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5/01/2013 9:14 PM  #1


72 spindle fitment for 66 disc conversion

I have 14" steel wheels on my 66, 289. I have found some spindles and other required parts from a 72 mustang that I want to use for disc conversion.  I don't want to let go of the 14s. Will the 72 parts fit or will they be to big?


66 Coupe, 289 v2,(upgraded to v4) c4 auto, with p/s and ac
 

5/02/2013 11:12 AM  #2


Re: 72 spindle fitment for 66 disc conversion

Yes, they will work (my '66 came to me with 71 spindles, rotors and calipers and 14" 10-spoke Shelby-style alloy wheels).  If you have mag wheels with the stick-on balance weights on the inside of the rim the caliper will scrape them off though.  You should have no issues with steel wheels.


Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
 

5/02/2013 11:43 AM  #3


Re: 72 spindle fitment for 66 disc conversion

The 72 spindles have a longer arm on them than the early Mustangs, which puts your Ackermann angles out of whack, and may cause some handling issues.

I will try not to go on about it like I usually do when explaining stuff, but if you want to know more, check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackermann_steering_geometry


"Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln
 

5/02/2013 12:54 PM  #4


Re: 72 spindle fitment for 66 disc conversion

The spindles will bolt to the car, but you will need to use 70-73 outer tie rods or a pair of my TRB-6570 tie rod adapters.

As for wheels, it depends.  If you have the stock 14" wheels from the 66, they probably are not going to clear the calipers.  But, if you get some stock steel 14" wheels from a 68-73 Mustang or a 75-80 Granada or equivalent, they will fit.  If you have original styled steel Mustang wheels, they will NOT clear those calipers.  It has to do with the shape of the formed wheel center, not the rim itself.  It just depends on what wheels you have.  Also, you will need to trim 1/8" from the adjusting threads of ALL FOUR tie rods, plus both ends of both adjusting sleeves or you won't be able to get the 71-73 spindles toed in far enough to set the toe properly on your car.  You will also need to make new steel lines to be compatible with routing requirements of the 71-73 brake hoses.  See my Granada brake installation page for details of all the ins-outs-pitfalls of installing those spindles on your car.  For all practical purposes, the 71-73 spindles are same as 75-80 Granada spindles.

As technomancer mentioned, the spindle geometry is different.  The radius arms are not longer, but they do point more towards the middle of the car than the stock 65/66 spindles.  CSRP in Austin, TX does offer a Granada spindle with correct geometry for the 65/66, and your brake parts will bolt onto those spindles. 

Sometimes the cheapest parts you come across are the most expensive ones you will ever own.  If it was mine, I would opt for a set of original style Kelsey Hayes 4-piston brakes that will bolt up to your existing V8 spindles.  If you want, I can email a parts list to put the original brakes on the car.  It may appear to cost a bit more up front, but when you add up all the negatives and collateral costs of installing your free brakes, you might just come out ahead to use them.  I do not sell any of those parts, but I did compile a list to help out those who need the info.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

5/03/2013 3:21 PM  #5


Re: 72 spindle fitment for 66 disc conversion

Thanks for the input guys.

Not really worried about cost.  I'm trying to sort through all the options and figure out what I want to use.

Steve,  my email is jeonsah@yahoo dot com.  Is live to see that list and maybe but parts a few at a time until I have them all.


66 Coupe, 289 v2,(upgraded to v4) c4 auto, with p/s and ac
     Thread Starter
 

Board footera


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