Green74XR7

Or maybe just one Q to start...I'm obtaining a 74 XR7, 400ci 4-v auto, in pretty good shape, but in need of some shadetree TLC. So I'll be replacing the master cylinder, all the usual tune-up parts including plug wires and stuff, new shocks and I need to look at the suspension bushings, etc. It has cheap ugly steel "mag" wheels (the 10-spoke kind) and I want to replace 'em with Cragar 5-spoke chrome mags and BFG Radial T/As, just like when I was a kid in the 70s. Does anybody know the proper bolt circle/offset for the 74 XR7? I think I'd like to go with 8" rims all around...

Okay, a second Q. What's the recommended way of lowering it all around, like an inch or 2? If it's lowered that much, will stock-size KYG shocks work, or will I need some wierd size?

Matt Cramer

I'm pretty sure your bolt pattern is 5 x 4.5" - this is pretty standard across the board with Fords. Not as sure about the offset, but it's probably around 1/2" to 3/4".

For a small amount of lowering, I'd go with blocks in the rear and cutting the front springs with a cut-off wheel. I wouldn't cut more than a single loop off the coils however.