Steering and Brakes


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By Tom Compton - 16 Years Ago
I have seen several threads here on each of the subject installs and know some of you (Jim Culver) have gone through some painful trial and error experiences.  Just wanting to get the latest recommendations on installing a pwr R&P steering and pwr disc brakes in my 56 Victoria. 

As I want to do both and even at the same time, is it better to install a complete Mustang II front from one of the fab shops or can a reasonably good outcome be had doing them seperately?  Looks like the parts to do athem seperately will almost cost as much as a M II.

What are the draw backs of putting R&P on stock 56 front?

Thx

TC - Austin, TX

By Tom Compton - 16 Years Ago
Thanks for the info, Brodie.  Wurth's site did not show anything for a 56 and I do  have standard clutch linkage soooo . . . .

Tell me more about the brakes.  You said non power, any plans to add power booster?  Assume you still had to use a dual master and proportioning valve.  I do not want to lower the front end on my 56 due to the stubby lake dumps behind the front wheels.

TC

By MoonShadow - 16 Years Ago
Our host Jim was looking into a Mustang/Cougar box for his Ford. If I recall it only requires drilling one hole and setting up a u-joint to make it work. No smaller than the current box but a lot newer. The power assist steering box has a quicker ratio. They used the same type power steering as the 55/56. Search the site the info is here somplace. Chuck in NH

Check this topic for more information on the conversion.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic782-3-1.aspx?Highlight=steering

By GREENBIRD56 - 16 Years Ago
Tom - I think there are many later model Ford "big car" spindles that will fit on your '56 ball joints. Big pin - lower / small pin upper. There are several outfits around that sell bracket kits to fit disc brake calipers on those spindles - or you might just get lucky and find some real Ford Galaxie disks at an older yunk yard. I know of at least one '55 Bird that has a Country Squire transplant that fit fine. The big spindles won't change the ride height like the Granada or Versailles parts do.

The modifcation kits most often use '68 Mustang rotors and GM "metric" calipers to do this trick - and if you go that way be sure and get the type that have the calipers to the rear so they don't interfere with the sway bar mounting. There are several versions of the "metric " calipers around (mostly because they are popular on dirt track stock cars) including aluminum and oversize piston types. I've been told that using the oversize pistons with a Pinto/Mustang II master cylinder (15/16 bore) will give good hydraulic pressure without power. The Pinto master cylinder has its ports on the driver side of the bowl (to outboard). If you buy a kit (brackets only) and do some serious shopping - you can have some decent disc brakes for a fair price.