Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: TheSwede on January 16, 2009, 01:33:13 AM

Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: TheSwede on January 16, 2009, 01:33:13 AM
I have some questions about to convert from 4 x 4.25 to 5 x 4.5.

In front that might be an easy step to use Ford Racing part number M-1102-C which is avalible from summit racing.
I like to have slotted and/or drilled rotors.
My question about the front brake rotors.. The 1993 Mustang Cobra used 5 x 4.5 rotors in the front, but what size? Is it 11" or 13"?
Can brake rotors that will fit Mustang Cobra 1993 be used in this conversion?

The next question is about the rear.
I have 10" drum brakes. Is there any 10" brake drums with pattern  5 x 4.5 which fit the the T-bird on the market or do I have re drill my old brake drums?

I hope for some answers.

Regards
Stefan
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on January 16, 2009, 08:05:58 AM
The 93 Cobras were 4-lug.

Mk7 11" rotors are the "replacement" 5-lug rotors for the 11" Fox front 4-lug rotors.

What year is your car?  What rear axle?  If you have an 86-88 with the 7.5, you're going to need to have custom axles made.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: 32VFoxBird on January 16, 2009, 09:24:27 AM
actually the '93 Cobra-R had 5 lug rotors(94-04 13" brakes). but good luck finding one of those in a junkyard. :)
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on January 16, 2009, 09:33:03 AM
Yes, but he said Cobra...not Cobra R...

The 93 Cobra R's just used the std 94-98 Cobra stuff anyway....
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: TheSwede on January 16, 2009, 01:57:47 PM
Thanks for the responce.
Now I understand the differences between GT, Cobra and Cobra R for the front brakes.

I have a -88 T-bird with an aftermerket 9" rearend.
I will order new axles for it.
Need to step up from 28 splines to 35 splines. The axles I have are twisted.

The question was only, is there any 10" brake drums with 5 x 4.5 that will fit?
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: rancheronut on January 16, 2009, 02:12:40 PM
IF you  are having rear axles made for your 9 inch, then try rear drums and backing plate off a
1973 to 79 ranchero/
77 TO 79 T-BIRD or LTDII /
74 to 79 cougar/
71 to 73 mustang/cougar
71 to 76 Torino


they come with 10x2 or some have 10x 2 1/2 with bolt pattern 5x4 1/2
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on February 02, 2009, 11:07:57 AM
Questions from a new member....... (for my 85 T-coupe)

 Eventually I hope to use my 429/C6 in the Coupe so it'll need more than the stock 7.5" rear axle. So recently I picked up an 8.8 posi from a 89 Mk7, it has the 5 lug axles, but only one caliper and JUNK rotors.
 Can I convert this over to Ranger/Explorer rear drums? (to match the current master cylinder and valve). Can I keep the disc set-up and use the current master cylinder and ect.? Or will I need to convert to the rear disc master cylinder? The Mk had anti-locks, would that effect a drum conversion?

  I was so glad to find the Mk7's 5-lug, 8.8 posi that I never even considered the front rotors could of worked, (missed opportunity) but the Mk's gone now, so I can't retrieve those parts. So, what size is the stock 85 TurboCoupe's rotors and which way is the best/least expensive way to change the front to 5-lug?
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 02, 2009, 11:29:05 AM
I have a set of mk7 stock rotors, calipers, the whole set up
PM if your interested. I removed to upgrade they are in good shape.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: 86Tbuzzard on February 02, 2009, 12:18:20 PM
Quote from: FoxCoupe;254911
Questions from a new member....... (for my 85 T-coupe)

 Eventually I hope to use my 429/C6 in the Coupe so it'll need more than the stock 7.5" rear axle. So recently I picked up an 8.8 posi from a 89 Mk7, it has the 5 lug axles, but only one caliper and JUNK rotors.
 Can I convert this over to Ranger/Explorer rear drums? (to match the current master cylinder and valve). Can I keep the disc set-up and use the current master cylinder and ect.? Or will I need to convert to the rear disc master cylinder? The Mk had anti-locks, would that effect a drum conversion?

