Wednesday, June 4, 2008

79 - 81 4 cyl Fox Body Mustang 4 to 5 Lug Conversion Part One

That is some title huh? Can't be much more specific than that. My mustang is my hobby away from computers. It's always a learning experience, even with the multitude of information available on the web. That being said, I never did find a 100% complete how-to! So here is my first try at such an article. Hopefully it will help someone.

Quick Disclaimer! This may not be the only way to do it, but it worked for me! First, good luck finding a Rotor that will work on the stock spindle. It doesn't exist, I don't care what they said I tried them all, with multiple bearings to no avail. It is not worth the trouble, so don't go looking. Moving on of course, what can you do? You must replace the spindle and the caliper. It's not as hard as it sounds. First get the right spindles. For the cheap approach like I did, find spindles from a v8 in the 87-93 mustangs. Fairly inexpensive, I paid about 100 for a set that was sanded for me, and rebuilt calipers as well. You will also need new rotors. You have a bit to choose from now. Lincoln Continental, Lincoln Mark VII (85-91), or '84-'86 Mustang SVO. They are all going to be the same new from an auto parts store, so just get the least expensive or go find your own! I paid about 100 for a pair including the brake pads! Aren't I thrifty! You will also need inner bearings and seals to match the rotors. TO MATCH THE ROTORS! I will find out exactly with model v12 I believe, and add it here later. The outer bearing from the 4 cyl will work here! though!

You start by removing the tire of course, then the caliper. It is held on by two bolts to the spindle. Next simply remove the old rotor taking off the dust cap with a screw driver, then removing the bolt and washer. Keep all those parts as you may need them again.

Removing the old spindles is not an easy task, though not complicated. You have two bolt attached to the strut, one to a ball joint, and one to the steering. I recommend getting the right tool for separating from the ball joint, it requires quite some force. We used a sledge hammer with the wedge needed as it was so tight on there.

After the spindle is off you need simply to go in reverse. Now is a good time to clean off some parts down there though. Then begin attaching your spindles. We had a pair off of a 1989 v8 mustang. They bolted right up. Then put your bearings in your rotors, and pack them well with lots of bearing grease. Don't forget to put in a seal. Next place it on your spindle, this requires a lot of the bearing grease for lube. There is a .003 difference in diameter, it will fit! I know, I've done it! Trust me I was giddy the first time the bearing slid on the spindle after some lube. Moving on... Put in the outer bearing, and the washer, bolt, dust cover, etc. Don't forget the bearing grease! Now you are ready to take off the old calipers and put on your new wheels. Guess what I haven't done that yet..... So part two is still to come! For now we put on the new wheels, and use one bolt on the calipers to keep them up. They look good so pics will be included in the conclusion!

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