• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

86 to 87 front spindles

  • Thread starter Thread starter tims 86
  • Start date Start date May 26, 2009

tims 86

Member
Apr 19, 2009
187
0
16
pittsburgh,pa
May 26, 2009
#1
  • May 26, 2009
  • #1
im looking to change my 86 lx to the 87-93 front spindles, has anyone done this? what all do i need? i dont really want to do it but i cant find much for the 86.summit sells a kit with strange struts and everything else i need, has anyone used this setup?
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
314
281
134
Apache Junction, AZ
May 26, 2009
#2
  • May 26, 2009
  • #2
You need (from an '87-'93 5.0 Fox):

1. spindles
2. rotors (with bearings and seals)
3. calipers
4. pads
5. brake hoses

That's about it. Remove old stuff, install new stuff, bleed brake system, top off fluid, and enjoy.

I'd like to do the swap on my '84, but I can't ever seem to find a set of 5.0 spindles at any of my local yards - they're all four-bangers, which are the same junk brakes that came on the earlier 5.0's in the first place.
 
Reactions: B0udreaux

tims 86

Member
Apr 19, 2009
187
0
16
pittsburgh,pa
May 26, 2009
#3
  • May 26, 2009
  • #3
what is the big differance?
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
314
281
134
Apache Junction, AZ
May 26, 2009
#4
  • May 26, 2009
  • #4
tims 86 said:
what is the big differance?
Click to expand...

Better braking power, less brake fade ... although I wouldn't call the '87-'93 5.0 brakes outstanding by any means, either, but they are a definite improvement over the crappy '79-'86 5.0 and '87'93 four-banger brakes, and they can be had for VERY cheap.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and better brake pad selection, too. Don't have diddly-squat for brake pad options on the older or four-banger brakes, but you can get ceramics or performance pads for the '87-'93 5.0 calipers.
 

d.r.moss

New Member
May 4, 2009
54
0
0
Rochester, MI
May 26, 2009
#5
  • May 26, 2009
  • #5
I have all my spindles and everything off my 88, They have been in a box for 5 years, went with 5 lug.
 

tims 86

Member
Apr 19, 2009
187
0
16
pittsburgh,pa
May 27, 2009
#6
  • May 27, 2009
  • #6
wanna sell them?
 

tacomatrx450f

Member
May 24, 2009
33
0
7
May 27, 2009
#7
  • May 27, 2009
  • #7
dont use the 87-93 brakes they are garbage, go with either the 93 cobra or mark 5 braking system.
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
314
281
134
Apache Junction, AZ
May 27, 2009
#8
  • May 27, 2009
  • #8
tacomatrx450f said:
dont use the 87-93 brakes they are garbage, go with either the 93 cobra or mark 5 braking system.
Click to expand...

Hey, ANYTHING is an improvement over the '79-'86 brakes. And since the '87-'93 brakes can usually be had for next to nothing, it's a worthwhile mod, IMO. Not everyone can afford dumping $500 or so on a proper SN95 brake conversion.
 

d.r.moss

New Member
May 4, 2009
54
0
0
Rochester, MI
May 27, 2009
#9
  • May 27, 2009
  • #9
tims 86 said:
wanna sell them?
Click to expand...

I responded to your email about the spindles, call me!!!
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
May 27, 2009
#10
  • May 27, 2009
  • #10
tacomatrx450f said:
dont use the 87-93 brakes they are garbage, go with either the 93 cobra or mark 5 braking system.
Click to expand...
Ha, ha, ha. FOOLISH NEWBIE!

Pre-87 Stangs did NOT even have real brakes. Their brakes are purely for show purposes only!. EVERY pre-87 Fox owner knows that the ONLY way to stop those cars (with OEM "brakes") is the "Fred Flintstone" method - open up door, drag foot.

Yea, the 87-93 brakes are not great. But, it's better then going through a new left sneaker every 200 miles for braking. Plus, they can be upgraded cheaply to the 73mm calipers.

Four Eyes - I love them. But, their OEM "brakes" are DEATH TRAPS!
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
May 27, 2009
#11
  • May 27, 2009
  • #11
Tim:

FYI: Great info on Stang brake upgrades/options:
79-93 4 Lug Ford Fox Body Mustang Brake Upgrades
 

tacomatrx450f

Member
May 24, 2009
33
0
7
May 27, 2009
#12
  • May 27, 2009
  • #12
ahh you guys are trying to spend to much $$$$$$

this isnt my picture, but im running a 88 turbo coupe rear end.. 3.73 gears, 10.2 in. vented disc 95 cobra brake booster, 93 cobra front spindles/brakes, total cost for parts and install around $250...... 87-93 owners "when will you learn"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Brakes 80 Mustang 4.2 rear chassis brake line for 5 lug conversion!
  • StangPowerLSX510
  • Aug 6, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
65
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 9, 2026
limp
B
Paint in engine bay questions
  • B0udreaux
  • Feb 26, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
304
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 27, 2026
AeroCoupe
Interior and Upholstery 87-93 Mustang Metal Side Headliner Trim Clips Upper Hatchback Coupe Door OEM 524
  • Noobz347
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
425
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 25, 2025
Noobz347
WTB Oxford white hood, bumper and fender for LX foxbody
  • keel
  • Jan 7, 2026
  • Want to Buy
Replies
0
Views
273
Want to Buy Jan 7, 2026
keel
Brake pad and rotor upgrade
  • Sparky714
  • Aug 7, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
16
Views
262
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- 52 minutes ago
Sparky714
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?