Pacer experts come in here please!!!!!!!!!!!!

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   Ok guys first let me start off by saying hello!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's my situation....Although I do not own an AMC Pacer, I do own a 46 Chevy pickup with a Pacer front end in it. Apparently this was the hot setup back in the day as the Pacer front end bolted right into the 46 frame(companies actually sold a kit to do this retro) and was also the perfect tread width for that year truck. Unfortunately my front end is in dire need of a rebuild.Being somewhat old school myself, I was really hoping I could rebuild the unit I have instead of swapping it out for a generic Mustang II unit like everybody else does. I figure why throw out a perfectly good piece of Americana if it can be rebuilt. 
I was hoping you guys would be kind enough to take a look at my pics and tell me what year Pacer front end is in my truck so I can order parts for it (is there even a difference from year to year with this unit)? I certainly don't want to order parts for a 76 , if I have a 75 or whatever.
I do Have a complete front end rebuild kit from Kantner that has all the control arm bushings, ball joints etc. But what I still need are wheel bearings, rotors, shocks etc. And if available a real good set of brake calipers such as Willwood.
The other thing is before I post the pics....Do you guys think its even worth rebuilding this unit or should I just scrap it and go the mustang II route. lets see I hope this works..
heres a pic of the hole truck

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paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Pacer experts come in here please!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted: Nov/27/2011 at 6:56pm
	Ok guys first let me start off by saying hello!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's my situation....Although I do not own an AMC Pacer, I do own a 46 Chevy pickup with a Pacer front end in it. Apparently this was the hot setup back in the day as the Pacer front end bolted right into the 46 frame(companies actually sold a kit to do this retro) and was also the perfect tread width for that year truck. Unfortunately my front end is in dire need of a rebuild. Being somewhat old school myself, I was really hoping I could rebuild the unit I have instead of swapping it out for a generic Mustang II unit like everybody else does. I figure why throw out a perfectly good piece of Americana if it can be rebuilt. I was hoping you guys would be kind enough to take a look at my pics and tell me what year Pacer front end is in my truck so I can order parts for it (is there even a difference from year to year with this unit)? I certainly don't want to order parts for a 76 , if I have a 75 or whatever. I do Have a complete front end rebuild kit from Kantner that has all the control arm bushings, ball joints etc. But what I still need are wheel bearings, rotors, shocks etc. And if available a real good set of brake calipers such as Willwood. The other thing is before I post the pics....Do you guys think its even worth rebuilding this unit or should I just scrap it and go the mustang II route. lets see I hope this works.. heres a pic of the hole truck

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/27/2011 at 6:59pm
	Sorry guys for the one dumb pic.... thats my bad. heres what i was trying to post

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7105	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/27/2011 at 7:18pm
	All the Pacer front ends are the same, so doesn't matter what year. There may be a difference in six and V-8 parts, but I don't think so. The engine mounts are different but that's only for an AMC engine -- I bet the stock mounts were cut off and new ones welded on (or new ones welded on in any case). The v-8s were few and far between -- chances are you have a six cylinder front end. Check with the parts stores to see if there is a difference in six or V-8 ball joints. If there is you'll just have to pull one of yours and see if there is a number on it or get them to order one (I'd ask for a six since that's most likely) and compare to yours. The only really hard to get part is the steering rack. It's a GM rack similar to the one used in the X cars, but I believe the width is unique to the Pacer. They can be rebuilt, but if more than the seals are worn it's a lost cause. You might find another rack, like maybe the Ford T-bird rack, that can be adapted. Hopefully the rack is good though.
	Frank Swygert American Motors Cars Magazine www.amc-mag.com

Buzzman72 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Sep/15/2009 Location: Southern IN Status: Offline Points: 456	Post Options Post Reply Quote Buzzman72 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/27/2011 at 9:07pm
	Let me take this one from the bottom to the top. Pacer racks are scarce and pricey...but here's a guy who built a Pacer pickup,and converted to a Mustang rack: http://pacertruck.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/installing-a-mustang-rack-pinion-in-a-pacer/ As far as the other parts, 6 and V8 ball joints are identical. An outfit called Chassis Engineering still sells the Pacer installation kits: http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page11.html Front springs, should you need them, from a V8 Pacer are identical to the springs used on an 88 Impala/Caprice with a 4.3 V6...Moog number 5598, if I recall correctly. Lower ball joints are TRW number 10283, about to become obsolete...NAPA parts include camber adjusting kit NCP 2643617; upper control arm bushings NCP 2673333; lower control arm bushings NCP 2674334 ; upper ball joint RPC 10177 [from Rare Parts, Inc,and priced like they're made of gold]; and RPI also makes the lower ball joint, part number 10176, and also expensive as all getout. NAPA also sells the front springs, their part number NCP 2773108. So the parts ARE out there; I found NOS Moog and TRW ball joints on eBay a few years back, as well as a pair of Gabriel front shocks. Mine are going under my '52 International...which is why I've researched as much as I have on this stuff. The D91 front brake pads are still available, too [Mine's from a '79 V8 Pacer; 75-76 may have used different brakes, IIRC...used to have a Raybestos brake catalog from that era, but I think I've misplaced it. Hope some of this stuff helps. If you need the lower ball joints, go to Rock Auto and order them NOW!!!!! Edited by Buzzman72 - Nov/30/2011 at 9:16pm
	Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects.

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/27/2011 at 10:32pm
	Hey thanx for the quick reply that's a ton of good info!!! Especially the t-bird Rack and pinion install. I was poking around and found that a company called Flaming River makes a brand new t-Bird rack that is the right length for the pacer but $900. I think thats still the way to go because I have heard to many stories about re-manu rack blowing out in 3 months time. I guess the only thing I still need is new rotors, calipers and wheel bearings. Like I mentioned in my first post I have a complete rebuild kit from kantner restorations that has all the ball joints and bushings for the front end. Maybe it would be a good idea to order another one just to put away on the shelf.

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec/03/2011 at 4:11pm
	well guys, after further review, I have decided that keeping the Pacer front end in my truck just does'nt seem to make sense. After running all the numbers, to update the Pacer would be just as much as a new Mustang II. So if anybody is interested keep an eye out over on the for sale forum, because once I get it unbolted from the frame I will be selling it complete or I will be willing to part it out. I have a complete rebuild kit for this front end from Kanter Restorations with another set of lower ball joints.

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec/14/2011 at 12:37pm
	Ok guys, lets see if I can do this. I tried to post my front end in the for sale section but then telized I need at least 30 posts.

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec/14/2011 at 12:39pm
	Ooppppsss! Hit the enter key sorry. Anyways as I was saying I have this AMC Pacer front end that I took out of my truck. It is complete from hub to hub and I have a complete rebuild kit from Knatner restorations. Plus an extra pair of lower ball joints.

paintman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Nov/26/2011 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote paintman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec/14/2011 at 12:41pm
	It sure was a lot of work!

slownugly Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Nov/23/2009 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 221	Post Options Post Reply Quote slownugly Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec/14/2011 at 2:12pm
	where are you from? that truck looks familiar
	90 notch mustang v8 t5 28 model a 73 gremlin drag car 74 gremlin project 00focus v8 5speed hot rod rollback