7/30/2025
With the excitement of carpet on the way, it got me thinking about all the actual *mechanical* things that need done on Emma.
I suppose I need to stop investing in cosmetic improvements and drop a few bucks on making the car run better.
I got under her today to look at the rear differential – since that’s one piece I haven’t maintenance’d yet – and couldn’t help but notice a couple of things:
- The rear differential does not have, like most modern cars, a removable panel which gives access to the pumpkin – it has a drop-out 3rd member
- This requires removal of the drive shaft to service completely
- Or use a pump to remove the current fluid via the fill hole, and replace
- However, Emma’s ‘pumpkin’ seems to be silicone’d closed. Sigh. (Image 1)
- My leaf springs are basically flat in a resting state – indicating that, while my rear shocks are sexy and relatively new, the leaf springs are likely original (Image 2)
Another thing I noticed today – Emma not only has disc brakes, she has POWER disc brakes (Image 3). That changes a lot about my concerns about the brake pedal level (too low). More on that in future blogs.
To-Do For Emma
| Task | Purchase Link | Priority | Notes |
| Leaf Springs | https://www.cjponyparts.com/cj-classics-leaf-spring-kit-5-leaf-mustang-1965-1966/p/LSK4/ | MEDIUM | Emma is really bouncy and feels like she’s floating a lot of the time. These clearly need to be done. |
| Starter | https://www.cjponyparts.com/powermaster-starter-powermax-for-157-tooth-flywheel-3-speed-4-speed-5-speed-automatic-289-302-351w/p/STR9162/ | LOW | There’s nothing wrong with the current starter, per se, but it is quite old. Need to do research to make sure I get one that will work with the 1970 4 speed top-loader |
| Alternator | https://www.cjponyparts.com/powermaster-alternator-60-amp-externally-regulated-v-belt-pulley-chrome-1965-1973/p/ALT10/ | LOW | Just old – still works |
| Negative Battery Cable | N/A | HIGH | I don’t want to talk about it |
| Carburetor | https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_systems/carburetors/street/parts/BR-67255 | MEDIUM | To replace the current Edelbrock 1406, which I suspect is pretty gummed up b/c the PO used ethanol-containing gas – will rebuild and keep on hand |
| Mufflers/Downpipe Connection | MEDIUM | Would really like to tone the volume down – currently has 2x FlowMasters – in conjunction, reseat downpipes with the manifolds with new donuts and equipment (already have) | |
| Rear Differential | N/A | HIGH | Changing the fluid is high priority – opening it to inspect the hardware is LOW |
| V-Belt | N/A | LOW | Already have the new belt, but the current one is not terrible |
Yikes. So… if you want to donate….
I’ll update this list periodically as time goes on! It’s nice to finally get it all down on paper.
Also – special thanks to CJ Pony Parts for adding me to their affiliate program. I don’t quite know what that means, but I’m happy to be part of the CJ family.
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