building a "tank" - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

truenoteno · 06-03-2003, 19:19

i was wondering, if i were to build a really "tank" car that would handle a lot of off road activities, which falcon would be the best ?

what would i have to do to the suspension ?

don't remind me of a 4wd !!

JC-XR8 · 06-03-2003, 19:29

I would think something with a lot of metal in it - anything from Xw to XD?

b-juggles · 06-03-2003, 21:46

Anything with metal bumpers...!!!

you can get raising kits for them...that will put them a few more inches up in the air...just depends how crazy you want to go!

ebxr8240 · 06-03-2003, 23:06

A Volvo??
Actually the 64 compact Fairlane or around that time? Was known as THE TANK !! Top cars, 289 couldn't kill it !! Agree Xw to Xd before weight reduction came into play...Maybe Au thats what they're good for...lol...

Buying a car for your sister ??? Haha..

xacoupe · 06-03-2003, 23:42

XCs, they had nice big metal bumpers!

johnny r · 06-04-2003, 01:44

XT 1968 Falcon, as they ran in the london to sydney. Remember: KAG-001, KAG-002, and KAG-003

Tote · 06-04-2003, 05:07

Probably an XF would be best as these are pretty much as strong as the older cars and you are more likely to find one in reasonable condition.
Have a look at an XH "outback" ute. These had most of the stuff that breaks on rough roads fixed.
Before you go anywhere you might damage the underside of the car get a sump guard fitted. The factory ones are OK but they can bend up , damage the sump and then pop out again. I have jammed a sump up hard against the oil pickup that way. The advantage of the sumpguard is that it ties the engine crossmember to the front of the vehicle preventing damage that will affect the way the car steers. To strengthen the sumpguard you can weld three pieces of 15mm angle to it lengthways.
Rear shocks are susceptable to damage from flying stones. The best fix for these is a "donkey dick" radiator hose cut to fit over the bottom half of the shock. This will stop the stones puncturing the shock.
Add some 15"rims with reasonable tyres and you have a vehicle that will go anywhere there is a road. A limited slip diff will give you a little more traction and if you get a van you can even sleep in it.
Regds,
Tote

Aussiblue · 06-04-2003, 05:16

1977 ZH Grand Marquis Fairlane. It's already a tank

PHoeNiX_EB · 06-04-2003, 05:54

How about a P6 LTD!

Royal Blue · 06-04-2003, 06:00

mk1 escort, pick'em up cheap just like the engines. steel bumpers, although the front qtr's are welded on as far as i know.
but if you're looking for something light, handle a bit of abuse, and parts are easily available, i wouldn't look past an esky

daniel