Spindle question

[TxBandit]

I have a pair of Fox spindles, a pair of 73mm calipers, and Mark VII rotors. The problem lies in the bolt pattern between the spindle and the caliper. The c/c dimension on the caliper is a tad longer than the c/c dimension on the spindle. Is it possible that I have 4 cyl spindles?? If so, how do I tell??

Would I be better off going to the SN-95 front brakes?? Anyone know what the weight difference between the SN-95 and the Fox brake setup??

Thanks,
Troy

[Blue91]

Check the thickness of the strut mounting "pad". If they are thick enough to not fit a stock v8 strut, they are 4 cyl. If lakewood drag struts fit with NO shims needed, they are 4 cyl. If you need, tomorrow I can get you a measurement on the thickness of the "pad" Im talking about. No can do today, bout to pack up for CCB.

Regards,

[TxBandit]

I went out and measured mine. The strut mounting pad is between 15/16" and 1" thick. I would guess that I have 4 cyl spindles. I would hate to think that there are spindles that are thicker!!! I guess I am on the hunt for a piar of V8 spindles now!!!

Troy

[trbstang]

I’m getting ready to convert my 87 5.0 to SN95 spindles later this month and will have them available. If you can’t wait, according to www.car-part.com, johnny franks and big leroys have them for about $30-35 each. The Tbird spindles are the same for the 87-88 models also ( turbocoupe, probably). Actually the 87-93 V8 spindles are thinner than the pre 87 models – you need spacers (washers) for the 79-86 or 87-93 4 cyl struts to mount with the 87-93 V8 spindles.

As far as the SN95 – I don’t know if they are that much lighter than the Fox ones– but the 99+PBR calipers are about 8 lbs lighter than the 94-98 model ones at about 10 lbs vs 18 lbs. Of course the main advantages are the separate rotor/hub and the ability to run all Ford 17” wheels easily as opposed to the Mark VII rotors, along with better braking ability. Plus you can easily upgrade to 13” rotors and Cobra calipers. Check out Matt Bobbitts website for more brake info if you haven't already:

http://svo73mm.cjb.net/

Let me know if you are interested in my spindles.

Thomas

[Neighbors]

Troy,

Hold tight for a day or so on the hunt; I may have a deal for you...

/me holds breath..

/me passes out...

Thomas: Glad to see you here. I know you've read Matt's page, but if you need any assistance/support/encouragement, please let me know. I converted my '91 myself, and might have some tidbits for you...

Chris

[Neighbors]

Added a picture of the spindles/struts I got off of Rick's '91 'vert...

The spindle thickness looks to be 3/4" (or a hair thicker), and you can see the spacers...

BTW, thanks for the heads up Fred! I was going to go take a look, but I had to run out for the afternoon...

Chris

[Rusman]

Originally posted by trbstang
As far as the SN95 – I don’t know if they are that much lighter than the Fox ones– but the 99+PBR calipers are about 8 lbs lighter than the 94-98 model ones at about 10 lbs vs 18 lbs. Thomas

I don't mean to hijack the thread here, but the above interests me. Is this applicaple to Cobra calipers? Is that 8lbs overall, or per caliper?

If this is true, is should be an easy swap out for the newer calipers to a 95, right?

[trbstang]

Rusman,

That info is from Matt Bobbitt's website mentioned above and applies to the standard calipers on the base and GT models comparing the 94-98 iron ones to the 99+ aluminum ones. The Cobra ones are the same from 94-02. Matt says he is trying to make adapter mounts to fit the standard PBR calipers to the larger Cobra rotors, since the standard calipers have larger pistons and a larger brake pad area than the Cobra pads, but I'm not sure where he stands. I talked with Timinator on West Side Mustangs about it, he dosen't think it would work due to the different arcs of the rotors, but who knows until it is tested.

Thomas

[TxBandit]

Thanks for all the info guys!!! Based on the picture that Nay attatched, I have concluded that my spindles are definitely either pre-87 or 4 cyl pieces.

I guess I should have let everyone know that my intent is drag race only, not street driven at all. I'm not really concerned with fitting 13+" rotors or a wheel larger than 15" diameter.

Chris and Thomas, let me know how much you want for a pair of spindles. I'm in no hurry, but I won't pass up a good deal either!!

Thanks again for all the help.

Troy

[Rusman]

Thomas: thanks for the info!

[Zzyzxx]

I've already purchased everything I need for a 5 lug comversion to Thrusters - I have the 5 lugs installed in the rear already, the crank broke on me the week before I was going to do the fronts. Johnny Franks sold me SN95 spindles, calipers, rotors off of a 94 for $250 (seems that's what the going price is around the net for that set)

http://www.geocities.com/nosmatthew/index.htm (http://)

There's a site that indicates an uber cheap alternative to buying new lines to convert from the fox brakes to the SN95 lines. (passenger side only)

I got my info for the purchase here as well (http://svo73mm.cjb.net)

Something to keep in mind, the 94/95 year stangs had different spondles than the 96+ models, with an additional 16mm offset at the spindle - something to consider when trying to squeeze those 18" dubs under the wheelwell. That 16mm just might give you what you need.

[trbstang]

Sounds just like me. I’ve done the rear, just waiting to finish working quarter end to do the front. I got my pair of 95 spindles & hubs for $65 and got new 99+ dual piston PBR calipers, rotors, lines and pads taken off of a Saleen conversion for $155 shipped to my door. The newer calipers are better than the 94-98 models when you factor in the stopping power and the weight savings. Many people are upgrading their 94-98 with the newer ones. If you are going to stick with the smaller rotors, and not go to Cobra calipers at some point, I’d think about using the newer ones. You can get them for as little as $35 each, plus you can polish the aluminum calipers and they would look great through an open wheel.