Do I have a MKII or MKIII?

[JTB321]

I'm currently working through bump steer issues and thought I had a handle on it. I have set up a accurate measuring system using dial gauges and have quite severe BS. I am using a FR 18:1 rack and have the offset bushings installed which centralizes the rack but the inner rack ball joints are still not in line with the UCA and LCA ball joints.
Now, after reading a bunch of info I need to be sure if my chassis is a MKII or a MKIII. I bought the kit in May 2004 and the chassis number is FFR5080K. Any chance I can get it confirmed either way?
I was led to believe it was a MKII but need to know for sure.

Cheers, John

[Mustang Man]

Did you get one of the stainless FFR serial number badges?

Like this: http://www.factoryfive.com/table/whatsnew/specials/snbadges.html

If so it's a Mk III.

Also, Mk IIIs are usually denoted by their serial number being a "F5R" and Mk IIs as "FFR". So if yours is FFR5080 it's a Mk II and if it is F5R5080, it's a Mk III. Also the Mk III is when I think they started using RD for Roadster. Is this a Coupe? I'm trying to think what the "K" would be...

HTH...
Mark

[Joe]

I'm trying to think what the "K" would be...

HTH...
Mark

I believe "K" designated Roadster chassis before they started using RD..

[Jeff Kleiner]

The serial number points to a MK2.

A quick identifier in the area you are working in is the configuration of the tubing making up the X member. Here are a couple of images.

On Mk3 the diagonal tubing of the "X" intersects the main round tube as shown below:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/12GAGuy/IMG_2989.jpg

With a Mk2 the "X" joins the vertical upright above the round tube:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/pmastro/100_0391.jpg

Note also that on the Mk3 the round tube extends farther forward and incorporates a tow/tie down loop. Other quick easy to spot giveaways of a Mk3 are the under door "X" tubing and the steering shaft coming out of the front of the footbox below the master cylinder rather than through the angled side panel.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Mustang Man]

Great info Jeff! Duh on the steering shaft! I was so caught up in chassis/serial numbers I totally forgot about the Mk II and the fiberglass column cover on the side of the driver's footbox...

Mark

[JTB321]

Thanks guys, confirmed I have a MKII, now just need to figure out the problem!!
May be I'll post some photo's and detail where I am at. Even though I have done the research and thought I understood the problem and fixes, I guess not. Anyway, that's what winter projects are about!!

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Cheers, John

[Brian Z]

Different MK Models

Here is a basic guide to tell the different Mk models apart.

Mk1 Roadster

1995-2000

Frame was not as strong. It had not back bone.

White gelcoat body.

Both foot boxes are flat. ( No drop)

Mk2 Roadster

2000-2003/2004

Back bone added to frame.

Gray gelcoat body.

Driver side foot box is dropped. Passenger side is flat. ( No drop)

Steering shaft comes through the engine side panel at an angle in the foot box.






Mk3 Roadster

2004 – 2010

Can accept wider rear tires. 315/35/R17

X- braces added under the doors.

Rear 4” round tube moved back allowing removal of the transmission from under the car.

Foot box protection tube added.

Both foot boxes are dropped.

Black Gelcoat body.

Steering shaft comes out of the front panel in the foot box.




Mk4 Roadster

2010- Now

Rear of body lowered 3 ½”

1.5” Diameter roll bars. (All other models have 2”)

Hidden trunk hinges. (All other models have external trunk hinges)

Hidden side bolts on body.

New spindles designed by FFR with the complete kit.

Rolled cockpit lip

Front X brace changed to round tube. (All other models had square)

All hoods have rivet on scoop. (Other models had the scoop molded in)

Red Gelcoat body.

[JTB321]

Thanks Brian, appreciate your time in compiling the list.
Cheers, John