72 Torino/79 T-bird interchange

Will 79 bird spindles and rear axle bolt up on a 72 Torino? Was curious.
Parting out a 79 Bird soon and was curious. Anyone need some parts?
Regards.
Al

Al,

In Hemmings Muscle Machine Mag Dec 2009 they have a 70 Torino with the whole K-member out of the T-bird installed. They re-did the shock towers to use the struts. They used a 32 valve Mod Motor.. The car looks good!

I can scan the article this weekend if you wish?

Les, FYI, 79 birds were full frame chassis cars. You must be thinking of 80-81 models.
72 Torinos were full chassis also, and 71 and older were subframe cars.

That conversion you mention is probably a 80-81 subframe they used.

Hey Greg, help me out here buddy!
Al

Hey Al, the 79 Birds have a 3 or 4 link coil spring rear suspension. Not sure on the spindles......

Bill

Thanks bill,
Being full frame, I was hopeing they were the same. Will dig into it. Thanks.
Al

Do you have the 79 Bird for a doner? Are you looking to upgrade disk size or is your Torino drums all around?

Bill

Sorry Al, I thought the 72 Torino's rear end had leaf springs but they are coils too. I'm not sure if the pick-up points are the same or not.

Bill

Yes they are the same. I shop for parts in the yards from them for my '72 Torino.

This from Wiki

Seventh generation (1977-1979)
Main article: Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)

1977-1979 Ford ThunderbirdFor 1977 the Thunderbird was shifted to the smaller 114 inches (2,896 mm) wheelbase chassis that underpinned the 1972-76 Ford Torino and its replacement, the LTD II which also debuted for 1977. It was Ford's first effort at downsizing the Thunderbird, reflecting rising demand for more fuel efficient cars. In essence, this generation was really a continuation of the 1974-76 Ford Elite, Ford's successful first attempt at competing in the market created by the Pontiac Grand Prix and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Compared to the previous generation Thunderbird, the new car lost 10 inches (254 mm) of overall length and 900 lb (408 kg) of weight, though height and width were relatively unchanged. A substantial part of the weight reduction was in the drivetrain, where a small-block V8 replaced the heavier big-block V8s of previous years. The standard engine outside of California was the 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8, while the larger 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M and 400 cu in (6.6 L) and T-tops were available as options along with the 351W. In California, the 351 was the only engine available.

In 1978, Ford offered the "Diamond Jubilee Edition" Thunderbird to commemorate the company's 75th year as an auto manufacturer. This option package escalated the price of the car to almost US$12,000, virtually doubling the standard price. Naturally, it included every option available except for a moonroof and an engine block heater. A similar option package, called "Heritage", was available for 1979. Though this generation was highly successful with over 955,000 examples produced in its three-year run,[1] Ford sought to downsize the Thunderbird further out of fuel efficiency and emissions concerns, leading to a redesign for 1980.


I guess that is an easy way to put a 460 in a late 70's T-Bird, early 70's Torino mounts.

Bill

Thanks for the info guys. Im half-azz looking for a 72 right now for my boy.If anyone has roller sitting around cheap, please let me know. Its for my Son Graham.

I just figured since I have this 79 bird, thought Id save some stuff. How many times have I trashed something and needed it later... Surely not alone there.

Regards.
Al

Al,
More parts will interchange than you would believe. Most all of the frame/suspension will fit as will the interior. The tilt steering column out of the T-bird will bolt right in your Torino, and I believe the power window assemblies. If you don't need the room, I would suggest keeping the T-bird until after you have acquired your Torino, as you will never know what you need before hand.

p.s. if you happen to come across a spare floor shift tilt column for the 77-79 T-bird let me know, I could use one for my '72 GTS

Umm my bad.. sorry got to the party a lil late for a correction.. Umm 89 T-bird..

I can still scan the article Al.. If ya need it!

Thanks for the info Joe.
That was the plan, as far as sitting on it for now. Ill keep a eye out for your shifter combo. This car originally had a 351 M. But Dad put a rebuilt 2-bbl Cleeaveland in.
Funny thing is the darn block cracked out of the blue after not even 500 miles...

Yeah Joe, if ya see a 72 roller cheap, let me know. It can be a notch or fastback/hardtop.

Here's my number..
989-494-9746.
Regards.
Al