  I was so glad to find the Mk7's 5-lug, 8.8 posi that I never even considered the front rotors could of worked, (missed opportunity) but the Mk's gone now, so I can't retrieve those parts. So, what size is the stock 85 TurboCoupe's rotors and which way is the best/least expensive way to change the front to 5-lug?


least expensive for the front would be '83-'92 4 cyl ranger rotors, just buy new tbird bearings.
i'd keep the mk7 stock rear rotors $20 ea, and buy the caliper for the rear
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 02, 2009, 12:25:26 PM
then he will have small front brakes still.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: 86Tbuzzard on February 02, 2009, 01:01:46 PM
but it is THE LEAST EXPENSIVE
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 02, 2009, 01:06:09 PM
Quote from: 86Tbuzzard;254930
but it is THE LEAST EXPENSIVE


not best and least expensive ;)

I got full mark vii disc set up
cheapppp
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on February 02, 2009, 01:35:21 PM
There isn't an off-the-shelf 5-lug rear drum option. 

10" discs in the front and 11.5" rear discs is pretty half-assed.

You'll either need to upgrade to the 11" front stuff and get a different master cylinder and run the rear discs  OR use the tiny front stock brakes and use the rear drums bolted onto the 8.8 and mod the stock drums and run 94-98 Mustang axles.

YOu're going to pay on one end or the other.

If you're dropping in a big block, step up the brakes....
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Haystack on February 02, 2009, 01:53:50 PM
the 11" also requires diffrent spindle's unless you using a 87-88 turbo coupe.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 02, 2009, 01:59:30 PM
I have full assembly.... w/spindles, rotors, calipers, hoses, pads, and I even have a set of low mile tbird struts!
and ABS masters.... but im not sure that would fit well with a BB
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on February 02, 2009, 03:39:26 PM
Like I said...he's going to pay on one end or the other....
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 03, 2009, 09:22:00 AM
yea, brakes are NOT some were to skimp on the money....
Cheap, and brakes should not go together.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on February 04, 2009, 11:21:07 AM
Thanks for the reponse gentlemen! But now I have more questions :D

 So, My 85 TurboCoupe has 10" front disc brakes (and 10" rear drums)?
 The Mk7 has 11" in the front but I can't convert to them unless I change the front spindles and the master cylinder (or do I need to change the master cylinder anyway because of the rear disc)?
 Do I have to install an ABS system to use the Mk7 master cylinder?
 I can't cheaply move to the 10" drums in the rear with the 8.8 because I have ABS axles or because it's a disc brake axle housing?

 Isn't the 87-88 T-C or XR7 still 4-lug?
 Is the LSC brakes different than the Mk7's? Because my 8.8 did actually come from an LSC.

I don't really want to use different sized brakes but I'd like to do this as inexpensively as possible. Please remember my main goal is to use the bigger 5 lug 8.8 axle.

daboss351, I'm going to try to PM you, but I'm still new to where everythings at on this forum........
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on February 04, 2009, 12:13:10 PM
We go over this time and time again....

You must have the 11" spindles to use the 11" caliper/rotors from the Lincoln.

You can't cheaply do a 5 lug/drum  on the Mk 7 rear because there is no easy 5-lug drum option with the proper track width for these cars and the Mk7 axles are longer than what is used on the Tbirds(not the housing, the axles).
THUS your options for 5-lug rear drums for the 8.8 housing you have are as I mentioned before.

You will most likely need to swap the master cylinder, but we can't tell you what one until you tell us what brakes are going on the car. There will be 3 options.

The large rear discs with the tiny front discs is just not a good idea...period, so don't consider it.

Also going to rear discs you will need a disc brake proportioning block or an aftermarket adjustable one.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on February 06, 2009, 12:22:35 PM
Quote from: Chuck W;255214
We go over this time and time again....


I apologize for my lack of knowledge in this particular area and will refrane from further attempting to gain clarification in this matter. I have reveiwed previous posts in this forum and that of your own and continue to have a few questions with the five lug 8.8 disc brake axle to a drum brake conversion.
For the record, I am not totally ignorant, I would never use the large disc brakes on the rear axle with the original TC 10" discs on the front spindels. I was simply looking to this forum for information to make the parts I have work together correctly without wasting unnessesary time and money on pieces that will end up in the junk.
If I fail to secure the parts I need or I don't secure the Mk7 parts I'll need (which I feel may be to much extra weight for my application), I'll purchase a Mustang five lug axle conversion.

