Center Section for Complete Kit Roadster Build

[rsbrillhart]

Just purchased the complete kit Roadster including the optional IRS suspension, which appears to include coil overs, control arms, and CV axles. Is the center section purchased separately, and if so, does anyone have a recommendation on what and where to purchase?

I appreciate any help. First time post here, but certainly not my last. Excited to get started.

[edwardb]

Selecting the IRS option gives you frame configured for IRS and the parts you list. Not included are the center section, knuckles/hubs, and brakes. Ford Performance sells the 3.55 ratio center section as M-4001-88355 and M-4001-88355A, and the knuckles/hubs as M-5970-M. Available from any Ford Performance dealer. Also available as on optional add-on from Factory Five. There are also multiple options for used/salvage parts, including other ratios. For brakes there are several Mustang and Wilwood options.

[rsbrillhart]

OK, thanks, very helpful. I didn't recall FF offering that as an option when we went through the build sheet. Really appreciate the quick response.

[edwardb]

OK, thanks, very helpful. I didn't recall FF offering that as an option when we went through the build sheet. Really appreciate the quick response.

Very surprised they didn't ask about it, once you selected the IRS build option. The added IRS pieces are on the order sheet: 16668 - 2018 Mustang IRS 3.55 Center Section, Spindles, and Hubs. Also discussed in the linked video along with brakes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=42&v=AIZD1Cb2Ipo

[rsbrillhart]

Very surprised they didn't ask about it, once you selected the IRS build option. The added IRS pieces are on the order sheet: 16668 - 2018 Mustang IRS 3.55 Center Section, Spindles, and Hubs. Also discussed in the linked video along with brakes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=42&v=AIZD1Cb2Ipo

I received my 3.55 Ford differential (M-4001-88355) and getting ready to install this week. I presumed it came pre-lubricated, but thought I'd better check to hear from others that have purchased one of these. I hindsight, should have asked this before powder coating. I could open it up and look, but don't want to mar the bolts and break the seal if I don't have to. Thanks for any input.

[JohnK]

It depends on who you ordered from. I have heard (though can't confirm) that they ship from Ford Performance with lubricant in them. However, I ordered from Mike Forte, and when I placed my order he advised that he drains the lube before shipment because there have been incidents where the lube leaked out and the shipment got flagged as a hazmat event and got held up for a very long time. Short answer is that you need to check.

Edit: I skimmed right past this the first time I read your question... are you saying you powder coated the center section? I'd love to see what that looks like - first I've heard of someone doing that. I'm assuming that if it didn't turn into a giant smoky mess in the oven at +400 deg F, that there was probably no lube in it. :)

[rsbrillhart]

Ordered it from Summit. Guess I'll open her up and check. Regards PC, I'll send a pic later when I get home. I sent it out to get done, too big for my kit. I didn't hear about any smoking issues, but good point that probably indicates it's dry.

[edwardb]

You don't have to open anything. There should be blue plastic covers over the CV axle openings on each side. Pop one/both off and tip it. If there's fluid, it will come running out. Ford Performance does ship them pre-filled. The one I bought from Summit for my Coupe was. But some have reported them without fluid. The explanation about Mike draining them makes sense. First I've heard that. Although it is about $60 of fluid if you buy the factory recommend Motorcraft lube and modifier at a dealer. As me how I know.

[rich grsc]

Why would you need to open it up? The opening for the half shafts will let you see if it has oil, and I doubt it could be PC'd with oil in it.

[CraigS]

In addition to having ratio options, going w/ a salvage unit can also get you your rear brakes nearly for free. just be sure that the one you buy includes them.