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By martyk98 - 8 Years Ago
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I read on here somewhere that the front disc brake/spindle set up from 76-77 Ford Mavericks were a fit for my 54 Monterey. I ended up with 1978's instead, don't know if it was me or the bone yard that made the mistake, but i'm here to tell you the 78's work with a little hogging out the lower ball joint and the tie rod. I'll need to modify the back stop, like everyone else. The other not so interesting thing is aftermarket rotors have a snout that is too large for factory 15" wheels. Im having mine machined down as we speak. I had the same issue on other aftermarket rotors. I'm not sure if they are cast and machined to metric size or what, they just seem to be larger than stock. Can't wait to hit the road with my Aerostar springs and rear 2" lowering blocks. It was also well worth the effort to replace A arm bushings, shocks, brake lines, the whole works.
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
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75-80 Granada Monarch are the preferred choice for doing this Swap. You still have to resize the lower Hole for Ball Joint. The Tie Rod End fits as is. So it sounds like the Ones You got are similar. I had to have the Hub turned down to fit through the Rim Center also with stock Steel Rims. They actually sell this Kit on Ebay complete or with lesser Components if You want to round up some Parts by Yourself. The Front Flex Hoses I used were 1974 Pinto/ Mustang II Ones. Work fine. I did add some small light Springs to hold them away from Suspension Parts. These Spindles are getting harder to find and more Expensive from Wreckers as they are a popular choice for Mustang, Falcon, Comet etc that came with Drum Brakes. The Ones on Ebay are Brand New from what I can tell. If you add Power Booster they work well. You already know You need a Dual Master cylinder and rework Brake Lines. Did You read my Post regarding the Neutral/Backup Light Switch You were asking about?
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By miker - 8 Years Ago
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I know using a reamer on the lower ball joint is a standard deal with the Granada's on the 55's. Same with the center hub. The kit I put on my 'bird years ago used Granada rotors turned down for the factory wheels. Later model wheels used a bigger opening. You'll love the Aerostar springs, but you might check the shock travel. Shouldn't be a problem if the bump stops are the same.
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
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martyk98 (9/11/2017)
I read on here somewhere that the front disc brake/spindle set up from 76-77 Ford Mavericks were a fit for my 54 Monterey. I ended up with 1978's instead, don't know if it was me or the bone yard that made the mistake, but i'm here to tell you the 78's work with a little hogging out the lower ball joint and the tie rod. I'll need to modify the back stop, like everyone else. The other not so interesting thing is aftermarket rotors have a snout that is too large for factory 15" wheels. Im having mine machined down as we speak. I had the same issue on other aftermarket rotors. I'm not sure if they are cast and machined to metric size or what, they just seem to be larger than stock. Can't wait to hit the road with my Aerostar springs and rear 2" lowering blocks. It was also well worth the effort to replace A arm bushings, shocks, brake lines, the whole works.
If the Comet/ Maverick Spindles are similar to Granada the Pin is about 2 Inches higher than the Stock Spindle. Ride Height drops about the same-2 Inches. You might keep that in mind regarding the Aerostar Springs. I had to ad Lowering Blocks to rear to Level my 56.
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By MoonShadow - 8 Years Ago
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Don't forget the Lincoln Versailles. If you are lucky enough to find them the ball joints fit without modification.
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By martyk98 - 8 Years Ago
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I'm sorry but I must have missed the post on the back up switch. I found one on Ebay. I know a retired Boeing machinist that took care of the spindles and snouts on the rotors. The spindles on these 78's are the same height as the stockers. Today was volunteer day for me at the local food bank. I'll finish this up tomorrow. I think my next investigation will be finding a power steering set up. I guess I'm looking for the same car as the spindles?
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By 62bigwindow - 8 Years Ago
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Get in touch with Dave at Drop em and Stop em. He is a class act and will help you out even if you don't buy anything from him.
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By GREENBIRD56 - 8 Years Ago
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The elevation of the spindle axis - above the lower ball joint mount is the change that lowers the chassis. On an older spindle - or one for a full size car - the axis of the spindle is in line with a "lathe center" found on the lower ball joint lug.
These above are drum set-ups off a 65 Galaxie and the lathe center is clearly visible.
The disc set-ups available are many - I built mine off a '71 Mustang drum spindle - but the later designs have a lathe center above the lower ball joint lug.
The relocated spindle design shows plainly in the photo above - moving it up relative to the lower joint not only lowers the assembled ride height, but it also moves the upper joint away from the tire sidewall. These parts also are a bit shorter in vertical height - the center to center height of the ball joints is lower. Depending on how deeply you set the lower ball joint when you ream for the larger early taper size, the set-up even moves the chassis lower. This design isn't necessarily the best for sporty handling geometry - taller uprights would be preferable - but the strength and ability to put some serious brakes on there is a good idea.
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By martyk98 - 8 Years Ago
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I had 71 Thunderbird fronts on my 64 Country Squire. Worked really well. Dropped the 54 Merc to the ground yesterday and the stance is perfect for me. Shaved the lower rubber stops for clearance.
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