4 lug to 5 lug axle swap

[DigitalGhost]

Does anyone have any advice, or a basic guidline I could follow for swapping out my stock 4 lug axles for some 5 lugs. I've heard that the axles from early 90's Rangers and Aerostars will fit in a fox, but I don't know for sure. Also, when I do the conversion, I wanted to put in four wheel disc brakes instead of putting on another set of drums in the back. I've got a stock 90 LX 5.0.

I don't really know what I'm doing in this situation, and I could use as much detailed and simple advice as possible. Can I just take the axles out of my fox and put the spindles in from a ranger or aerostar, or do I have to keep the whole axle? How do I go about installing 4 wheel disc brakes and removing the rear drums? These are the kinds of questions I need answed.

Anyway enough of my rambling. Any advice helps. Thanks

 

[Fett]

Do a search for "5 lug swap" and you will find many threads and many links.

Basically if you are going to switch over to rear disk, you need a lot more than just axles. You will need sn95 axles, calipers, lines, new master, modify existing lines, ect ect. If you want to keep the drums, you can get the Aerostar or Ranger axles, from a 7.5 rear end with 9" drums. Those axles are direct fit, and no other brake modifications need to be made...except obviously getting the correct 5-lug drums. It is passenger side Aerostar or drivers side Ranger axle. Then there is converting the fronts.

Do a search and you will find everything you need.

 

[Fett]

http://mjbobbitt.home.comcast.net/mustang/5lug.html

 

[Jason 302]

http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/5lug.html

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Aerostar '86-91 Rear Axle; Ford, R.
Aerostar '92-97 Rear Axle; R.
Bronco II '84-90 Rear Axle; L.
Ranger '83 Rear Axle; 10 bolt hsg cover, L.
Ranger '84 Rear Axle; 10 bolt hsg cover, 7-1/2" ring gear, L
Ranger '85-86 Rear Axle; 7-1/2" ring gear, L.
Ranger '87-92 Rear Axle; L.

Here is the interchange... Lefts from Rangers....Rights from Aerostars

 

[DigitalGhost]

Thanks guys.

What about going with a 5-lug conversion kit such as the one by 50resto? It would be more costly, but would the end result be better? Would it be comparable to the improved steering of the SN95 front axle over the fox bodys? (Link provided by Jason302)


My end goal is to put in cobra brakes (13" front and 11.65" rear) and upgrade to 5 lug to allow for a wider selection of wheels. Between buying a 5 lug conversion kit and venturing through a scrap yard which is going to be easiest and take the least time. My fox is my DD and I can't have it sitting in my garage in pieces forever while I try to haphazard a 5 lug conversion.
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=LRS-4234K 1&comp=LRS