the actual grip is a completely different thing. My wagon handles like it's on rails, and it's an 89 chassis. It didn't drive or handle any better than the trilogy marauder I drove. You can ask anyone that has ridden in it how well it handles, and how easily I can outrun a newer panther chassis car Or talk to any of the guys at the autocrosses I whoop up on.

_a different MIKE



To the OP, the back end will need some modification of the sheetmetal in the cargo area, since the rear suspension is a bit different. Not to mention the changes in the firewall and floorpan for the newer motor and suspension. In theory it's pretty easy, it'll jut require a bunch of sheetmetal work. I'll bet most of the bodymounts and stuff bolt up.. The rear frame section will need modification too, because the wagon frame is different length than a sedan behind the axle.

[87gtVIC]

Can the sheet metal work be substituted with a big hammer?

[PICKUP6772]

The steering preciseness would be greatly improved, the actual grip is a completely different thing. My wagon handles like it's on rails, and it's an 89 chassis. It didn't drive or handle any better than the trilogy marauder I drove. You can ask anyone that has ridden in it how well it handles, and how easily I can outrun a newer panther chassis car Or talk to any of the guys at the autocrosses I whoop up on.

_a different MIKE



To the OP, the back end will need some modification of the sheetmetal in the cargo area, since the rear suspension is a bit different. Not to mention the changes in the firewall and floorpan for the newer motor and suspension. In theory it's pretty easy, it'll jut require a bunch of sheetmetal work. I'll bet most of the bodymounts and stuff bolt up.. The rear frame section will need modification too, because the wagon frame is different length than a sedan behind the axle.

MIKE, P.M. SENT.

[70torino429]

i like this idea. would probably be much easier with a sedan, though.

[gadget73]

Maybe so, gadget. But the handling would be GREATLY improved. You would lose 90% of the slack in the front end caused by the tie rods, centerlink, idler, and pitman arms. Throw in a set of poly bushings in the control arms, and some low profile tires, and a nice thick set of sway bars, and I bet that car would handle like it's on rails!
MIKE

I don't have slop in my front end. The car tracks extremely straight and doesn't have that typical dead front end slop in the wheel. All the rack cars I've driven have been touchy to the point that they got tiresome to drive after a while. The slightest shift in road evenness requires correction, and they seem to have a very vague on-center feel compared to the old box setup. Again, just my opinion. My priorities may be somewhat different, I want to point the car down the road and drive it for 12 hours comfortably, not toss it around corners on windy roads all day.