What engine cradles can I use for a 87 GT V6 5 speed (Page 1/3)
gregr75 FEB 21, 05:15 PM
Hi All -

My cradle is shot, what would be a drop-in replacement? I'm gathering 85-87 might work, but does it also have to be from a V6 manual 5 speed? The cradles somewhat near me in Connecticut I'm seeing are from autos which I'm not sure are compatible.

[This message has been edited by gregr75 (edited 02-21-2023).]

Patrick FEB 21, 08:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by gregr75:

My cradle is shot, what would be a drop-in replacement?



From rust? If so, it's possibly/probably not the only component that's "shot". What condition are the rear upper frame rails?
fierofool FEB 21, 09:35 PM
If it's just the cradle, the 85-87 cradles, both engines, all transmissions, will work.

[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 02-21-2023).]

Patrick FEB 21, 11:41 PM

I see we've been down this road before... Frame Rot


quote
Originally posted by gregr75:

...if the frame rails are rotted I would be selling this as a parts car or find some expert welding shop.



So, what did you find/do?
gregr75 FEB 22, 10:36 AM

quote
Originally posted by fierofool:

If it's just the cradle, the 85-87 cradles, both engines, all transmissions, will work.





Thank you!! There is one available near me then.
gregr75 FEB 22, 06:59 PM




Heres a view inside the lower driver side frame rail, seems ok. upper rails look fine. i took off the bumper etcetera to access the witch hat nut which had completely rusted and it was freely spinning. to get the cradle rear bolts out i held the nut flat still with a tire iron while a friend impact wrenched the bolt, thank God there was antiseize on the bolt. am i supposed to re-weld this witch hat nut when i put the replacemt cradle in? also whats up with piece of metal, arrow pointing in blue... its like the diameter of a pencil, doesnt seem to be doing anything.
mcguiver3 FEB 22, 07:30 PM
Where are you in CT?
I'm in Beacon Falls. would be nice to meet a fellow Fieroite close by.
Patrick FEB 22, 07:33 PM

quote
Originally posted by gregr75:

Heres a view inside the lower driver side frame rail, seems ok. upper rails look fine.



You might've lucked out! That's great.


quote
Originally posted by gregr75:

am i supposed to re-weld this witch hat nut when i put the replacemt cradle in?



Here's some info from Rodney Dickman's site...


quote

The factory floating nuts are held in place with thin steel cages that tend to rust and fail leaving the floating nuts loose to spin. Some choose to weld in the factory cradle nuts when they break loose.



You can find this info and links to pertinent items Here.



quote
Originally posted by gregr75:

whats up with piece of metal, arrow pointing in blue... its like the diameter of a pencil, doesnt seem to be doing anything.



I don't know. That might be remnants of the factory "cage" mentioned above.
fierofool FEB 22, 09:44 PM
What I think you're referring to looks to me like the end of an umbrella push fastener. Possibly for the splash shield or fenderwell liner?
Patrick FEB 22, 09:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierofool:

What I think you're referring to looks to me like the end of an umbrella push fastener.



Isn't the blue arrow (in both photos) pointing to that ridge along the bottom of the rail?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 02-22-2023).]