Evening all,

I've been "without Ford" for a few years now, however recently purchased a '96 NF Fairlane (on Gas).
It's a great bus, however I've got a couple of Q's.

I've also got a set of extractors coming. Theyre from a Falcon, is there anything unusual about the Fairlane that would stop them fitting?
Also, I see these 'cat back' exhaust systems for sale. However being a Fairlane, I assume I have to look for the 'Wagon' versions? Because of the longer wheelbase of the Fairlane.
One last one, what I should I be looking for in regards to lowering? Obviously I need both shocks and springs? I only want to go down an inch, is there any particular recommendations people might have?

All in all, I'm very happy with the car. It needs a couple of things doing (Aircon re-gassed, Auto needs a service), and a few really random things that need purchasing (like the ash tray. Seriously! Who looses the ash tray??) and a few other random screw covers and things like that.
A couple of things also on the 'to-do' list are tinted windows and a nice set of 17's.

Anyway, thats enough rambling. Any help that can be thrown my way would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Lurch

G'day mate the extractors will require to modify the cat most likely as nearly all sets of etractor for e series due to the cats design.

I believe the Fairlane requires a special exhuast for Fairlane specific, bit of different floorpan design to wagons and swb sedans are as said shorter.

Most people just go king springs for lowering, their's better out there but best bang for buck, I have a brand new pair of fronts here in box I'll do for 60 plus post also have new standard struts I'll do for a 100 plus post.
If you have a grey interior I have a couple ashtray's here could do for say $20 posted unless your in brizzy.

Assuming that it is a 4.0l

Q) I've also got a set of extractors coming. Theyre from a Falcon, is there anything unusual about the Fairlane that would stop them fitting?
A) They will fit fine, either 8 or 6.

Q) Also, I see these 'cat back' exhaust systems for sale. However being a Fairlane, I assume I have to look for the 'Wagon' versions? Because of the longer wheelbase of the Fairlane.
A) No I am pretty sure you will need to get one to suit Fairlane, but please check this as I am not 100% sure. Wagons have leaf springs, Lanes have coils.

Q) One last one, what I should I be looking for in regards to lowering? Obviously I need both shocks and springs? I only want to go down an inch, is there any particular recommendations people might have?
A) You are looking at Low Springs, King Springs, Lovels, etc or you can use XR Springs, approx same ride height as lows. If using Lows you won't need to replace your struts or shocks with lowered units and you should have enough adjustment in your stock camber kit but you may need an after market kit, this you won't know till you do a the wheel alignment.

Oh - ok.
So I just need springs? No need to replace the shocks?
Win!

OZMBX; I might take up that offer for the front king springs. Find out the cost of shipping and shoot me a PM. And I'll grab an ashtray too, why not!

Regarding exhaust - understood. Sounds simpler/easier/less confusing to just get a custom system made.

Cheers guys

While I got ya's....
I seem to have a re-occuring coolant leak from the thermostat housing. Is this common? I've only been repaired once, and the guy who did it (who I trust) did I tall properly. Cleaned up the surfaces well, new gasket, decent goo.
Is there a 'knack'?

*EDIT* I knew there was another Q. The Beast on on Gas (dual fuel).
Is there a trick to getting to trip computer to stop b**ch that it has 0k's to go till empty?

Q) Regarding exhaust - understood. Sounds simpler/easier/less confusing to just get a custom system made.
A) No, See exhaust mob, Lane exhausts are available, prob no dearer than wagon.

Q)I seem to have a re-occuring coolant leak from the thermostat housing. Is this common? I've only been repaired once, and the guy who did it (who I trust) did I tall properly. Cleaned up the surfaces well, new gasket, decent goo.
Is there a 'knack'?
A) Try again, if it dosn't work replace the housing.

Q)*EDIT* I knew there was another Q. The Beast on on Gas (dual fuel).
Is there a trick to getting to trip computer to stop b**ch that it has 0k's to go till empty?[/quote]
A) Good luck.

Yeah gas can be a b**ch with stuff like that, have a hunt through alternate fuels section I think some might get it to work, but don't think it's always accurate but atleast registers something, I'm sure I've seen it discussed somewhere before, but that was couple years ago when I first added a trip comp to my previous ef, come to think about it that was a long long time ago for my short life.

100 bucks for the ashtray and springs shipped sound good for you?
If so I'll pm. you some bank details or paypal address if preferred and as mentioned, your standard shocks/ struts are fine if there's nothing wrong may aswell leave them be.
Joel H.

I should also note that this Fairlane has already had the Self-Leveling thingy pulled and Pedders put in the rear.

There's not meant to be a gasket between the top and bottom thermostat housings, just a rubber seal that goes around the thermostat itself. I found these seals work better with a thin smear of selastic on them.
If that doesn't work then take a look at the mating surfaces of the upper and lower housing, look for pitting, corrosion cracks etc. You may need to replace one or both.

Cheers mate.
Sorry, I should have been more specific. Its where the thermostat housing bolts to the head.

In regards to the suspension. People have said that I can keep the stock struts in - which is great $'s wise. However are there a set of shock (front and rear) that people recommend to I can keep a bit of the "Fairlane-ness" about the ride?

I have had Monroe GTs, KYBs and now Koni reds on my EF XR6 wagon. The Monroe GTs are pretty average and limited life expectancy. The KYBS give great handling, but are quite harsh - not what you want in a 'Lane. The Koni reds are hydraulic, not gas pressure, but they are magic! Great combination of smoothness and control - probably ideal for a 'Lane. But they are not cheap - probably $800+ for the set (not installed) in Oz. They are adjustable for rebound to compensate for wear, so they last a long time (and can be rebuilt) - but you can use the adjustment to tie the ride down tighter. I gave mine half a turn (out of 2 turns or so). I think Koni yellows (gas pressure) were factory in some of the T-Series, but they would probably give too hard a ride in your luxomobile. I got an alignment at a top suspension shop here and they highly recommend the Koni reds and say not to touch Bilsteins - they work well, but are expensive as, and leak like a sieve.

Awesome - that answers my question perfectly.

I've also been told to look for 'progressive rate' springs? I'm aware of such beasts in motorcycle front ends. It makes the initial movement nice and soft and then gets gradually harder the more the spring compresses.
Are most/all after-market springs (ie the king springs mentioned above) like this?

Kings No, Lovells yes