11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Topic: 11" Brake Upgrade Problem (Read 1327 times) previous topic - next topic

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

January 04, 2013, 11:15:23 AM

I'll cut to the chase...I think I received 4-cyl Mustang spindles from ebay.

I have an 88 XR7 and upgrading to the Mustang 11" brakes using the tutorial from Cool Cats. Everything else on the front end will remain stock. While down there I also replaced tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings and sway bar bushings. I ordered KYB Struts (Part 235005) for the Cougar XR7 from Summit Racing.

The installs went fine until I tried to secure the strut to the "new" spindle I ordered off a 90 Mustang GT from ebay. The strut mounting ear on the KYB is about 1/4-inch too wide where it bolts to the spindle and the bolt holes are about an 1/8 inch off total.

I called Summit to confirm I received the right strut and I had. So I took my dremmel and slightly elongated the two holes on the strut mounting ears to allow the bolts to pass and had to use washers on the bolts to compensate for the gap.

Everything is back together but I'm delaying taking the car to the alignment shop because I'm not comfortable with my modification and concerned I may have F**d up my geometry with the spacers and dremmel action.

So I had an epiphany today and wondering if the spindles I received from ebay is actually from a 4-cylinder Mustang and not the GT as advertised.

Your thoughts or experiences?

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #1 – January 04, 2013, 11:30:21 AM

11" spindles are thinner where the struts mount. Using spacers (aka washers LOL) is perfectly fine. In fact, some strut manufacturers include them for just this situation. You'll be just fine.

BTW, 4-cylinder Mustang spindles and your stock 10" spindles are identical.

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #2 – January 04, 2013, 11:53:00 AM

Thank god! I was afraid I would have to take those s back apart and leave my Coug on jack stands while waiting for new struts and spindles.

I wonder why there's no mention of the need for washers in the "how to"?

Anything special or recommended for the alignment following the spindle swap (alignment plates, shims)?

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #3 – January 04, 2013, 01:31:15 PM

I'll have to remember to add that to the article.
Alignment should be normal.

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #4 – January 04, 2013, 07:42:24 PM

I just tightened mine until the ears bent and clamped down on the spindle. I figured it was because I wasn't using mustang struts. I also had to elongate the holes to match the spindle. I think next time I buy struts I'll order them for mustang.

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #5 – January 07, 2013, 01:58:05 PM

For future reference order front struts for a 94-95 Mustang GT and you will be fine. They will bolt up to the Fox GT spindles with no mods and they have about an inch more travel than the Fox struts which work well on a non-lowered Fox Bird or Cougar. I have the Fox Mustang struts (due to it being lowered) on my '83 Bird with the 96+ Mustang spindles and they were a direct bolt on.

Darren

11" Brake Upgrade Problem

Reply #6 – January 07, 2013, 06:04:44 PM

Quote from: Aerocoupe;406399

For future reference order front struts for a 94-95 Mustang GT and you will be fine. They will bolt up to the Fox GT spindles with no mods and they have about an inch more travel than the Fox struts which work well on a non-lowered Fox Bird or Cougar. I have the Fox Mustang struts (due to it being lowered) on my '83 Bird with the 96+ Mustang spindles and they were a direct bolt on.

Darren

Wish I would have known this before. Oh well, the washers work fine.