Ok guys, I need a little help. I have been looking in the archives for info on converting my 4 lug '70 Grabber to a 5 lug. I, like everybody else, would like to put some nicer wheels on it, and the 4 lug selection is pretty slim. I have the parts to do the disc brake swap on the front, figuring on using later model Mav rotors with the 5 lug pattern. What I am having trouble with is what to do with the rear brakes. Is there a bolt on kit or interchangeable parts to do this without replacing the whole rear end? I read a thread about using an explorer rear brakes, does anybody have a how to (with pictures? I need lots and lots of pictures ) I know that if anybody knows, you guys will. Thanks!
go ahead and change the rear end. it is much easier than you think. if i remember right, it took my son todd (16 yr old) 3 hours to do it. another point- the fewer cars you use the easier it is to remember what year parts to get. my 70 uses brakes from a 75 front and rear. engine stuff from a 71 comet (they will give me funny looks if i ask for 302 parts for my 70) tranny parts from a 76 302. a lot are common but there is a bunch of different years to remember.
you don`t have to change the whole rear end (if you don`t want to) all ya gotta do is get the 5 lug axels from a maverick or comet ONLY . You will need the spindles foe disk brakes too you can`t use the ones that had drums on them hope this helps and good luck
"you don`t have to change the whole rear end (if you don`t want to) all ya gotta do is get the 5 lug axels from a maverick or comet ONLY" Depends if it has a 8 inch or 7 1/2" rear. If it is an eight inch yes all you have to do is change the axles, if it's a 7 1/2 you need to change the entire housing. Russ
i was told the 4 lug 8 " housing was differnt then a 5 lug, that you can't just change the axles.. has anyone done this?
I also have heard the 4 lug axles will not work in another housing. As for the Explorer rear disc setup. I have done that to my car this past year, though I put it on a 9". It is expensive to do it and you have to spend some time figuring out brake hoses and stuff like that. Have you thought of using wheel adapters? With good studs to start with they are not a bad way to go. I remember I used them to put my factory Mav magnum 500's on my winter car, a 67 396 Caprice. While this was in 1977 and I did not have the intelligence to put good wheel studs on the car beforehand. I lost a wheel goin round a corner, much to all my buddies delite. There I sat with my left front on the ground. That was my last day using wheel studs. Damn things were expensive too!! As I recall I threw them at one of my buddies a few weeks later as he drove by and harassed me for owning a chebby. Dan
no I haven`t done that I`m only 16 and have only been working on cars for 4 years, but I do know of some one who has done it before he has a 65 stang and wanted a 8 inch to replace his 7 1/2. the 7 1/2 was a 4 lug, the 8 was a 5 lug out of a maverick but he wanted to have 4 lugs so after he put the 8 inch in it he took out the axels and had the 7 1/2 cut down a little I forget how much though and put them in
I will go ahead and confirm that you CANNOT just swap axles on a four to five lug conversion! I don't know WHY ford did it, but they made the external diameter of the bearing different. It makes no difference anyways--most junkyards will charge you $100 for the axles or $100 for the whole rear end! Just get the whole thing and save yourself the trouble. When you're talking about getting axles cut down (and re-splined), it's not cheap!
Thanks for all the replies guys! My only problem is around here the junkyards don't keep older cars long...I have yet to see a Mav, Comet, or Granada in the local yards....and as somebody else here said..I've never even seen a Versailes! What other options do I have for a rear end swap?
Hmm! Where do you live? I like the idea mentioned above of the the Explorer. It might prove to be a lot of work, though, if all you're really after is a five lug conversion. It's been a long time since this topic came up, but i remember one of the people on the board mentioning that there was a bearing they had used to convert that fit. Do you have a 7.5" or an 8" differential? (does the differential have a plate on the back, or is it solid?).
another point... a newer 5 bolt from a mav has bigger brakes. i did notice a difference in stopping power.
"If it is an eight inch yes all you have to do is change the axles", MY BAD !!!! I guess I was thinking about 8" center section
LOOK INTO EARLY MUSTANGE WITH 5 LUG SET UPS MY 9 INCH IS FROM A 67 MUSTANG AND THEYA RE A DIME A DOZEN.
