Hey Whitey. You don't have to change the clockspring. It plugs right into the original. You do however, have to swap the airbag connector plug from the old airbag to the Explorer one. With Fotds connectors that is very easy. Pull the red insert then pick the wire clips and swap the 2 wires. Relatively easy job. The wheel aligns with the shaft correctly also.
I like it better because the leather is warmer in the winter. I love the Gator wheel, but not the cold it keeps on those woodgrain/plastic sections.

 

I've pretty much given up on my wheel project. I just can't find a stereo control wheel worth buying. Still have the clockspring, though.

 

That wheel is also a Ranger and Aerostar wheel, as I recall. The wheel in my Mounty seemed to be a tad different.... aside from just the Mercury logo.

 

It came out of a 2000 Explorer. I pulled it myself. LOL. Same basic wheel as the Lightning, without the sport bumps by the spokes. Rangers had it also.

Damn Whitey.......Frankie really did turn out nice. Fantastic even. Kudos on that

 

I really appreciate that AK. It's been a fun project. Doesn't even seem like "work" to me.

I gotta finish off a video, upload it, then head to bed. Got a 4L60 and a TH350 to build tomorrow. Take care fellers!

 

Hey White, since you are in the know when it comes to transmissions... do you know of any bulletproof a4ld transmission builders or kits?

 

Get a sonnax zip kit, absolute best thing you can do for any trans. Not sure if the A4LD zip kit comes with the redesigned crank spacer, but it also prevent pump leaks. We only use Raybestos clutches too.... they are a fav among most builders. They just work. No need to soak them in ATF, just throw them in.

EDIT... there is also an oversize manual valve I'd suggest upgrading to.

 

Hey CO... this one popped up in my feed today. Looks like new when he's done! It's a wiper reservoir, not an overflow... but could give you an idea.

 

Man that's the way to do it, right there. Too bad that welding equipment costs $$$$.

I did mine with a glob of WaterWeld and I'm pleased. It's visible but not obvious. Now on to the next issue - the tank relo kit has been poorly modified for what must be a non-stock tank; the poor fit torqued the mounting tab, cracking the tank. I might need to throw all of this away and start over.

 

Thank you White. I will look into a sonnex zip kit and order it up. I'm not seeing any clutch material yet but might go ahead and refresh this one before it goes in.