Hello, folks - long-time listener - first time caller.

I have a very nice 1960 Mark IX / Mark 9 (wondrously rust-free w/an exc. original interior, fine wood, etc.).

Exc. compression and no serious leaks on the original 3.8 engine, and - on the whole - the mechanics are pretty good... except... on Day 1, we discovered that the Hobourn-Eaton pump on the original Borgg-Warner power steering was fried and, according to Clive at XKs Unlimited, regrettably, it was too far gone to be rebuilt... and there were literally no NOS ones available to buy for love or money, worldwide.

After asking around, we decided the best course of action was to swap in a front end from a 1st generation Mustang (1964-1973), which would not only give us a much better power-steering system, but modern front power braking and far better front end suspension (better anti-sway bar - improved shocks - etc).

Of course, the installation has been far from plug-and-play and, after a year, we're still in-process... but we're getting close.

In the meantime, I have gotten to thinking about the rear end. A friend has suggested that I ought to find out if there is a way to convert from the original leaf spings to coil springs... and that's what I'd like to ask the group:

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INPUT ON CONVERTING THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ON THE MARK IX TO COIL SPRINGS?

Thanks all,
Josh G