[HBK_2007]

How hard it is and what is needed (other than eBay Motors: 2003 2004 FORD MUSTANG SVT COBRA IRS REAR AXLE (item 280209986169 end time Mar-25-08 14:54:49 PDT)) to put the IRS off of a 99-04 cobra (yes i know they didnt make a 00 cobra) onto a 96 GT? has anyone on here done it? Ive read about the IRS and ive decided I want to run that on my car. If you think the solid axle is better, then dont waste the space in trying to change my mind cuz your not going to. another question, whats the difference between the cobra IRS and the thunderbird IRS?

[coffinator6]

i dont know the difference between the cobra and t-bird irs but to install an IRS in a sn95 is drilling 4 holes for front mount i believe. I know its only 4 holes though. im just not sure if its the front or rear. i believe its the front because it uses the stock rear quat shock mount.

we have a guy here in OKC that has a 99 cobra IRS for $400. i dont know the difference between the 99 and 03 but I think it will work.

[HBK_2007]

the major difference ive seen is in the mustangs is 28 (99) vs 31 (03) spline and the 03 half shafts are a little stronger but i plan on upgrading the half shafts anyway. the reason im curious about the tbird is i can get a whole car for like $200 and just put the irs on my car and sell the rest

[HBK_2007]

bump

[ReverendDexter]

I wouldn't mess with the t-bird IRS, totally different chassis (MN12 versus SN95).

What I've heard is that the Cobra IRS was specifically designed to bolt up in place of the live axle. No cutting/welding/drilling/anything.

But, I've never done it, so take that as you will.

I'm also interested in swapping in IRS into my '98, but then I'd have to rebuy rear bilsteins, and I can't really afford the extra $300 on top of the IRS assembly and the 4.10s I'd be putting in there at the same time.

I'm also not sure if you have to change the length of your driveshaft, or what you have to do brakewise.

[HBK_2007]

ok. well like i said i can get a whole tbird way cheap so i might take a tape with me and check it out. if a different length drive shaft is needed, that would give me a good excuse to buy a Al DS. i think the stock brakes off the irs will work just fine

[spdfrek]

I've got a cobra irs under my 95 v6. Other then the four holes to drill in the frame its pretty simple I thought. Still have to make a brake line since I don't have abs. You can't just bolt the stock drive shaft up. I think you can pull the flange off you 8.8 solid and bolt it onto the irs instead and use it though. my motor and tranny are not stock, nor in stock location so the drive shaft will be custom built instead.

[96GTRagTop]

u'll need to get a dif exhuast as well

[HBK_2007]

oh ya, i totally spaced the exhaust differences

[erock420]

Would that swap work in an 89 Stang? I was just standing under a t-bird today thinking the exact same thing.

[HBK_2007]

well i just bought a Cobra IRS so it doesnt matter. I think tho if u want IRS, cobra is gonna be the way to go, i think the tbirds, actually i know, they have a wider stance and the frame rails might be wider too.

[coffinator6]

Originally Posted by erock420 Would that swap work in an 89 Stang? I was just standing under a t-bird today thinking the exact same thing.

im putting one in my 89 with a svo motor. whould be a fun combination. 50/50 weight distribution.

the only problem you will have is the rear bolt hole where the old quad shock mound is, is about 0.5" to low. if you dont want to drill a new hole in your frame here is how to fix it. Removing that piece of steel where the bolt holes are and welding in a bigger one. then simpley redrill your hole. a better idea would be to make the a hold a .25" wide x 1" tall slot so you can bolt it up to any fox or newer mustang just in case you decide to sell.

[coffinator6]

Originally Posted by HBK_2007 well i just bought a Cobra IRS so it doesnt matter. I think tho if u want IRS, cobra is gonna be the way to go, i think the tbirds, actually i know, they have a wider stance and the frame rails might be wider too.

how much did you pay? i paid $500 for mine

[HBK_2007]

400 but havent paid for shiping yet

[Blainestang]

Originally Posted by coffinator6 im putting one in my 89 with a svo motor. whould be a fun combination. 50/50 weight distribution.

Seriously, I'm doing the same thing w/ my '93 Coupe, and as soon as I decided to do it, it seems like everyone is doing it.

By everyone I mean, 2-3 people, but I'd never heard of an IRS/2.3T Fox previously, and now I've heard of a couple other people doing that and several more going IRS on non-2.3 Foxes.

[HBK_2007]

thats cuz IRS rides awesome

[Blainestang]

Originally Posted by HBK_2007 thats cuz IRS rides awesome

And more importantly... HANDLES awesome (with the right upgrades)

[HBK_2007]

well im mostly in it for the ride

[Blainestang]

Originally Posted by HBK_2007 well im mostly in it for the ride

Different strokes for different folks...

Fortunately, the IRS is good at both

[HBK_2007]

yes