LX 5.0 Buying Advice

[Brad Mitchell]

Hi all, Im a new member and am seriously looking to purchase a 1987-92 LX 5.0 5 speed notch back. As you guys are the experts, is there any MUST KNOW buying advice? I have bought newer cars in the past, im more so looking for "insider" advise on specific things to look for/avoid reguarding this specific vehicle. Seems like a shot in the dark, but any info is helpful.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[broncojunkie]

Rust, particularly where the front frame meets the shock towers, are the first concern. Next, just make note that the hard tops are always a better choice over the sunroof models. The sunroof is nice, but the drain tubes tend to clog and cause rust issues deep inside the roof and pillars. It's ok to have a sunroof car, I'm just suggesting you really check it out for rust before buying. Then, if you buy it, check the tubes and clean them out.

Check around the floor pans, transmission/driveshaft tunnel, seats, firewall, and trunk pan... Not just for rust, but also cracking. The fox cars did have issues with sheet metal cracks in high stress areas.

Another thing to check is the heater core. Find out if it has been replaced already. Check the carpet and floor pan in the passenger area for water and rust. Check the heat and look at the firewall to make sure it wasn't bypassed. They're not easy to change and often get bypassed or loaded up with stop-leak.

Find out if the ignition switch has been replaced. If it hasn't or if they don't know, consider doing it asap... along with the stock "flat-blade" alternator wiring. Both are fire hazards and can cause electrical issues, but very easily replaced. A new ignition switch is cheap and easy to do. As for the alternator, I wouldn't own a fox body without doing a 3g swap. The stock alternators were underpowered (even for oem specs) and the wiring on the back of the alternator was a fire hazard. You can do a 3g swap for $50-100 using used parts and you'll be glad you did. A little more for a new alternator, but still worth every dang penny!

Good luck and post some pics when you find one!