So I haven't posted in awhile, oh well. I am wondering if anyone has an idea of how I could change the front spindles of my 54 Car without going the route of a Fatguys front end. I have heard that some guy used the front out of a 70 Mercury but he had to make some sort of metal bushing for the lower part of the spindle anyone else hear of this or is there a straight swap in from some other car that I haven't heard of? Also I have a 4.11 rear end that most likely is going to need replacement (to low of gears). Is there a straight swap for that also? I know I will need to get the drive shaft altered but that is nothing, it just that the back of a 54 is pretty narrow, I am thinking that a Explorer rear should fit ok, anyone done that?
I couldn't find any help with the spindle swap on my 54 ,,,so I broke down and ordered the dropped ones..HRP
I got my 1954 Front end parts from a combination of drop'em n stop 'em (back of any popular customizing magazine) and dennis carpenter for the steering components and bushings. It may not be a junkyard scrounge but I like the disc brakes and the dropped spindles with new suspension parts. Each to their own.
If you want disc brakes, 75-80 granada/monarch spindles will work. You have to ream out the lower (I think) hole for the bigger size ball joint. I think you also may have to use a small bushing because of the length of the ball joint. No big deal about this as it is on the top of the ball joint hole, not the tapered part. This spindle also lowers the front about 1 inch. Use the granada master cylinder. Ive got some write ups on this if you want. If you want to keep the drum brakes, I guess fatman is the answer.
On the rear end, the narrowest rears (9 inch) are: 65-66 Mustang 57.25 in. 57-59 ranchero and wagon 57.25 in. 75 Mustang II (8 inch 57.00 in.) 71-74 Maverick (8 inch, 56.5 in.) 75-77 Maverick (8 in. 57 in. I got these measurements from some sites off the net There may be others, maybe some GM's Just measured my 54 and the rear is about 57.5 in.
paul2748 the fatman spindles you have to use granada disk brakes you cant keep the drum brakes....they are basically dropped granada spindles ......also if anyone is interested i have a set of brand new in the box fatman drop spindles for sale ...that will be going up on ebay this week.so if ya want em pm me or email me.........
You know I just love this site. I don't ask enough, well er maybe I don't know a whole lot that can help others out but I do know that everyone that post on this site are worth more then the direct phone # to Barris, Starbird and Bill Hines. Thanks for all the help guys!
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