1955 Ford Fairlane...need advice

hey guys,I have a 55 Ford Fairlane with drum brakes up front.anyone know off hand what discs will fit? mustang maybe?

 

Granadas but the lower ball joint holes have to be reamed out I think.

 

yup granadas will work,with bottom ball joint holes reamed.. make sure its a v8 granada,you need to use the rims too..stock55 rims dont fit the bolt pattern

 

Ok Kool....the hunt is on!!

 

Do a search here on the HAMB, you'll find lots of info on the Granada disc brake conversion and how to lower the 55 and 56 Fords. The Granada spindles can be machined to lower the car or ride at the stock ride height.

 

The Lincoln Versailles spindles are the same as the Granada/Monarch parts in the right years -but ......they also come with the right (big) pin size for your 55 ball joints. Good hunting.

Check the following site for a check list of all the stuff you'll need -
http://www.discbrakeswap.com/

 

If you're hell bent on running discs, I believe the Lincoln Versaille's rear brakes are also discs. And be aware that Granada disc conversion will alter your track width slighty but that shouldn't be an issue. Also the stock Granada spindles will lower your car a few inches.

 

Bolt pattern is the same (4 1/2 x 5) but the hole in the stock rims are too small. Turn down the hubs (plenty of meat) and you are okay. Aftermarket wheels are generally ok, but check.

 

pretty sure its the same on a 55 but the bolt pattern on my 56 merc is (4 3/4 x 5)

 

Merrell, ford is 5 on 4.5, chevy is 5 on 4.75.
BTW torino, tbird, ltd etc. will bolt on with no reaming.
Dave

 

According to my Hollanders the Merc wheels should be 5 on 5 interchange # 666 Per the 1968 issue. The 55/56 Mercs were off by them selves as far as Ford product wheels go.
The 55 Fords used the 580B exchange # rim 15x5 with 5 on 5-1/2.

 

If I have the hub turned down enough to fit through the center hole in the stock '55 wheels, will the wheels clear the calipers? I want to make this car a sleeper (it's a Fairlane 4 door) which means keeping the stock wheels if I can.

 

My 55 Merc is 5 x 5

 

Yep, stock '55 Fords are 5 on 4.5.

 

I just picked up a 55 Crown Vic and I want to drop it down a little more in the rear. The car rides hard and doesn't take bumps well in the rearend. Thanks for any help from cruisers

 

I have the granada discs on my 55 but with no power ***ist I dont think they are much better then the drums I took off and the maverick rear end definately has smaller brakes so I am thinking I did not do so good on upgrading the brakes. Its going back to a Y block and thinking about going with a 57 wagon 9 inch and finding some 55 wagon front drums.