So I should be looking for Mustang 71-73 spindles? I think they might be easier to find as I did a quick search for Granada spindles and didn't come up with much. One last question, how much do they lower the car?

Durham Missouri

How much it changes the height of the car is a good question.. Have seen these conversions previously discussed, but never could seem to get a handle on what is really needed..  Will any of the before mentioned parts & setup work on a 57 car? I'll presume that the stock 14"- 1957 wheels would also need to be replaced with what?  due to caliper clearance issues? Any definate info appreciated. 


Paul

I'm pretty sure you will have to switch to 15" wheels or an aftermarket 14" wheel. I am going to lower the car some anyway but I would rather do it with springs but I could live with a combination of both to gain better braking.

Durham Missouri

Lowering the car with the spindles is always better in my opinion - and the Mustang / Granada spindles not only have the bigger outside bearing - but they are raised about an inch above the lower ball joint lugs. When "re-reaming" that lower lug - it is possible to lower the car further by "artfully" choosing the depth of the taper (which then alters the downward position of the ball joint). You can always play with the spring rates later on and having room to make them tall is nice too.
     
This picture shows the back of one of the later spindles (drum spindle from a "71 Mustang) - and it plainly shows the location of the "lathe center' used to finish turn the spindle in the Ford production machinery. On the earlier knuckles, that backside center is down on the ball joint lug. That is the static difference in design ride height between the two. This assumes - as mentioned earlier - the lower ball joint taper is sunk into that lower lug, as far as it is in the early knuckle. The spindle rise was not so much to lower the later cars (which it did) but it moves the upper joint down away from the tire sidewall.  

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

The small car steering knuckles - Mustang / Falcon / Maverick / Granada etc. are described on this document - will try to get it to come through.......
 
The 6-7-8 versions are what you would want to find. The Lincoln Versailles version is  actually "pre-reamed" for the earlier taper size. Those are a good find.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Funny you should mention the Lincoln Versailles. I just bought a set! Ok now the big question. What else do I need? Do I get calipers etc for a Granada or a Versailles?

Durham Missouri

Myself - I think if you have the Versailles knuckle parts, you should continue down that road and use the matching calipers and rotors. It will make repairs simpler at a future date - won't have to tell so many lies to get the right stuff at an auto parts store......just know the donor model/year info and recite well. If those matching parts turn out to be less than desirable however - then look at alternatives that fit on the big knuckles. Some of the later Granada brakes were tiny, skinny little parts - even though they had the bigger, better spindles. Guys who have swapped the Granada disc brakes onto drum brake Mustangs bitch a lot about warped rotors - when they use them in severe applications (like track time).    

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Thanks GreenBird. I did a quick search for parts and found everything pretty quick. Will let everyone know how it goes.

Durham Missouri