I have a Lincoln Versailles rear end that comes with disc brakes, in which I'm looking to convert it over to a drum ***embly. The reason for me wanting to use this rear end is because I'm going to be using a hopped up 500 Cadillac TH400 combo in my project and the gearing is just what I need. Also, the width is dead on for what's required. I dis***embled the brake and axle ***embly and found out that the caliper ***embly actually attaches to the axle itself. So, what would be the best way to go about swapping drum brakes onto this rear end? Could I somehow make my current axles work by having the caliper ***embly machined off? Or would I need to get new axles that allow for drum brakes? All information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Easy answer is to trade somebody, keep the pig and trade the housing. The gears in them are pretty bad, but the housing is desirable.
The Versailles disc rear has goofy bearing retainers, caliper brackets, and calipers. Not easily swapped to drum without changing the bearing retainers, IIRC. But Mustang guys will cheerfully pay you way too much for that rear end. You can easily sell one for $500-600 or more if it has all the parts. Then you can take less than half that, find a 9" from a full size car or pickup, and narrow it to your needs. You'll be hundreds ahead and have exactly what you want.
So basically I'd be better off picking up another 9" rear end and just swapping pumpkins then? Thanks again.
You would have to cut off the tube ends and weld on different ones. Like was said with the bearings pressed on right at the end of the axel you'll need another axel too. You can't even put long studs on this axel without pressing the bearing off and the stud knurl is a funky size to boot.
You might find a Ford Granada or Merc. Monarch with a 9 inch. They are the same as a Versallies but most of them came with 8 inches. Mavericks may be the same width
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