![]() I have finally found what may be my salvation. I really am trying to stay up with you guys on this brake conversion subject, but it's all new to me. Some Ford 9" and 8" rear axles also bolt in and give you the large bolt pattern look for Granadas, Monarcys, Mavericks, and early Mustangs as donor cars if you're considering this route. The 8 3/4" axle used in A-bodies only came as a small bolt pattern unit from the factory, but there are some that have been converted to large bolt pattern. I think on a '74 you can just swap the shafts and brakes with those off a large bolt pattern 7 1/4" unit. I used to think all large bolt pattern A-body axles were 8 1/4" units, which bit me when I dragged home a large bolt pattern rear axle from the junkyard only to realize I had a large bolt pattern 7 1/4". The 8 1/4" and 7 1/4" axles both came in large bolt pattern versions. The conclusion he drew - which I'm inclined to agree with - is that the taller F-body spindles have a marginal performance advantage and no drawbacks, but the difference very small.Īs for large bolt pattern axles. One visitor from posted a considerable amount of information on the effects of the taller spindles - he had used suspension modeling software to work out the effects on the geometry, and talked with people who had raced A-bodies with both spindle types. However, had I known when I converted my Dart to discs what I know now, I would have used them. ![]() I was originally skeptical about the taller F-body spindles. I am running a different disc combination (shorter spindles, taller discs) and the Dart can really stop pretty hard with the discs. Ok, on a '74, you should have no difficulty physically bolting on the spindles and brakes from the Volare. I thought we would be at least one step ahead if we do that now, killing two birds with one stone. Would the rear end be something to also consider robbing for the larger bolt pattern? We have a Dodge 360 engine stored away to maybe someday swap out, and I know there will be a lot of components to change out, one being the small rear end. That's why I asked the original question of robbing the disc brakes. The Volare had disc brakes and, of course, the larger bolt pattern wheels. Unfortunately, the Dart had drum brakes and really not any other parts to use on our Sport. Returning home Sunday from a swap meet in Houston, we ran across a '71 Dart and a '78 Volare, each sitting by the road for sale. As I understand it, the only way to get the larger bolt pattern on the rear is by replacing the 7.25" rear end with a 8.25" or 8.75"? I am determined to convert the 9" drums over to disc for both those reasons. Is this a misconception?ĭon't discs have quicker and straighter braking ability? Personally, I would also feel more confident in disc brakes. The selection of new wheels to fit the 5x4" small bolt pattern on my son's '74 Dart Sport is extremely limited.
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