72 add ons

No is the simple answer for your brakes, I've been looking for some to go onto my 73

Any upgrade kits for the front? I'm guessing no lol

If the Explorer(1995-2001) rear brakes are easy to adapt to the 9", then look for the 2003+ range of Crown Vics. The Explorer has 11" rotors, single non vented disc, while the CV'c are a hair larger, but they are vented(thicker too). I have a set of those CV brakes that I haven't decided whether to use them for my 99 Explorer or not. Those should be easy to find now in salvage yards.

The bracket which mounts to the rear end will be the main item you'd have to modify, to mount with the right offset to the 9" rear. I don't know how well the parking brake cables will adapt. I have a set of those brake parts too, if you'd like to give those a try.

You do want to buy new rotors/pads though, the used things you find won't be that great.


Edited by 72 RS 351 - 12-January-2015 at 8:57AM

Somewhere I read that a certain era 1/2 ton Chevrolet (1500 series) 5 X 5 pattern brake assembly would work on our cars. Great for those of us using Lincoln components that have the 5 X 5 pattern. Large rotors, big GM calipers, sturdy cheap replacement parts off the shelf. Not sure what years but would have to be 1973-1979, 1980, 1981-1987, 1989-1998.

Front brake upgrade...

Edited by Regul8r - 12-January-2015 at 10:34AM

Big Bird wrote: He's got a 72, so he should have the right spindles. All he needs are the rotors (72 T-bird/Mark IV) and the caliper brackets for a full-size.

calipers are the same, just the spindles, caliper brackets & the front disc backing plates  i'll take a pair if you come up with extra

Good info guys!!!! Looks like a fairly easy swap out for the fronts.

Pretty salty? I'm used to high prices coming from the 70-71 crowd. Louvers 2500-3000 429 shroud 6-1000 grills 7-2000 lol nutty

Lol that is high for rotors. I'm just going to take your thought and rebuild it oem.

Regul8r wrote: as stated...   d. the caliper MOUNTS from the Donor T-Bird or one of the other FULL SIZE Fords from the 70s.

Carl,
I may be an idiot, but what are the other full size Fords from the 70's?
Thanks,
Russ

Elite and Cougar (Mercury alternative) are still midsizers like Torinos and Montegos. The LTD, Galaxie, and Marquis are some fullsizers.

Edited by GTW - 11-June-2015 at 2:12AM

Agree 100% on Billy's notes above. I run 17 and 18 inch wheels on every vehicle I drive. The rubber compounds, sidewall height, structure...all far better in the 17 and 18 inch sizes. I went from 14 inch setups on both wagons to 17/18 and the difference was astounding. Then I installed a set of CVPI shocks and even more so. Still on stock 40 year old springs. Next up will be the better springs and the Bilsteins. I know this all costs money, but the difference in prices between replacement of stock parts and moving up should be around $600. With the safer and more responsive handling, you might spend that extra $600, but you might save yourself from an accident or other catastrophe. Also, every driving experience will be better, I assure you.

I am also a firm believer in 4 wheel disc brakes. Not from a cool factor, but from a safety point of view. I live in mountainous terrain, and slowing down a 4000-5000 pound vehicle repeatedly will make you want the discs - even in flatland areas.

You can have a car with the proper suspension/wheels/tires and 350 horses just slaughter an identical car with stock parts and 450 horses. Every time, every day. Gotta be able to put the power to the ground and control it once it is there.

Billy C wrote: In either case tires are essential. I believe, although some may strongly dis-agree, choosing to go with 15in wheels regardless of tire choice will always leave performance on the table in the handling department. The sidewall is far too big and no real-deal brakes can fit under the 15s. The tire is always going to be the biggest limiting factor for a 4000+lb car in every direction.

Edited by 72FordGTS - 11-June-2015 at 7:07AM