Hi guys, I’m new to posting on the HAMB but I’ve been lurking / reading and researching for the disc brake conversion for my 55 Customline. For me I have zero interest in aftermarket or other brand conversions. So I am going to do this based on Ford parts and, hopefully, with as little modification as possible. From my research the ‘Granada’ swap is probably the most popular and fairly simple. However, the problem there is finding Granadii, Monarchs, etc for their spindles is not easy and that can also make them relatively expensive. So what other avenue(s) are there – that is why I started this research. FWIW, research is a good part of what I do for a living. And I’m here because you guys have the most knowledge / experience on this swap. I ended up making a spreadsheet based on part numbers and specs taken mostly from the RockAuto site which has a good amount of detailed info. I also used the NAPA site for some detail and a couple others to back up or fill in data. I tried to use parts brands, like MOOG, that have been around for a while and have a reputation for good quality. I would say the data is 90+% accurate. One problem I encountered was certain year/ model/engine combos seem to have used multiple parts. Because of those changes the years covered may not be perfect. The models, and their ch***is relatives, I chose to research came mostly from what has been discussed here. They are: mid-70s Maverick, mid-70s Torino, early-70s LTD, late-70s Thunderbird and 67-71 Galaxie. The Galaxies did not have much to offer so their info was not completed. The Maverick, which is very similar to the Granada, probably is the most available model so it has the most to offer – arguably more than the Granada. One parameter I did not delve into was original wheel diameter fitment. I did take wheel bolt pattern into consideration so my data only comes from cars with the 5x4.5 pattern. But, before I go further with what I found and the direction I am likely to go in, would anyone like to see the spreadsheet or have I bored the **** out of you already? Hopefully this is useful to someone. Also, can a spreadsheet be posted here?
I used these guy's. https://hotrodsandbrakes.com/shop?olsPage=products/fb3-b-budget-kit for my 55 Victoria. The provide a list of the parts with part numbers you will need to complete the kit. I bought most of what I needed from Rock Auto and saved money over buying from their recommended parts supplier. Kit worked very well, but you will have to use late model wheels or before you install the rotors you will need to turn the wheel center register down so the stock wheel will fit. Other than that it was a snap. Dave
Read an article many years ago in Hot Rod I think about using the 67 galaxie spindles and it required a tapered shim between the spindle and the ball joint. Other than that it was a bolt on. Those galaxie disc brakes are very rare and probably quite expensive if you can find them. As far as Mavericks go many of the (most?) first 4 years were drum brake cars and discs were not very common. We have a guy here in Oregon they call Maverick Mike and he sometimes buys a complete junk Maverick just to get the disc brakes if it has them. Not exactly cheap either. I think all the Granadas had disc brakes so there were a lot of those out there at one time but after 40+ years they mostly have been junked now. Good luck without going aftermarket. Why not use your stock spindles and something like a scarebird kit?
This is a commonly used kit that uses EZ to find over the counter parts. https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=65&product_id=91
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