Hot Rods Help from the Falcon Folks

I think the five lug spindles changed in 1965 too. If your spindles are from a 63 1/2 or 64 car they aren’t the same geometry as the 65-65 v8 Mustang or the 65 v8 Falcon.

Later five lug Maverick and Granada spindles work too, but there are some unsubstantiated comments of bump steer issues. The bump steer may only be an issue with the older pre 65 linkage.

I have a set of 64 (Comet) five lug spindles and brakes for free if someone needs them.

You pay shipping.

 

QUOTE-
“Later five lug Maverick and Granada spindles work too, but there are some unsubstantiated comments of bump steer issues. The bump steer may only be an issue with the older pre 65 linkage.”

When I converted my ‘64 to ‘65 style steering to fit the Boss engine I also installed the Boss spindles and discs. I had no issues with bump steer. ( this was in 1974) This time around I have converted to strut suspension and Baer disc brakes. (Using the Mustang box and ‘65 style steering linkage)
Jim

 

V8 and i6 parts are different

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Don't all the ****back hardtops 63.5 and up have the v8 configuration (torque boxes and heavier gauge rails)? Ie futura hardtops

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That’s what I thought..mines a Futura and it has torque boxes...but had a 6 banger from the factory

Guys thanks for all the replys..finding out Ford did some “unique” stuff Haha. I’m gonna start by taking things apart and heading to the parts store..I can get everything from the pitman arm out via the parts store...only mystery to me still are the spindles..Being 5 lug and not knowing if they are V8 falcon or mustang or god knows what..but I’m thinking if they were from a disc equipped car the discs would be up front. I’m gonna measure the drums and shoes..that may help narrow it down too

 

I know I've seen a '63 hardtop without the torque boxes, but now that you mention it I haven't seen a '64-65 like that. The only reason I became aware of the differences was when I owned my '64 289/4 speed Caliente, I picked up a dealer tout sheet for the Comet that went into detail about how the new-for-'64 Comets now used the 'V8' body only, unlike 'lesser' cars (I ***ume they meant the un-named Falcon). There was also a diagram showing where the changes were made. Maybe because Mercury semi-upstaged the cheaper Ford, they may have decided to upgrade the higher-line Futura hardtop too. If you have the V8 body with the heavier framerails, it will be obvious if you look where the rails are spot-welded to the floors. The V8 rails are nearly 1/16" thick, while the sixes got the same gauge as used in the floors, fenders, etc.

Prior to '68, there wasn't any 'disc brake spindle'. The 4-piston KH calipers used '65-67 used a standard V8 drum brake spindle with a simple adaptor. These were rigid-mount calipers (not sliding), that actually were better performers than the 'floating' single-piston calipers that replaced them but proved to be too sensitive to disc runout. Customer complaints/warranty issues sealed their fate....

 

Any of these pics help identify what I got? I looked at a 65 wagon this morning it had a 302 roller put in it by someone.. front end components looked like mine...I know the center link looks pretty beefy on my car..

 

I believe you have the 63/64 steering...… The 65 steering is much more desirable….
Check the picture on post #22 of this thread....

While you are working on the steering, check into doing the Shelby drop.... Very simple way to improve the steering even more....

LynnW

 

Yep, the early steering. If you're going to swap it out for the '65 version, don't throw it away; there may be a restorer who would want this. The early center link is no longer available, but can be rebuilt IF you have a core.

 

It concerns me that there are stacked washers under the castle nuts for the tie rod ends.

This might still be all of the 6-cylinder steering components, with the tie rods held in by hope.

If this is the case, the tapers in the spindles, for the tie rods, might be damaged.

If they are, and it is minimal, they might be able to be reamed.

 

I went through this on my Falcon that I had since high school. Original straight 6/4 lug. Mine is a 64 2 door hardtop Futura. There is a build thread on here search 64 Falcon Suspension. But as others have stated 6 cylinder and v8 suspension is not the same.
They are pointing you in the right direction. Any questions you might have feel free to inbox me and I will answer them for you. I will tell you this I bought the v8 coil springs and they were very stiff. Ended up running the original straight 6 ones and I never had a problem with them. They ride just fine long distance and light to light driving.
-Mark

 

Ok so I can find all the steering stuff from falcon parts...but how would I figure out what year and model spindles are on there? Is is 6 cylinder steering stuff with pre 65 brakes and spindles?

I’m thinking the easiest , but most expensive thing to do be to order a disc brake kit with spindles...seen em for about 600-700 bucks, plus a 65 steering upgrade kit...about 500 bucks...

 

There is a part number on the spindles. It starts with a C (C=1960's), followed by a number. That number is the year of part introduction.

For example C3 is 1963.

Ford carried over parts when there was no design change, so finding parts with older year part numbers is not usual.

 

If you would like front disc brakes and don’t want to spend a ton of money why not use factory Ford Brakes? I have three complete sets with spindles of Granada/Versailles front brakes on the shelf, they need to be cleaned and have the rotors turned and new pads. These should bolt in, like I mentioned in an earlier post I used a similar set up on my Comet and was pleased with them. You don’t have to use after aftermarket brakes.
Jim

 

^^^ This! The Granada/Monarch discs are a easy bolt-on swap, parts are readily available and cheap, the only thing you need to watch is the steering stops (you'll need to add to the stock ones or fab new ones, not a hard thing to do).

 

Guys I think I’m gonna do a kit form. It will be the easiest “ open it up” and start doing it situation. These kits have everything needed from the master out including spindles.
Everyone has been great on here. I figure it a good investment in the car...like a kitchen remodel on a house...will only make it more enjoyable and easier to sell when I get bored with it
Thanks for the help.

 

V8 spindles used a bigger tie rod taper. if someone put V8 spindles on, and connected I6 tie rods, the nuts bottom on the threads leaving the tie rod taper loose. So, the washers (NOT good, NOT safe). Change everything from side-to-side. Upgrade to discs and be done/safe.

 

http://opentrackerracing.com/product/single-piston-disc-brake-kit-v8-spindle-1965-1966/

http://opentrackerracing.com/product/falcon-v8-steering-kit-1964-61064-v8-spindle-1965-v8-spindle/

Ended up buying these kits.. John was great to deal with answered my question....he called me! Seems like a great source for some pretty nice suspension, brakes, steering components. Buying this way made sense...all new stuff, I’ll know what it all is..being able to stop will be a nice feature...

 

Right on, now you're talkin!

 

Thanks...just seemed like the best way to go about it...seems like a good investment I love having stopping power in my Biscayne. The Falcon will be a better driver and eventual added power needs to come to a halt. Realistically the price of the disc brake kit seems very reasonable to me. Heck I think V8 spindles are usually close to $400.00 on there own.

 

I have Opentracker parts on my Falcon. Really good stuff!

 

Good to know....I felt a lot better about everything after Johns call. Looking forward to getting the parts and seeing how much better it drives and stops

 

Ok wanted to update the thread...it’s on the street. The products from Opentracker were great! Everything went together nicely and works perfect.
The rims and tires fit perfect....

 

good job- it's a looker-

 

It’s all show and no go....that BBC has me spoiled...the 289 doesn’t hold a candle to that 454...