I am getting ready to convert my 4-lug front drums to 5-lug. I bought a used set of spindles, drums, backing plates with brakes and hardware complete works from a 72 V-8 Maverick. Here in lies the question. I am comparing the V-8 spindles to the 6-cylinder spindles that are on the car and they look identical. I don't have a set of calipers, but the spindle shaft is the same length and appear to be the same diameter. That would lead me to believe then that both the outer and inner wheel bearings would be the same inside diameter. So would there be any reason why I should change out the spindles? Now even though the 6 cylinder drums are 9 inch and the V-8 drums are 10 inch, I should just be able to bolt up the V-8 backing plates and slide on the 10 inch drums and be good to go. Am I thinking about this right or am I missing something?
The spindles are identical... just unbolt your original backing plates, bolt on the larger ones, and put the 5 lug drum on your original spindles. You now have 5 lugs.
Great! Thanks. I noticed there are some kind of foam gaskets, one between the backing plate and the spindle, and one between the backing plate and the retaining plate that helps hold the backing plate on the spindle. Are these necessary and where can I find them?
