Lincoln Brake Conversion (Mark VII to Fox Mustang)
Follow along as we work out the "best practice" for this procedure
click on image to enlarge (Browser Back arrow to return)
Follow along as we work out the "best practice" for this procedure
click on image to enlarge (Browser Back arrow to return)
We decided to start with the rear since that is what appears at this
point to be the most complicated and most necessary. These are
9 in. X 2 in. Drums - typical for Fox Mustangs. This one has been
converted to an 8.8 axle but still only got the drums and 4 bolt axles.
Notice the Quad Shock brackets on the axle. Needless to say, the
shocks and body mount brackets are on the way!
No I did not paint the drum blue!
point to be the most complicated and most necessary. These are
9 in. X 2 in. Drums - typical for Fox Mustangs. This one has been
converted to an 8.8 axle but still only got the drums and 4 bolt axles.
Notice the Quad Shock brackets on the axle. Needless to say, the
shocks and body mount brackets are on the way!
No I did not paint the drum blue!
Here are the affected components to make it happen. Brackets,
Holders, and calipers are 82 Lincoln. The 5 Lug axles are from
mid-eighties Rangers (left side). The axles measured exactly with
the 4 lugs and slipped right in the 8.8 Traction-Loc. So far - so good.
There is a center hole size problem with the rotors but we will deal
with that later
Everything is Media Blasted and looking good!
Holders, and calipers are 82 Lincoln. The 5 Lug axles are from
mid-eighties Rangers (left side). The axles measured exactly with
the 4 lugs and slipped right in the 8.8 Traction-Loc. So far - so good.
There is a center hole size problem with the rotors but we will deal
with that later
Everything is Media Blasted and looking good!
This conversion is referred to as "Flipped Lincoln" because of the
contortions this bracket goes thru. The Mark VII has the same width
axle housing as the Mustang but the track is 1.25 in. wider per side
meaning the axles are longer. To maintain the stock track for the
Mustang, these brackets must be swapped side to side which
leaves them "flipped" requiring modification for rotor clearance.
contortions this bracket goes thru. The Mark VII has the same width
axle housing as the Mustang but the track is 1.25 in. wider per side
meaning the axles are longer. To maintain the stock track for the
Mustang, these brackets must be swapped side to side which
leaves them "flipped" requiring modification for rotor clearance.
As you will notice in the previous image, to gain clearance only
the shoulder of the attaching bolt remains (still thicker than the
metal it holds). Usual procedure is to weld the shoulders to the
bracket to keep the bolt from ever coming loose. We opted to
weld the other end to the Holder - no clearance problems, neater,
no risk of loosing temper in the bracket - just as effective.
the shoulder of the attaching bolt remains (still thicker than the
metal it holds). Usual procedure is to weld the shoulders to the
bracket to keep the bolt from ever coming loose. We opted to
weld the other end to the Holder - no clearance problems, neater,
no risk of loosing temper in the bracket - just as effective.
| Last Updated 1/4/07 |
Here it is starting to come together nicely. The modified bracket
looks good. The new calipers fit perfect !
This might work!
looks good. The new calipers fit perfect !
This might work!
A better look at the Caliper - COOL !
ADDED 1/4/07
I indicated earlier there was a problem with the fit between the
axle and the rotor. Well, the time came to solve it. The center
hole in the Lincoln rotor is about 1/4 inch (1/8 around) larger than
the boss on the axle. SN95 5 on 4.5 wheels need the larger boss
and the Lincoln front rotors are also the larger size, so the fix was
turning a set of spacers on the lathe. The outside circumference
is nurled for a "bump on" fit.
axle and the rotor. Well, the time came to solve it. The center
hole in the Lincoln rotor is about 1/4 inch (1/8 around) larger than
the boss on the axle. SN95 5 on 4.5 wheels need the larger boss
and the Lincoln front rotors are also the larger size, so the fix was
turning a set of spacers on the lathe. The outside circumference
is nurled for a "bump on" fit.
When it all comes together, it looks like this. Notice the adaptor
ring is staked in place to keep it from working loose but it could
be removed in case the axle needs changed.
ring is staked in place to keep it from working loose but it could
be removed in case the axle needs changed.
While we are back here , might as well upgrade the suspension.
The Quad-Shocks and brackets had arrived so the time was right
to install them and add Gas Shocks. The Air Bags were
previously installed so they were removed, checked , cleaned and
re-installed
The Quad-Shocks and brackets had arrived so the time was right
to install them and add Gas Shocks. The Air Bags were
previously installed so they were removed, checked , cleaned and
re-installed
This is a shot from the back.
Old over / New. Definite improvement !!
Lets see............ 8.8 Axle with Traction-Lok - Stabilizer bar -
Quad-Shock set up - Air bags - 5 lug Axles - 11 inch Lincoln Disc
Brakes ............. OK "429" Bring it on - we are ready back here !
Quad-Shock set up - Air bags - 5 lug Axles - 11 inch Lincoln Disc
Brakes ............. OK "429" Bring it on - we are ready back here !