1993 5x4.5 conversion

[nvr2low]

I searched for older posts but didn’t see any. I have a 1993 LX and looking to go from the 5x4.25 to 5x4.5 lug pattern. Does anyone know where I can find a complete parts list to do this?

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[Curt]

NVR2LOW, I fixed the same problem on my 97. I ordered a set of adapters. 4.25 to 4.50. I had to order the hub cyntric rings separately. They will set your wheels out 3/4" . I used medium loktite ( blue) on my stock lugs. Nothing on the adapter lugs.. I torqued them to 100 fp.Do not use an impact wrench!!! I checked them regularly for about 5 weeks. Have had then on for over 5 years and no problems.

 

[Sregord]

I searched for older posts but didn’t see any. I have a 1993 LX and looking to go from the 5x4.25 to 5x4.5 lug pattern. Does anyone know where I can find a complete parts list to do this?

I'm new ...and just saw this... if you haven't located this information...

https://www.*********/d2/members/dlf/Article.html

 

[Sregord]

here's the file I save for future reference

 

[Randal]

I have recently completed this change from 5x4.25 to 5x4.5 lug pattern on my 89 Super Coupe, I followed the instructions in the article by Douglas Fraleigh and have a couple updates to add.

On the front - I elected not to change the front spindles at this time and keep the stock calipers. To of this you will need to replace the rotors using 94 mustang rotors. The Mustang hubs have a larger diameter (Mustang: 71.1 mm vs Tbird: 64.5mm). The overall rotor diameter and thickness are the same but the hat hight is 3.5 mm higher (Mustang: 50 mm vs Tbird: 46.6 mm). I found that this 3.5mm made no difference with the stock Tbird calipers.

For the rear - Corbra hubs are extremely expense at $300 a piece. I purchased my hubs from Full Tilt Boogie Racing. They specialize in Mustang IRS and build their own 99-04 spindles that they sell as replacements with barings and retaining nut for $160 each. I used SuperCoupes Unlimited rear brake caliper relocation brackets vs building them as stated in the article. These brackets are very well made and come with detailed instructions. They do require a little grinding on the spindle to fit them.

One option it to re-drill you stock rear hubs to the 5x4.5 lug pattern. Kits are available on line for about $200

Tires & Wheels - I went with 93 Cobra wheels 17x8.5 and 255 45 17 tires. This tire wheel combo filled the wheel wells nicely and as a bonus the stock Thunderbird center caps fit the Cobra wheels give them a factory look. At a resent car show someone commented that back in the day they had they also had a super coupe like this - same wheels and even thing. I didn't bother to tell him that these wheels were not original.

I hope this helps.

 

[Sregord]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fms-m-1109-a?seid=srese1

$225 for both rear hubs

 

[Randal]

The Summit Racing price is per hub - $450 for 2. Full Tilt Boogie Racing Price for their hub is $129 each or $260 for 2. Nearly a $200 saving for a better made hub.

 

[Sregord]

Thank you.
Summit page is deceptive..says hubs.
Full tilt Boogie is less$...Just curious... how have you determined its better made than Ford Performance part?

 

[Sregord]

The front seems pretty straight forward.... Cobra R spindles & 13" drilled disks with PBR front calipers.
Another option for the rear 4.25" to 4.5"(108mm to 114.3mm) conversion, since it's still the least simple....(especially with drum brakes)

Drill Guide - Hells Gate Hot Rods

Wheel Bolt/Lug Drill Guides allow you to drill out your axle and drum to a different bolt pattern. No need to purchase new axles to just change bolt/lug pattern.

www.hellsgatehotrods.com

 

[Randal]

The front seems pretty straight forward.... Cobra R spindles & 13" drilled disks with PBR front calipers.
Another option for the rear 4.25" to 4.5"(108mm to 114.3mm) conversion, since it's still the least simple....(especially with drum brakes)

Drill Guide - Hells Gate Hot Rods

Wheel Bolt/Lug Drill Guides allow you to drill out your axle and drum to a different bolt pattern. No need to purchase new axles to just change bolt/lug pattern.

www.hellsgatehotrods.com

Sregord - sorry, I missed your post from August. The Full Tilt Boggie spindles are are the same quality as the OEM ford pars and are coated to prevent rust.

I agree drilling the stock spindles is a more cost effective option vs swapping out the spindles. I looked at the cost of drilling vs spindles and it was about $80 to $100 depending on how many drill bits I needed. I wanted the option to upgrade the brake calipers to Cobra parts someday in the future.

A couple things to take in to account If you drill the stock rotors or brake drums to match the bolt pattern, you will have an issue getting replacement parts in the future. You could still do the Cobra rotor swap and upgrade the brakes that way. I would also consider the mileage in the vehicle - if you have a high mileage car, you may want to to replace the rear bearings and if you got that far apart changing the hubs makes sense.

Keep me informed on what you decide to do. I am interested in following along in your project.

 

[Sregord]

No worries. The FTB spindles look great & are a real bargain. The drilling guide is something I saw on a youtube channel, and the one I posted comes with drill bits.
My LX was a barn find 2 summers ago..with 35000 miles on it. The odometer is now a bit over 39000.
I've a bunch of parts from an earlier Mustang project, I'd like to move over to this car.
I have a thread over on "the other" Thunderbird forum. You guys are alot less snooty... so let me ask here:

I have a low miles '94 3.8 LX that's comfortable and gets good gas mileage.
I came from a '85.5 Mustang SVO(wrecked), and have a garage full of hypo parts for that brick.
Has anyone here ever attempted to swap an intercooled turbo 2.3/2.5 Lima in a MN12? with a T5?