Help! Strut Brace Install

[nitrous36]

I have a question with the strut brace i just bought. Has anyone here installed a BBK GRIPP strut brace on their 94-04 V6/GT Mustang? The included instructions are very vaque. They say on the 79-93 stangs to align and drill new wholes. It does not say that for the 94-04 models but it appears you have to for the 98 and newer models. Im confused. On their FAQ section of the site they say that the braces are designed to fit the general dimensions of the engine compartment of those models(which means there is no specific alignment). But before I began to modify anything to make it fit I want to get some advice.

[nitrous36]

Heres the issue. Ford only used factory installed STBs from 94 to 97. They have the predrilled wholes to mount one. But from 98 and on they did not come with a strut brace and dont have the predrilled wholes. I am one of the unlucky ones with a 00. Can I just start drilling directly into the chassis or should I tap it first? How am I going to tighten the bolts from the inside of the struts when the screws are in? And some of the screws on the cowl panel are hidden. Where are they all located so I can remove it with out cracking the cowl? I found 2 but I know there is more than what is visible from the outside and around the fire wall.

[TheStang00]

ive done this before... except i made the strut brace myself. just put the strut brace on there, line up a hole on one side, drill it. you can reach up inside the strut tower, its easier if you jack the car up but not required. you wanna drill the holes one at a time so you dont miss aling any of the holes. as far as the firewall goes, you may have to take the black part that you wipers come up out of off. and you may have to take the plastic on the firewall off so you can get in there and drill things. im sure you can figure it out if you try.

[nitrous36]

Yeah I have to remove the plastic beneath the wipers and around the fire wall. I can take the windshield wipers off. The problem is removing the plastic parts. Will it lift out easily once all the screws are gone? Also can I just drill into the chassis with a regular power drill or should I use anything special?

[TheStang00]

yeah itll lift out just fine, youll want to disconnect the ground on the passenger side of the hood the get the firewall plastic out, youll see what i mean when you try to take it out.

you can just use a regular drill.

[nitrous36]

Thanks. Ill post pics of it up once I get it on.