5-lug cnversion with a unique problem

[goldeneye]

I want to do a 5-lug conversion on my 86 GT and upgrade the brakes to 99-04 GT spec at the same time. I know I will need 96-04 spindles, 99-04 front calipers, and 94-04 rotors. First question is: What front control arms and struts do I use? Now, to further complicate the issue, I have an 88 T-Coupe disk brake rear end in the car. Are there any 5-lug axles for the T-Bird rear, or will I have to switch it back to a Fox Mustang rear end? Any and all help greatly appreciated. An exact parts list would be GREAT.

[mfpmax]

The Turbocoupe rear is the same as a Mustang rear, only difference was it got disc axles. So the 5 lug axles, should go right in what you have now.

As for the struts, I think V8 struts from 87-93 should work, or your current struts with a shim.

[50 Proof]

The Turbocoupe rear is the same as a Mustang rear, only difference was it got disc axles. So the 5 lug axles, should go right in what you have now.

As for the struts, I think V8 struts from 87-93 should work, or your current struts with a shim.

you use your fox struts with spacers I believe, if i'm thinking of the right thing...
http://sn95brakes.cjb.net/
scroll down to the part sn95 parts(94+ mustangs)

for the t-coupe rear, if you want axels that keep the stock track you can use aerostar/ranger(from certain years) axels but you'll need special rear caliper brackets. Otherwise you can use SN95 rear axels, but your rear wheels will be pushed out slightly, not a big deal.
If I remember correctly, you'll have to modify the t-coupe rear slightly to get be able to bolt up your quad shocks.

BTW, welcome to the board

also check out this site...
http://www.duggerracing.com/techtips/brakes/index1.shtml

[Mumfts85gt]

Welcome to the board. You may want to get 94-95 spindles to retain the stock offset/track. The later ones push the wheels out slightly. You can use your current struts with the spacers mentioned earlier. I just replaced my old struts yesterday with Tokico Illuminas for 87-93 Mustang 5.0s and didn't need to keep the shims. I personally used a 86 SVO master cylinder, stock booster and Summit proportioning valve. There is some debate on whether or not you should use SN-95 Master cylinder and booster, but I like the stiffer pedal from the SVO unit. As far as keeping the same rear track, the Aerostar/Ranger Axles will be required. Special caliper brackets will be needed as mentioned earlier, whether you use the Turbo Coupe or SN-95 rear end. I just checked out the http://www.duggerracing.com/techtips/brakes/index1.shtml site 50Proof posted and it is excellent.

[fordfreak300]

Welcome to the board. I would answer your question but the guys above hae already done an exccelent job of doing so already. :)

[goldeneye]

Thanks for the info. That Dugger Racing site had all the info I was looking for as far as the front setup. As far as the rear setup, I still have some questions. Will the Aerostar/Ranger axles fit the wider T-Coupe rear end that is already in the car? If so, are there any five lug rotors for them? I really appreciate the help.

[mfpmax]

The rear end isn't wider.

The axles are wider. So it should fit.

[50 Proof]

an 8.8 is an 8.8. The T-coupe rear is not wider. You can use the aerostar/ranger axels but if you are converting to rear discs and you are using aerostar/ranger axels, you will need special caliper brackets for the rear. For some reason the website that has these brackets does not work.

these are the people that sell the rear caliper brackets for the shorter rear aerostar/ranger axels. Their website is all messed up right now, links don't work, but their main website works, so you can probably get their number and give them a call.

http://www.northracecars.com/

if you use ranger axels, make sure you get them from the correct years. Not all ranger axels work. finding 2 passenger side Aerostar axels might be a lot easier but make sure the bearing surface is good. It seems as though the people who drive these vans don't know how to tell when their rear wheel bearings are bad so finding a good set was somewhat of a task lol

[goldeneye]

an 8.8 is an 8.8. The T-coupe rear is not wider. You can use the aerostar/ranger axels but if you are converting to rear discs and you are using aerostar/ranger axels, you will need special caliper brackets for the rear. For some reason the website that has these brackets does not work.

Actually, it is wider. And that is the problem. I need five lug axles and rotors for a T-Coupe rear end. It already has resr disc brakes from the factory (the T-Coupe rear end, that is).

Just for reference, the 94-98 8.8 is narrower than the 99-04 8.8. It's the axle tubes and axles that get longer as the years progressed from 86 to 99.

[v8only]

no, the turbocoupe rear end is NOT wider, I know this for a fact, it is the exact same width as the mustang rear, axle tube to axle tube. I've already swapped out the turbocoupe rear discs and put in my 8.8 4 lug drum axle shafts and converted the t/c rear to drum brakes. I've also picked up 5 lug aerostar axleshafts already for corey's (50 proof) conversion, and they are, down to the mm identical to the 8.8 4 lug axleshafts.

the t/c rear is only wider because of that large abs gear that rests on the end of the turbocoupe 4 lug axleshaft. Pull out the turbocoupe axleshafts, and it's the same width.

[50 Proof]

the axels on the SN95 Mustangs are longer, not the 8.8 housing. The axels are longer and accomodate the SN95 rear caliper brackets. That is why if you use the aerostar axels you can not use the stock SN95 rear caliper brackets. The Aerostar axels are shorter than the SN95 axels and that is why you need special rear caliper brackets when using aerostar axels. You can take an SN95 rear, swap in aerostar axels and it'll still be the stock fox wheel track

[mfpmax]

Yes, we've been down the actual rear end housing road before. People have stood the housings on end to end next to each other and had no size difference.

[goldeneye]

Ok then. I guess I stand corrected. But my question still remains: What 5-lug axles and rotors can I use on this 87-88 T-Coupe rear in my 86 GT and still retain the original T-Coupe disk brake calipers. 94-98 SN95? 99-04 SN95? Aerostar?

[Mumfts85gt]

Here is the link to the North Cobras rear brake parts page: http://www.northracecars.com/catalog/brakes/brakes.htm .
I'd suggest looking through their site for more info on what rear components you do need.
4-Lug Rear Disk Brake Conversion (10.125" Rotor)
Now in stock - 4 lug rear disc brake conversion bracket for FFR cars and Mustangs. Retains standard axles and uses Thunderbird turbo-coupe rear brake system. Great for those who need better braking, but already have too much money in wheels! Part numbers given with installation instructions. If converting from drum brakes, the hardware kit ($10) is recommended.

This product has recently been redesigned to eliminate all of the welded parts, it's significantly better and has a lower price than the previous version.

Brackets $140 pr + $10 shipping.

Correct me if I'm wrong, here is my interpretation. You can ignore the 4-lug part in the description and use Ranger/Aerostar axles to retain the track width and have 5-lugs. I had bought some Ranger axles from a guy online and didn't like the bearing surface so I just bought the FRP rear 5-lug swap kit (axles and drums). Some times I prefer to use new parts.

Check this site out for rotors to use with Turbo Coupe components http://www.discbrakesrus.com/make/ford/mustanggtff. As you can see they carry rotors drilled for 4 or 5 lugs. You may want to e-mail them.
http://www.discbrakesrus.com/make/ford/rightrear4lugslottedrotor.jpg