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  1. #1

    Default Are 1987 Thunderbird spindles same as 1987 Mustang?

    In my quest for a brake upgrade on my new 1978 Zephyr, I have access to a 1987 Thunderbird equipped with a 5.0 drivetrain. While I know the 1987-88 TurboCoupe have the same brakes (plus rear discs) as the 1987-1993 Mustang 5.0s, are the brakes from 1987 Thunderbirds with 5.0 also the same?
    Thanks,
    Raul
    Last edited by chivaceae; 03-02-2020 at 01:14 AM.

  2. #2
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    I will not venture to say that I am not 100% certain, but I believe the 87-88 V8 bird and cougar and t-coupe birds (and possibly also the XR7 Cougars) used effectively the same front spindle as the 87-93 V8 Mustang.

    Would have to get access to an old boneyard cross-reference book again to know for sure but I'm pretty sure.


    Google results.....
    You can use spindles from either the 1987-93 V8 Ford Mustang (GT or LX) or a 1987-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe; they're both the same parts. ... Mustang-spec 5.0 LX/GT V8 struts are narrower where they meet the spindle. Cougar/T-Bird may have more meat here. Mustang spindles on a bird would use spacers to work properly.


    If those are accurate then you would use circa 79-86 / 4 cyl struts in front to accommodate the tbird spindle. Or get out a grinder and narrow up the mounting tab if you want them to fit the 87-93 spindle. Or use a generic 79-93 strut as those will be wider and ship with the shims.
    Last edited by erratic50; 03-02-2020 at 12:58 AM.

  3. #3

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    Nevermind my question, I just found out (from the Cool Cats website on Cougars and TBirds) that the 1983-88 Cougar/Thunderbird used the 10" front and 9"/10" rear brakes (across all engines: 2.4L I4, 3.8L V6 and 5.0L V8s). Only the 1987-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupes have the 11" front brakes like the 5.0 1987-1993 Mustangs.
    I could have access to a 1987 TurboCoupe, but that means quite a bit of work for me, as I need to remove the tree that fell on top of it, and all the wild rose bushes and vegetation around it. I'll scout if first the best I can to ensure the front brakes, and the rear axle look OK as to be sourced for my project (If I was to use the rear axle with the disc brakes, I'll swap in my 4-lug axles and use the adapter plates from NorthRace cars).

    Raul
    Last edited by chivaceae; 03-02-2020 at 01:02 AM.

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Always liked the turbo coupes and XR7's...... Too bad its "under" a tree.

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by erratic50 View Post
    Always liked the turbo coupes and XR7's...... Too bad its "under" a tree.
    Thank you for your reply, as well as your 4-lug brake upgrade sticky thread - which I am using as my guideline. I will certainly scout better that TurboCoupe, and see if I could "clear" the tree and vegetation around it, and pull out the front brakes and the rear axle (which still has the two wheels attached).
    I also need to convince its grouchy owner (80-year old who is dreaming of pulling the engine and T5 trans out of it). I'll see about getting the brakes in exchange from removing the tree (24" diameter) on top of it. I am a horticulturist by training, and have some familiarity with arboriculture work (and have the chainsaw and gear to work on trees)
    Last edited by chivaceae; 03-02-2020 at 01:13 AM.

  6. #6

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    The turbo coupe axle is a drop in best fox body axle ever made. 8.8", same width as the 5 lug 94-98 stang stuff and has 10" vented rear rotors with either a 3.55 or 3.73 gear.

    Sad thing is, guys always pull them apart and gut them when they are all ready to go.
    2 1986 cougars (both 4 eyed and 5.0)
    1 1987 cougar

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