Suggestions for changing the rack.

[mercman]

It’s been a long time since I posted and a long time since I worked on the mystique. Anyhow it’s a 98 V6 ATX and I need to replace the rack. I have the manuals and pretty much know the procedure but I was looking for advise from anyone who actual did their own. Any short cuts, things to watch out for and stuff like that.

I’m getting the car ready for my son to take his road test and use for work. Not a bad first ride compared to what I started with.

I have searched but couldn’t find anything specific for the rack.
Thanks
jeff

 

[todras]

Needs more spice rack. As far as I know it's a PITA. Rear of the subframe needs to be dropped.

 

[JEDsContour]

Needs more spice rack.

Needs less "todras" saying "Needs more."

It sounds to me like you're better prepared for this than most! The only "tricky" thing I can think of is taking care to maintain the factory alignment of your subframe. I have subframe alignment pins I bought years ago, but most people simply mark the frame before they loosen the mounts. permanent magic marker or a hit of spray paint would work. Make sure everythig lines up before tightening the mounts.

 

[mercman]

Needs less "todras" saying "Needs more."

It sounds to me like you're better prepared for this than most! The only "tricky" thing I can think of is taking care to maintain the factory alignment of your subframe. I have subframe alignment pins I bought years ago, but most people simply mark the frame before they loosen the mounts. permanent magic marker or a hit of spray paint would work. Make sure everythig lines up before tightening the mounts.

That’s the kind of info I’m looking for. I actually forgot about the alignment pins. Old age I guess!

Thanks
jeff

 

[todras]

Needs less "todras" saying "Needs more."

Needs more sense of humor! What are you 80?

Anywho I use a 12 or 13mm deep well socket to realign the SF. Never been an issue. I think I've done 3 trans. jobs by dropping the driver side SF. Hey Jed are you going to use those alignment pins or or just look at them next your pile of parts for the next 20 years.

 

[JEDsContour]

Needs more sense of humor! What are you 80?
Hey Jed are you going to use those alignment pins or or just look at them next your pile of parts for the next 20 years.

Used them on my previous project car.

Adults have priorities. Sometimes these are painful priorities that keep us from having fun. I have planning and I have patience, but 20 years is excessive for a hobby car.

You may (or may not) learn these things given time.

The longest I've actually owned a car is 18 years (1966 Ford Thunderbird). I still own it. I keep it stored next to my massive piles of high performance Contour SVT parts.

todras, are you looking to pick some type of internet fight with me? You are coming across as bit of a cretin.