Greetings! I have read & done a lot, know a little but hardly enough and still have doubts and questions. Here’s today’s conundrum… BACKGROUND: 1967 Mustang convertible (late build; June 1967) ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT: 289 2bbl, AT (C4), factory AC, PS, PDB (4-piston iron calipers), motorized top and what I think 8” axle (see below to explain that one). The engine is being replaced with a 1969 351-W that has a Stage I rebuild (probably less than 350 HP) and a 1989 AOD from a Mustang GT. ANOMOLY: Both the Body Style and Axle Tag Numbers do not match the 1967 factory Ford shop manual concerning: Color: “D” is on the tag; the book lists no such letter. Axle: “0” is on the tag; the book lists no such number. Axle Tag: “WCZ V1” [top line] “2 79 FA 930” [bottom line] The shop manual skips this series, going from “WCZ-V” (conventional 8” 2.79:1 ratio) to “WDY-C1”(conventional 8” 3.50:1 ratio). The axle ends have the flattened oval depression in the center, so I assume it is an 8”. If there was any reference to the bottom line of the axle tag, I have not found it [yet]. The bottom line is that I cannot be sure what is under there until I get some concrete references. The real reason for all of this information is that I want to square away my brakes for the last time. I have an opportunity to purchase a complete rear end from a Lincoln Mark VII LSC and need to know if this is the smart way to go. I purchased a Grenada/Monarch/Versailles rear disc axle but sold it because of the useless unsprung weight issue. I know about the UltraStang bracket approach to adapting Lincoln Mark VII rear disc brakes and that seems to be the best bet; however, I have also read about using Explorer brakes in a similar manner. There is also a Ford Motorsport kit using late model (SN95) Mustang rear brakes. Does anyone out there have any objective experience based on my requirements of achieving a reasonable balance of economy with safety & performance? FRONT BRAKES: I converted the front spindles, brakes & tie-rod ends to Grenada/Monarch/Versailles for extra strength & cheaper maintenance; although I have questioned this “sidegrade” as in my experience, 4 pistons from both sides of a caliper perform better than one single-sided caliper. Did I screw up a good thing by fixing something that wasn’t broken? Should I keep this setup or go to something better? I am at a point where I have to decide how to proceed NOW and having some words of wisdom would really be a comfort. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience, my friends! Mark from Maine
Yea, you've got an 8" rear. 9" didn't come with a 2.79 ratio. Explorer rear brakes will not fit ( not a bolt on deal), Another possibility for rear discs are the ones found on 90's Crown Vics and Marquis.I've heard they will bolt onto the early Stangs. Just because some book doesn't list an option doesn't mean your's isn't original. There were cars special ordered with stuff the books don't always list, and the books have been known to be wrong, many times.
