4 Lug to 5 Lug Help...

[SC_STEEDA]

I have a 1966 Mustang with an inline 6 that has 4 lug axles. In the near future I plan on dropping a 351 or a 4.6 in the Mustang and to do this i need to have 5 lug axles, so my question is how hard of a task is this and what components do I need (tools, suspension, axles, skill level)? Also I want some good suspension on the Mustang cause i dont want it to just go in a straight line. What kind of suspension do I need? Does Eibach make complete kits for a 1966?

[SpectorV]

hmm I saw one the other day (66) that had 98 cobra rims on it. Looked like drums in the back though so not sure where they got the parts from. Are the rotors and hubs separate on those years or made together?

[SC_STEEDA]

Not to sure spectorv. how do i find out?

[SpectorV]

if rotor has the lugs made into it~ I know a good mustang shop you could contact about it

SVPU - Special Vehicle Products Unlimited they do all kinds of stuff and can tell you right off what is needed.

[robertburns3]

Quote: Originally Posted by SC_STEEDA I have a 1966 Mustang with an inline 6 that has 4 lug axles. In the near future I plan on dropping a 351 or a 4.6 in the Mustang and to do this i need to have 5 lug axles, so my question is how hard of a task is this and what components do I need (tools, suspension, axles, skill level)? Also I want some good suspension on the Mustang cause i dont want it to just go in a straight line. What kind of suspension do I need? Does Eibach make complete kits for a 1966?

I too had a 1966. When I bought it, it had been converted from a 6cyl. to a 289. They changed out the rear end, so the back had 5 bolts and the front had 4 bolts. (It sucked hauling around 2 spares.)

I think they also changed out the transmission at the time, but I don't know if that was needed. It was a 4 speed when I bought it.

The car had no power brakes and since the front drums were sized for a 6 cylinder, it did not stop well. I would recommend swapping out all 4 corners.

My dad now has the car and has swapped out the front drums from a donor car. I think he had to switch out the master cylinder and some other parts. If it was me, I would have bought a disk brake converstion for the front which will give you most of what you would need : spindles, disks, calipers, master, etc.. Its more money, but may be worth it.

[66gt350ps]

You are off to a good start with upgrading to the 5 lug. Many articles over the years have been written about the inline 6 to V8 conversion requirements that include brakes, suspension, differential, trans, exhaust, etc. Since the I-6 was never designed to be a performance car, it came with the weakest items off the shelf at Ford and it kept the price low. It is frequently recommended that the conversion cost and resale value (the VIN tells all) make it better sell the 6 and get an original 8 cyl Pony to upgrade.

However, I have seen a number of nice conversions, mostly with 302 blocks (as the 4.6 and 351 require a lot of cutting and welding of the shock towers which equals more cost). The key is if this is going to be a ride you enjoy and will be working on over a number of years. Tip: stop is first, go is second. Get a good front disk brake system as the drums don't stop V8 power well at all. Next do the necessary suspension upgrade so the V8 doesn't make the Pony buckle. Change the rear end as it cannot hold the extra power either. Donor V8 cars can keep the costs down. Then do the rest of driveline work.

Good luck.

[SC_STEEDA]

ok thanks for the advice. does this mean I can get any axles out of any mustang or do i need a specific year?

[66gt350ps]

This posting is very common on all the various Mustang web forums and is answered at length frequently. Instead of my repeating all of the issues that others have addressed, it would be worth it for you to search this and other forum sites as well as Mustang magazine archives. A bit of research will help you in your decision as to the time and cost before you decide to get started.