1968 spindels

freds68 · 02-20-2005

I Have a 1968 coupe with a inline6.I want to put in a 302 do i need to change the spindels and what other mods. do i need to do.

wilit · 02-20-2005

Yes, you will need new spindles. You'll need the brakes from a V8 too, and a new rear end. The swap is pretty easy.

Twister · 02-21-2005

actually, for drum brackes, they are the same spindle

wilit · 02-21-2005

No, actually they aren't. The 6 cylinder spindles are a smaller diameter than the V8 spindles. Also, the brakes on a 6 cylinder spindle are 9" brakes, the V8's are 10" brakes (drums) and will not swap over to a 6 cylinder spindle.

Also for the record, I have broken a 6 cylinder spindle due to the weight difference between a I6 and V8. You NEED to do the swap.

Twister · 02-21-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilit

No, actually they aren't. The 6 cylinder spindles are a smaller diameter than the V8 spindles. Also, the brakes on a 6 cylinder spindle are 9" brakes, the V8's are 10" brakes (drums) and will not swap over to a 6 cylinder spindle.

Also for the record, I have broken a 6 cylinder spindle due to the weight difference between a I6 and V8. You NEED to do the swap.

you are thinking 1965-66....67-9 used the same bearings and seals for the hubs of the I6 and the V8 (non-BOSS), the replacement part numbers from National Bearings are A6 for the inner and A2 for the outer....the same bearings for a 65-66 V8

freds68 · 02-21-2005

Thank you for the input.Still not sure what to do ,but thank you.

Stratdeath · 02-22-2005

Hi Fred, welcome to the Forums

If I was doing a 6 to 8 swap these are the things to check out:

-Suspension and brakes
- Due to the weight differences in various engines and components you need to work with this. On such an old vehicle, changing the coil springs is a definite must. (and shocks too!) Those 6's had the 4 lug wheel pattern. You should set it up for the 5 lug like all V8 classic Mustangs. You can use the spindles and brakes from a 69-73' (I think) to upgrade from the smaller weaker spindles and crappy front drum brakes. Also I would get new leaf springs for small block V8 mustang.
- Rear end and axle
- You can run an 8 inch rear end, but I would put a 9 inch. Beef it up and enjoy its strength. The 9 inch rear end's are bulletproof! Get the 5lug axles
A new radiator is also a good idea, especially the aluminum ones, they are performers.
You will also want to run dual exhaust system so your engine can breathe, and headers paired with kickass mufflers would help this alot.

There have been many articles in several Mustang magazine on doing 6 to 8 swaps over the years. You should check them out. Mustang Monthly is a very good one.
Good luck

freds68 · 02-22-2005

Thanks that was a big help.I will keep all that in mind.
Thaks again Fred

Twister · 02-22-2005

strat, the steering arm for the 71-73 is too long and the 67-69 are all but identical. I have 70 drum spindles with custom disc brakes on it

Stratdeath · 02-22-2005

There are so many choices and modifications that can be done to a 68' it really just depends on what Fred wants to do and how he wants to do it. I would definitely put some disc brakes on the front. You can do a Granada swap and it wouldn't be too bad, and convert to power brakes at the same time.