Need 5 Lug Conversion bearing specs!

[1988_Mustang_GT]

Hi Guys,
I bought a car with a 5 lug conversion. I need to order new wheel bearings, but can't take the old ones out until I get the new parts in. I have a 1988 Mustang GT with a 5 lug conversion. I'm not sure if it was done with Lincoln Mark VII rotors and bearings or the SN95 rotors and bearing assembly. How could I tell the difference? Are the rotors a diff size for the Mark VII and the SN95? Are the Mark VII bearings the same as the stock 1988 GT bearings?
HELP!

 

[Mustang5L5]

Take the wheel off.

Look at how the rotor.

It's it a 1-peice rotor/hub assembly with the lugs integrated??

If so, this is a Mark 7 rotor.

Is the rotor separate from the lugs allowing you to slip the rotor off the hub assembly.

If so that's an Sn95 setup.

You might want to take the caliper off to check if the rotor slides off of not.

For the Mark 7 rotors, wheel bearings are the same as the Mustang rotor, so you can specify either when ordering parts.

For the Sn95, the hub is a non-servicable unit that requires no maintainence. It is rare, but if the bearings inside go, you need to replace the hubs..which is a little costly

 

[1988_Mustang_GT]

I took a look at it before I got your reply to my message and realized it was a Mark 7 setup. Thanks for the confirmation. I went back to 16" wheels (5 lug pony style from sn95 models), but I can't fit the front center caps on due to the stud length. Can I cut these studs without sacrificing safety? They extend an extra inch or more beyond the lug nut when it is tightened.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Sounds like the previous owner installed longer wheel studs at some point so he could run a spacer to mount a wheel that would not normally fit the Mark 7 rotor.

What you want to do is buy a set of wheel studs that are standard lenght (or get them 1 inch shorter) and swap them.

Changing studs can be tricky. You need to take the rotor off and whack the studs through with a big hammer. Put a lugnut on the end so you don't mess up the threads and bang it loose. Then remove the nut and drive it through. To install, slip the new stud in and get some washers that will fit over the stud. Put the lugnut on and tighten til the stud seats all the way.

It might be easier to buy new Mark 7 rotors and sell yours to somebody. They might be of value to someone with the longer studs.