1967 vert disc brake and 5 lug conversion

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SteveWolf1965

Member
#1
#1
Hey everyone, new Mustang owner and new to the site. I'm hoping to get a little advice.

Here's what I have. I just acquired a 67 convertible. It was originally an I6 but a previous owner dropped in a 1969 351W. It has a 8" rear, drums all around, and 4 lug wheels. No p/s or a/c.

Here's the direction I'm going in- I want to make this car safe for my family to ride in and do some upgrades to modernize it.

Here are my thoughts- convert the brakes to disc, wheels to 5 lug to accommodate 16" rims, upgrade the steering and suspension. I'm not sure what I'm doing about the steering yet; that's not my concern right now.

Here's my issue- I've seen this topic on other forums, but the posts are either outdated or not specific to 1967. I've seen several drum to disc conversion kits. I think I need to resolve the lug conversion before I pick a brake kit. My understanding is that the front is easy to convert to 5 lug and disc because they use the same spindle as the 4 lug. To convert the rear, is it absolutely necessary to replace the entire rear to one with 5 lugs before converting the brakes to disc? To be honest, I'm not even sure if it's necessary to covert the wheels to 5 lug...some people seem to think it's necessary for a V8 swap. If it's not necessary to convert to 5 lugs, that does make my life easier; there are 4 lug disc conversion kits. And I know 4 lug 16" rims aren't that common, but they're out there.

Thoughts anyone? Thanks in advance.
 
ponyboy289

ponyboy289

Classic Mustang Guru
#2
#2
Hello and welcome. I can definitely give you some input on this. In short you do have good spindles (in 67 Every Mustang and Shelby used the same spindles).

As far as the rear,I could tell you what you want to hear.But in reality the stock 6 cylinder rear would last about 20 feet once you gave the 351 some gas(It's a 7.5" Falcon rearend,very light duty). So sadly you are best off going with an 8 or 9 inch 5 lug setup. If you need to pick my brain on anything related to this swap feel free.
 
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SteveWolf1965

Member
#3
#3
Thanks for the quick response. I was thinking of swapping in an Explorer 8.8 with some Summit spring perches welded on- stronger axle, posi, 3.73 gears and rear disc. Solves the 5 lug and rear disc problem. Your thoughts on this?
 
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SteveWolf1965

Member
#4
#4
I've been doing some research- my plan for now is to replace the rear with an 8.8 LSD out of a 96-01 Explorer. That'll give me the better rear, disc brakes and 5 lugs, all for about $250 plus spring perches.

For the front, I haven't decided if I want to try adding Granada brakes or just spent the $650 for a power disc conversion. Like you said, I've got good spindles which makes the job easier.

I haven't decided on steering, it's manual right now.

Suspension- I've been looking at kits but I think if rather have some flexibility in what parts I use. I want better ride quality without sacrificing performance. Your thoughts?
 
ponyboy289

ponyboy289

Classic Mustang Guru
#5
#5
It looks like a couple of our posts in this thread got lost or deleted? Anyhow that aside once again it depends on your budget and intended use. If it were my car this is how I would do the front end, I guess I'd leave it manual.Unless you need or really want power,that's up to you ,it is nice around town. I would go through the front end and replace whatever is worn with good quality parts (Like moog) .I've sold a bunch of front end rebuild kits, but I don't use them in my cars. They work but they are usually lesser quality parts which they combine to make lesser cost kits..Then I would do this 1) Good springs, your call on this. 2) An export Brace, this is a must 3) A 1 inch sway Bar(think shelby) 4) A monte carlo bar depending on what air cleaner you want to use. 5) Good shocks Kyb ,Koni etc. depends on budget and firmness of ride desired. 6) Quick ratio steering box,you might already have one you have to check your number of turns lock to lock.7) If you wanted to the arning 1 in drop on the upper arms........ It would feel like a completely different car.

Granada discs require different spindles, they are single piston floating calipers that were implemented starting in 68 by the bean counters they are not superior to the Kelsey hayes 4 piston stuff. IMO.
 
ponyboy289

ponyboy289

Classic Mustang Guru
#8
#8
adkmach1 said:
Really good information, I'm thinking of putting a front disc brakes on my Mach1.
Click to expand...
Hey,
I can help advise on that. I'll always stand corrected/try to learn something new everyday. I believe it was in 69 that you could get a mach without disc? I know by 70 they all had it. I'll have to brush up on my Mach 1 stuff.....

Your car is a bit of a different story as mach's typically had better stuff straight off, Your car should already have a quick ratio box, larger sway bar,etc. I'm curious as to what spindles your Mach has? I think you have the good 4 bolt drum style which can be outfitted with the earlier 4 piston stuff.
 
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SteveWolf1965

Member
#11
#11
Update on my project- I've ordered suspension parts. Mustang Plus Grab a Trak 4-leaf springs, stock. Mustang Plus one inch drop coils. Koni adjustable shocks all around. Performance spring perches from Stangaholics.

I just picked up a 95 Explorer 8.8 rear, D4 code, 3.73 gears. Limited Slip and disc brakes. Gears look great, I'm about to change the seals (bearings if necessary) and cleanup and spray the assembly with primer and rustoleum. The only thing I'm unsure of is what calipers to order. I'd like to upgrade to something better than the stock single piston.
 
S

SteveWolf1965

Member
#12
#12
Update- I changed the pinion seal and the bearing seals- the bearings are in great shape. Also sanded, painted and primed the housing. I ordered 3.25 anti-wrap leaf spring perches. The old perches are being cut off. I still need u-bolts. I'm a little confused about this- when I look up the part for the 1995 Explorer rear, the parts store websites indicate that I need 3 1/8" u-bolts. Is this correct? The housing and the perches are 3 1/4.
I refurbished the parking brakes today. Anyone looking to do the axle swap, here are some challenges. When selecting the donor rear, look for a code D4 axle out of a 95-00 Explorer. This will give you 31 spline, disc brake, limited slip, and 3.73 gear. The code is on the tag on the driver's side door jamb. Next, be careful in salvage yards- they remove the axles and stack them up outside, usually resting on the backing plates. Find an axle that's still on a car that has rear tires. If the tires are off, the weight of the car will be resting on the backing plates. It's important to find an axle with good backing plates because they do not make an after market version for this part. And Ford will only sell the part as part of the whole parking break assembly for $300. I had to buy the parts from another salvage yard because mine were shot. I have a 95 and the ones I bought were off a 96. Basically they are the same, except the 96 plates had a smaller opening where the parking brake lever passes through. It was easy enough to grind out with a Dremel.
Refurbishing the parking brakes is straight forward enough. Buy new shoes and a $10 spring kit. Also have some anti-seize for the brake lever. The 2 piece brake lever is prone to seize up, so you may need to soak it in PB Blaster and work it free. Clean it good and apply the anti-seize at the joint.
The clips are a pain, I didn't have the right tool, but I got them on with pliers and a screwdriver.
I have some pics on my phone, I'll put them up soon.
 
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