Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

This area is for posting questions/information concerning 1964-66 year Thunderbirds NO FOR SALE POSTINGS

Moderator: redstangbob

Post Reply
gravelman
Posts: 265
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:39 pm

Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by gravelman »

Howdy,

I want to add rear disc brakes... I see that JEG's Racing has conversion kit, however they ask questions that I can't answer...

1. 9" Ford rear end - yes?

2. Big or small bearings. I assume they're asking for the axle bearing size... Parts book shows a P/N 1225?

3. Staggered or non-staggered rear shocks - non-staggered?

Any other questions or information I should know before jumping into this?

Thanks,

Mitch
User avatar
redstangbob
Posts: 3604
Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 4:06 pm
Location: 40 miles east of Wixom

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by redstangbob »

I've moved your post to the modified section, good luck with the project.
It's gonna be cool when it's done
And now it's really cool !!



59 convertible
58 convertible
65 hardtop
Joe Johnston
Posts: 2633
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:34 pm
Location: Sunny FLORIDA

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by Joe Johnston »

Any other questions or information I should know before jumping into this?
What type of driving do you use your Thunderbird for and what do you expect to gain by doing this?
Inquiring minds want to know.
PLEASE invest a few bucks and buy all the shop manuals for your car. Definitely will save you much time and be an education.

55-57 VTCI Forum Moderator
57 Inca Gold-Colonial White
63SR Silver Mink
gravelman
Posts: 265
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:39 pm

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by gravelman »

There's a couple of good reasons why I'm considering rear disc, the first is that if my new dual reservoir works out then it would do a better job with all disc since it doesn't hold a lot of fluid, at least that's the info I've gotten from some smart people who know a lot more than I do. Then I like taking things to another level when I can. I appreciate that I won't be road racing the car anytime soon so some of this can be lost on why... But then again stopping is as important as go.

Mitch
Joe Johnston
Posts: 2633
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:34 pm
Location: Sunny FLORIDA

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by Joe Johnston »

First let me state I have no problem with making this type of conversion. I do question some of the logic behind your decision, as properly functioning stock brakes work quite well in casual driving on these cars. In my opinion, there are only 2 reasons to make this conversion: 1) you are driving in a high performance rally or some type of road race application where you need repeated use of the brakes from high speed 2) you just like the "cool factor" or bragging rights at the local Show N Shine and have the money, time and ability to do the work "just because you can". Again, no problem in doing this, I just feel you are being lead down a path you don't need to go on by others.

For a street application, do you drive daily in heavy traffic on city expressways or interstates??
There's a couple of good reasons why I'm considering rear disc, the first is that if my new dual reservoir works out
Is your new master made for front and rear disk brakes? It must be, and if so, you have a start.
it would do a better job
How so??
since it doesn't hold a lot of fluid,
Disk brakes generally need more fluid because of increased piston/bore sizes than the smaller drum wheel cylinders,
at least that's the info I've gotten from some smart people who know a lot more than I do.
Do a bit more research on-line and ask more questions from these smart people to determine exactly how much improvement can be gained by making the rear conversion. Look at all the factors and make a comparison of the numbers on paper before making a decision.
I like taking things to another level when I can.
No problem with doing that at all.
I won't be road racing the car anytime soon
A racing application would be a suitable application for the modification and if that is in your future, by all means "go for it!"
stopping is as important as go.
I actually disagree on this point feeling stopping is much more important.

Hope it all works out well for you and please post pictures of your conversion as you go through the process.
PLEASE invest a few bucks and buy all the shop manuals for your car. Definitely will save you much time and be an education.

55-57 VTCI Forum Moderator
57 Inca Gold-Colonial White
63SR Silver Mink
User avatar
sseebart
Posts: 1686
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:45 am
Location: Northern California
Contact:

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by sseebart »

If memory serves, yes, flairbirds do use the Ford 9" rear end. Can't help much with the bearing question, but seem to recall that the shocks are not staggered. (A quick peek under the car would answer that right away, though)

Are there other issues to consider? From following similar threads over the years, I suspect you'll need to work out details with proportioning valves, proper wheel offset and correct wheel/tire combination to clear the new calipers. Still, it's always the stuff you don't foresee that present the biggest challenges in a project like this.

~Steve
survivor66
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2017 1:16 am

Re: Rear Disc Brake Conversion...

Post by survivor66 »

9" = yes
Bearing size - probably the big ones. Safest to pull the axle and measure before you order.
Staggered shocks = one mounted ahead of the axle the other behind.
Post Reply