First off I have to say I am impressed by this community. It is far too often on the internet that people are flamed for asking a question that more experienced folks view as common knowledge. So far every question I have asked has been answered in an efficient and polite way.

Anyway...

It is clutch replacement time!! I'm looking for opinions on what I should get. I have never installed a mechanical clutch before so I am looking forward to the learning experience. Also Scotthew has persuaded me to invest in a clutch adjustment kit, so I'm looking for your stories on instalation and any pitfalls I should look out for.

Second is suspension. My car has had some work done to it by the previous owner, though because I bought it from a lot I do not know the extent, only that my GT is faster than any stock of its generation that I have driven. Is there an identification marking of some type on the stock suspension? I suspect the car has been lowered, although with the body kit and aftermarket wheels/tires I can not simply do a side by side comparison with another Stang to tell for sure and how much. Do you know of any point on the car I can measure from and see if it is lowered?

Third, and hopefully related to the suspension, when accelerating in first and second gear, after fully releasing the clutch I sometimes hear a loud popping noise from under the car. I am hoping this is nothing more than a ball joint or other suspension problem that wouldn't be too hard or expensive to fix. I do not believe that it is a tranny issue because the sound was there before and after I had it rebuilt, also that it only happens in 1st and 2nd. Any ideas you may have on this subject would help greatly.

Thanks,
TC [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrinjester.gif[/img]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SuperTeece @ February 13, 2006, 10:50 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>


Third, and hopefully related to the suspension, when accelerating in first and second gear, after fully releasing the clutch I sometimes hear a loud popping noise from under the car. I am hoping this is nothing more than a ball joint or other suspension problem that wouldn't be too hard or expensive to fix. I do not believe that it is a tranny issue because the sound was there before and after I had it rebuilt, also that it only happens in 1st and 2nd. Any ideas you may have on this subject would help greatly.

Thanks,
TC [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrinjester.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]

Let me just urge you here, take the car to a mechanic for this issue. Popping noises typically arent a good thing. You say you hope it is just a ball joint or suspension component. Ever seen what happens when a ball joint goes completely out? It isnt pretty to say the least. That ENTIRE corner of your car WILL hit the ground if you loose a ball joint. Mine was lucky, and happened when backing out of a parking space. Had it waited 5 minutes to go out, I would have been on the interstate doing 70+ and myself and my wife would have most likely been very badly injured at the least. Not trying to lecture here, just point out that very bad things can happen when these minor suspension problems get worse. Without hearing the sound themselves, it is going to be hard for anyone to tell you definiltey what is causing it.

 

TC,
Like Joker said, have the car checked out! That popping sounds like the U joints on the driveshaft. They tend to make a popping/grinding sound when they are bad. They are not difficult to replace, but takes a little time.
Look under the car at your springs and see if you can find any numbers on the springs. I found some numbers & lettering on mine and the guys at the shop were able to determine what type of springs they were.
That's about all I can help with.

 

Thanks! I'll be out of town for a few days but when I return, to the shop it goes.

 

What do you guys think about Ram clutches?

 

ive heard decent things about them. I personally like the SPEC and Centerforce. Also the ford racing king cobra clutch is supposed to be a very nice one.

 

I have a frp King cobra clutch set in my "94 GT 'vert. Have been very pleased with it.
Also replaced the clutch cable quadrant - went with one from Summit, with the adjustable cable at the clutch fork set-up.

the only complaint I have with the clutch is getting caught in traffic jams on I65, it will build muscles in your left leg. However when it is needed (hard take off, acceleration, a.k.a. racing) it is worth the extra pedal effort.
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Considering all the engine & power mods in the car, I am very suprized it has held up.
You may want to look into a flywheel replacement dependingon the type of use? abuse? that you plan to do with the car.
TDS

 

Well I only have about $400 to spend so I was hoping to get a decent clutch and the cable/quadrant all with those limited funds. I'll be in Dallas tomorrow and found a store on the Steeda Website, though the advertise Ram clutches. Thought I would just pick the stuff up there and toss it in the car on Saturday.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TDS @ February 16, 2006, 12:43 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I have a frp King cobra clutch set in my "94 GT 'vert. Have been very pleased with it.
Also replaced the clutch cable quadrant - went with one from Summit, with the adjustable cable at the clutch fork set-up.

the only complaint I have with the clutch is getting caught in traffic jams on I65, it will build muscles in your left leg. However when it is needed (hard take off, acceleration, a.k.a. racing) it is worth the extra pedal effort.
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
Considering all the engine & power mods in the car, I am very suprized it has held up.
You may want to look into a flywheel replacement dependingon the type of use? abuse? that you plan to do with the car.
TDS
[/b][/quote]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SuperTeece @ February 16, 2006, 10:51 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Well I only have about $400 to spend so I was hoping to get a decent clutch and the cable/quadrant all with those limited funds. I'll be in Dallas tomorrow and found a store on the Steeda Website, though the advertise Ram clutches. Thought I would just pick the stuff up there and toss it in the car on Saturday.
[/b][/quote]


Kng Cobra [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img] I have one in the garage waiting right now. You can get the King Cobra, clutch cable and quadrant for less than $400.00.

 

The post above is a deal for all 3 pieces.
You will not be sorry if you buy it.
Especially for that price.

TDS [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]

 

Well I made the trip to Dallas to the wonderfull Dallas Mustangs store. They were out of King Cobra's so going with their advice I went with a Ram over the Ford Racing clutch. Also picked up the cable/quadrant as well as a set of Steeda Ball Joints to fix the popping noise. I got all of it for around $350.

I'm supposed to be at the shop right now putting it all in but all of the bays are full. Also snow is falling so I doubt I'll get to it tomorrow.

 

I actually got in there a few hours ago and started working. Just so it is known, another source or a popping sound is a broken tranny mount.... just like mine. I'll finish it up Tuesday.

The cable and quadrant installations were easy as pie.

Anyone wanna buy a pair of Steeda X2 Ball Joints? Lowers by .5" or stays the same height with included spacers.

 

I installed the adjustable cable and quadrant. The install was easy but I am unsure if I set it up correctly. The clutch engages at almost the very bottom of the pedal's range of motion. Is this just a characteristic or did I do something wrong. I seems to shift fine except for the fact that the old worn clutch is still installed.