I do apperciate the information I've gained on year and model axle/housing length. Thankyou
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: daboss351 on February 06, 2009, 12:27:26 PM
the LSC brakes isnt gonna be much more weight over newer tc brakes...
Im running drilled rotors on my DD LSC
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Chuck W on February 06, 2009, 12:33:29 PM
You caught me on a bad day, but still this sort of thing has been overed over and over on this forum.

The speadsheet in this post will show you the measurements of the various rear axle assemblies.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showpost.php?p=138359&postcount=12

On more option if you are planning on fat tires out back (and the properly backspaced wheels) you can use the short 79-93 Mustang 5-lug drum swap on that 8.8 (after you verify the width of the housing you have matches the chart).  The issue with that swap is that it pulls the wheels in 3/4" per side over the stock Tbird width (1-1/4" per side vs the Mk 7 stuff), and there really isn't a need to do that as there is quite a bit of room in the rear wells on these things. You'd probably need to snag the drum backing plates from a Fox Mustang.

Telling folks what your overall plan is might help too other than you just want to to it "cheap".
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on February 07, 2009, 08:13:08 AM
"Bad Day" acknowledged and accepted.

unfortunetly I do not have excel on my home pc, could this axle chart be (or is it) posted somewhere?

Yes I hope to have "fat tires" out back (I hope they wrinkle when I launch!) and skinnies up front. I'll pick up (or maybe already have?) the right offset wheels for as much tire as I can get inside the rear fenders after I get the 8.8 in the bird.

My 85 is an engine-less coupe I picked up for a few hundred. I'm a long time Ford owner with a garage full of accumulated parts. I have wanted a fox chassis performance car (Street/Strip) since a 78 Fairmont was built.
 I had an 88/5spd TC DD years ago and currently have a stock 86/auto TC. I drive a 00-V6/5spd Mustang (w/several mod.s) 30+ miles to work everyday (yes even in this Michigan weather!).
I am a 95% Ford freak (I have a 74 Dodge Rallye Challenger and a old Dokata for JY runs) and my blood is "FORD blue" (with just a touch of Dodge blue mixed)!
 In my spare time I want to make this Bird FLY! [COLOR="Blue"](stupid fast would be just about right!) [/COLOR]But must do this with mostly recylced parts to keep the cost down as much as possible. Yes, JY and swapmeets are my biggest supply places. But I will buy new what I can't find.

That, is my "overall plan"! Hope this helps in clarifying my direction.:D
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: EricCoolCats on February 07, 2009, 08:35:35 AM
Converted to PDF for you:
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on February 08, 2009, 01:49:29 PM
Thanks,for the Pdf conversion!
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: Lightningbird on March 08, 2009, 01:08:30 AM
To answer your questions...if you have not already found a source is:

The 10" rear drums for the -bird Cougar will bolt directly onto the 8.8 housing with a stock width TC or Mustang rearend. Just whack the mounting points off of the TC rear for the calipers. Now since you wanted to convert to 5 lug (hopefully this is due to you having axles already cause you can run in the 10's without needing to swap)...just redrill the T-Bird or Cougar 10" drums in your garage and use the 5 lug swap replacement axle. A Few Ford Aerostars/Rangers/ Broncos came with the large 10" brake setup but they are few and far between. Keep your eyes peeled cause they need the 4.0 with a towing package and 5 speed (cause the A4LD would puke). Now I have not seen it but there may be a few Explorers out there with the correct diameter drum and 5 lugs. I myself just took the cheap way and left it 4 lug. That was cause I had everything for the 4 lug, wheels may be the only thing hard to find....but if you are using welds who cares leave the 4.
Title: Brake convertion 4 to 5 lug
Post by: FoxCoupe on March 11, 2009, 11:04:54 AM
Thanks, I may (for now) end up using the axles and 10" brakes from the 7.5 TC housing (I can use the 7.5 axles in the 8.8, right?), The 5lug axles I have are from the LSC, not the Mustang 5 lug.
 I have a pair of aluminum 4 lug narrow wheels to use for the front (I was told were TC spare wheels, I don't know?) I could use these for front wheels? Would they take it? I don't currently have any wide 4 lug rear wheels. I'll need to figure out which way would be more cost effective. 5 lug conversion or new/used 4 lugs wheels for the rear axle.
  Almost time to go bargin hunting! A lot of outdoor swap meets should be coming up soon!