Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information at a fraction of the cost of professional labor.
Comparison To Generic Manuals:
Significantly superior due to its vehicle-specific nature, providing exact procedures and specifications rather than generalized advice.
Completeness:
Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the specified model years.
Accuracy:
Authoritative information directly from the manufacturer's service documentation.
Usability:
Clear, concise language paired with illustrative diagrams enhances ease of understanding and execution.
Engine:
Yes (all variants including inline-6 and V8s)
Fuel System:
Yes (carburetion, fuel lines, pump, tank)
Ignition System:
Yes (distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump)
Exhaust System:
Yes (manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter if applicable)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (overdrive and non-overdrive variants)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (e.g., C4, FMX, SelectShift)
Drivetrain:
Yes (driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle, differential)
Suspension Front:
Yes (independent front suspension, ball joints, control arms, springs)
Suspension Rear:
Yes (leaf springs, shock absorbers)
Steering System:
Yes (power steering, steering box, linkage)
Brakes Front:
Yes (disc brake specifications and procedures)
Brakes Rear:
Yes (drum brake specifications and procedures)
Electrical System Charging:
Yes (alternator, voltage regulator, battery)
Electrical System Lighting:
Yes (headlights, taillights, interior lights)
Electrical System Accessories:
Yes (wipers, horn, radio, power windows if equipped)
Body Panels:
Yes (doors, hood, trunk, fenders, quarter panels)
Interior:
Yes (seats, dashboard, trim panels)
Chassis:
Yes (frame, subframes)
HVAC:
Yes (heater, defroster, air conditioning if factory-equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, lubrication)
Engine Overhaul:
Yes (detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, torquing specifications)
Transmission Rebuild:
Yes (for both manual and automatic transmissions)
Brake Service:
Yes (disc pad/rotor replacement, drum shoe adjustment/replacement, hydraulic system bleeding)
Suspension Repair:
Yes (ball joint replacement, shock/strut replacement, spring replacement)
Steering Component Replacement:
Yes (tie rods, drag links, steering box adjustment/replacement)
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Yes (wiring diagrams, component testing)
Body Repair:
Yes (panel alignment, rust repair basics, window/door mechanism adjustment)
Diagnostics:
Yes (troubleshooting guides for common issues)
Wiring Schematics:
Yes (detailed, often color-coded)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic charts.
Illustrations:
Abundant diagrams, line drawings, and photographic illustrations.
Inline 6 200Ci:
200 cubic inches (3.3L), 1V carburetor, ~100 HP
Inline 6 250Ci:
250 cubic inches (4.1L), 1V or 2V carburetor, ~140-150 HP
V8 302Ci:
302 cubic inches (4.9L), 2V or 4V carburetor, ~210-230 HP (depending on trim/carb)
V8 351Ci 2V:
351 cubic inches (5.8L), 2V carburetor, ~250 HP
V8 351Ci 4V:
351 cubic inches (5.8L), 4V carburetor, ~270-280 HP
V8 429Ci:
429 cubic inches (7.0L), 4V carburetor, ~370 HP (CJ - Cobra Jet)
V8 460Ci:
460 cubic inches (7.5L), 4V carburetor, ~365 HP (primarily for 1973)
Compression Ratio:
Typically ranged from 8.0:1 to 9.5:1 depending on engine and year.
Carburetor Types:
Motorcraft 1V, 2V, and 4V downdraft carburetors; Holley 4150 on performance models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (transitioning to unleaded during these years). Manual will specify appropriate octane.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, though the manual will provide specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, points, condenser (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor checks/replacement every 12,000 - 18,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual transmission: check and change as needed, often coinciding with rear-end fluid changes. Automatic transmission: fluid and filter change every 24,000 - 36,000 miles or as specified.
Coolant Change:
Annual coolant flush and fill recommended, or every 12,000 - 24,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SF/CD or SG classifications for early engines, typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Manual will detail specific viscosity and API rating.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Standard 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on system specifics. Manual will confirm.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF) for most Ford systems of this era.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, typically 80W-90 or 75W-90.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF).
Rear Axle Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil, typically 80W-90 or 90W. Limited-slip differentials may require friction modifier additive.
Engine Carburetion:
Carburetor tuning and gasket leaks are common. Vacuum leaks can affect idle and performance.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, and clogged heater cores are prevalent due to age.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are common wear items leading to steering looseness and alignment issues.
Electrical Wiring:
Corroded grounds, brittle insulation, and failing electrical switches are frequent problems.
Body Rust:
Common rust areas include wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans, and trunk floors.
Exhaust System:
Rust and corrosion of exhaust pipes, mufflers, and hangers are common.
Ford Muscle Car Legacy:
Part of Ford's highly successful performance car lineup, building on the Mustang's iconic status established in 1964.
Second Generation Platform:
These years represent the transition to the larger, heavier second-generation Mustang (Mustang II) which debuted for 1974, so these are the final years of the original 'big body' Mustang platform.
Styling Changes:
Minor styling updates occurred between 1971 and 1973, including grille treatments, taillight designs, and body side moldings.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary manufacturing plants included Dearborn, Michigan; Metuchen, New Jersey; and San Jose, California.
Market Trends:
Reflected the era's trend towards larger cars and increasing emissions regulations, leading to detuned engines and a focus on luxury/comfort for some trims.
