AMC Trans-Am using Ford parts?

[crossboss]

I have heard the rumors that the AMC T/A cars used Ford Mustang type of front suspension components on their cars. Also, it has been alleged AMC dealers offered an 'upgrade' kit to install using revised Mustang parts with AMC part numbers. Any truth to this?

[tesgt350]

I have heard the rumors that the AMC T/A cars used Ford Mustang type of front suspension components on their cars. Also, it has been alleged AMC dealers offered an 'upgrade' kit to install using revised Mustang parts with AMC part numbers. Any truth to this?

I would believe it, I have a Hollender Book for 1960 to 1975 Cars, Salvage Yards use them to show what Parts fit which Cars, and AMC used several Ford and GM items on their Cars.  Suspension, Brakes and Electrical mostly.

[Coralsnake]

They probably were not "Ford" parts. Third party manufacturers made parts for all big 3 car builders.

Air cleaner snorkels come to mind. A metal company made them for Ford and AMC. 

[laforum]

AMC sourced steering boxes from the same vendor as GM.  So, steering boxes on Javelins and Camaros are similar.  The Javelin TA cars used T-10 tranmissions.  Of course, the T-10s were outsourced and also used in Ford TA cars (with different input shafts).  Penske / Donohue did have AMC add specific calipers to the AMC parts book, but the calipers were not Ford parts.  Other than aftermarket parts (Hurst, Stewart Warner, Holley, etc) that were open within the rules, I do not know of any Ford parts that cross over to the TA Javelin.

[roddster]

I know that the 70 Javelin had improved front suspensions over the 68/69 Javelins. But I'm mentioning this from the viewpoint of street factory and not the racing T/A cars.

[Terry Curry]

Had the chance to visit Bruce Canepa's show room in Northern California, the Penske AMC Javelin was on display, the story boards indicated Penske was using Porche 917K brakes with AMC part numbers on them.

[highland green]

I would think, Rodger Penske could source or fabricate anything he needed.

[crossboss]

Had the chance to visit Bruce Canepa's show room in Northern California, the Penske AMC Javelin was on display, the story boards indicated Penske was using Porche 917K brakes with AMC part numbers on them.

This is what I was referring to. Also, when on the AMC/AMX chat forums (forgot which one), some of the knowledgeable folks made mention of the Mustang parts used in Trans Am, and of the Mustang 'type' of front suspension 'swap' stuff sold through AMC dealerships with AMC part numbers. IF anyone knows more, I would like to hear more. Lastly, I will try and find the link to the AMC forum I mentioned. Thanks to everyone!

[gt350shelb]

Cantwell would know he was there

[TXBoss302]

Scott... what made you start chasing this. Curious to see how this plays out.

[crossboss]

Scott... what made you start chasing this. Curious to see how this plays out.

I have a 1970 BBB 390 4 speed AMX...

[roddster]

That would have the improved, more adjustable suspension I was taking about.

[crossboss]

I found the link where it mentions the Mustang suspension 'adapted' to the Javelins. Have a good read:

https://www.hotrod.com/news/unbelievable-story-amc-won-trans-championship

[JD]

^^^ good read thanks

[JohnSlack]

I found the link where it mentions the Mustang suspension 'adapted' to the Javelins. Have a good read:

https://www.hotrod.com/news/unbelievable-story-amc-won-trans-championship

Nice write up Scott,
They were slightly off in describing the 2 stage oiling system. "Then it was discovered Ford actually used external oil pumps in addition to the stock pump. Since there were no rules forbidding this, Team Javelin started using a dual-pickup pump with the secondary pickup scavenging oil from the uphill side of the pan."

Ford wasn't running external pumps in their T/A engines. Both the scavenge pump and the pressure pumps were inside the oil pan. Penske saw a picture of the Ford T/A engine with the pan off and figured out what Bud Moore was doing. Donahue went to Traco to have them build a similar system. Traci said "No" so Donahue funded building the 2 stage system himself.

The Trans Am wars were amazing. Scott I'm glad you got your AMX.


John