CARFIX

Ford Taunus LCJ,LCR (1979–1982)

The Ford Taunus Base, a sensible and roomy choice of family car, was a familiar sight on New Zealand roads in the 1980s. This wiki provides owners with key information to help maintain and understand their Taunus.

Parts for the Ford Taunus LCJ,LCR

Known issues

Some known weak points of the Ford Taunus Base include timing gear wear on the Pinto engine and degradation of front suspension bushes. These issues often become apparent between 120,000 and 180,000 kilometers. Expect a moderate level of DIY friendliness when working on this vehicle.

WOF tips

When taking your Ford Taunus Base for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), be aware that inspectors often check for rust around the strut towers and corrosion in the sills.

About the Ford Taunus LCJ,LCR

Owners of the Ford Taunus Base should be aware of a few key areas to monitor to ensure its longevity.

Preventative maintenance is crucial. Regular inspection and replacement of wear items will help keep your Taunus running smoothly.

Consider the condition of the *front disc brake rotors* and *rear brake drums*, as these are essential for safe stopping. Regular *brake pad set* and *brake shoe* replacements are standard maintenance. Don't forget the little details: *brake shoe fitting kit rear* and *brake hose front* condition are important for brake system health. A *steering coupling kit* refresh can improve steering feel.

For engine maintenance, keep an eye on the *timing belt camshaft*. Replacing the *timing kit* (which includes the belt and tensioners) at the recommended interval is vital to prevent engine damage. A functional *water pump* is also essential for cooling. Ignition system performance relies on the *contact set distributor*.

Worn suspension bushings can negatively affect handling and ride quality. Examine the *suspension bush front control arm - upper*, *suspension bush rear control arm - upper*, and *suspension bush rear control arm - lower*. When undertaking repairs requiring multiple parts, a *conversion gasket set* can be a convenient option.

Questions owners ask

What are the common WOF failure points for a 1979-1982 Ford Taunus in New Zealand?
When taking your Ford Taunus for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) in New Zealand, inspectors frequently check for rust around the strut towers and corrosion in the sills. Addressing these areas proactively can help ensure a smooth WoF inspection.
Where can I get a timing kit for my 1979-1982 Ford Taunus in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 60 SKUs for the 1979-1982 Ford Taunus, including timing kits. You can find a timing kit, which includes the timing belt and tensioners, through CARFIX to ensure your engine's longevity.
What are the most common issues to look out for on a 1979-1982 Ford Taunus?
Owners of the 1979-1982 Ford Taunus should be aware of potential timing gear wear, especially on the Pinto engine, and degradation of the front suspension bushes. These issues commonly become apparent between 120,000 and 180,000 kilometers.
How often should I replace the timing belt on my 1979-1982 Ford Taunus?
Replacing the timing belt camshaft and the complete timing kit (belt and tensioners) at the recommended service interval of 10,000km is vital for your 1979-1982 Ford Taunus to prevent serious engine damage.
What brake components should I regularly inspect on my 1979-1982 Ford Taunus?
For safe stopping in your 1979-1982 Ford Taunus, regularly inspect the front disc brake rotors and rear brake drums. Standard maintenance includes replacing brake pad sets and brake shoes. Also, check the brake shoe fitting kit rear and the condition of the brake hose front for overall brake system health.
My 1979-1982 Ford Taunus's steering feels loose. What should I check?
If your 1979-1982 Ford Taunus's steering feels loose, consider refreshing the steering coupling kit. This can significantly improve steering feel and responsiveness.