In learning about converting to disc brakes on my 66 Tempest wagon, I've learned that a taller spindle alters the angle of the upper A arm thereby enabling better camber adjustments and I guess better over all front end geometry. Is there a factory unit that will work that is taller than the standard A body 64-72 ones? Or is this just hype? :confused:
It isn't hype, a higher than stock spindle center on the steering knuckle changes the front end geometry which keeps more tire contact area on the road during turns. Lowering the front end is what you're doing too. http://chevelleforum.org/showthread.php?t=519 The Chevelle guys also talk about using F body spindes and other ways of doing it. http://chevelleforum.org/showthread.php?t=519
Gonna go 2 in the front, one in the back anyway, I know dropping it a bit can play havoc with regular mechanics. I chopped two coils out of some aftermarket Chevy springs an after replacing everything the fron tires wee way outa whack.zzI drove like 5 miles to Sears.
i have a set of 67-72 small GM disk spindles in my basement they should fit i THINK 64-72 cutlass,chevelle,skylark and the like they are complete assy's do you have front or rear steer on this car?
Great swap! I have done this countless times with Global West upper control arms (the best in the biz, IMHACO) Use either the F body for 11" or B for 12". I have 11" in my 2dr HDTP for only about 25 years now (front and rear and all GM). The handling improvement is amazing. You cannot do this with stock upper control arms as the ball jt is at the wrong angle and distance
I have also used 2nd Gen F-body spindles with Global West upper control arms. 1970-81 Camaro or Firebird. I used to look for 79-81 WS6 equiped Trans Ams, and grab the spindles and brakes, master cylinder, proportioning valve, 1 1/4" front sway bar, and the quick ratio power steering box, and swap them out in my 65-67 GTO's or Lemans's. Made for a very nice package when done.
Good brakes and exceptional handling! Here is some of the info for doing the brake/ negative roll conversions (straight from the global west website) Donor cars with tall spindles and 11 inch disc brake rotors: Buick full size 77-81, Century 73-77, Riviera 77-78, Skylark 75-79, Cadillac Seville 76, Chevy full size 77-81, Camaro 70-81, Chevelle 73-77, Monte Carlo, Nova 75-79, GMC Sprint 73-77, Pontiac full size 77-81, Firebird 70-81, Grand Prix 73-77, Lemans 73-77, Phoenix 77-79, Ventura 75-77, Oldsmobile Cutlass 73-77, Omega 75-79 Donor cars with tall spindles and 12 inch disc brake rotors: Buick full size: LeSabre wagon/Electra wagon 77-94 Cadillac Fleetwood/Deville 77-84 Brougham/Fleetwood 85-94 Chevy full size: Bel Air/Biscayne/Caprice/Impala 77-96 Olds 98/Delta88/Delta 88 wagon 77-92 Pontiac full size: Bonneville/Catalina/Grandville 77-86 Important: There are two different types of 12 inch disc brakes spindles. One version uses a small outer bearing measuring .750. The second type uses a larger outer bearing measuring .850. Use the larger diameter outer bearing spindle because the rotor you are going to need is off a 1988-92 1LE Camaro/Firebird GM part #18016035. These rotors have the correct bolt pattern 5 on 4 3/4 bolt circle, however the rotors use 12mm studs rather than 7/16 studs. You need to change the studs over to 7/16. We use a DBS-42 kit for this conversion. Leave the metric studs in as they work better with the wheel nuts used on more modern wheels. They real info there is look at the tapers on your wheels and make sure you use the correct nuts. I also REALLY like factory wheels as they use a register to centre the wheel on the hub. Incredibly important and over-looked by aftermarket wheel manufacturers who are trying to make 'fits-alls'
Spindle swap The other cool thing with a spindle swap is improved bearings (higher capacity for vigorous driving lol) and huge increase in spindle strength making for a safer ride. The negative curve also gives more tire clearance. Add good shocks (Konis Bilsteins or such) and correct springs and the ride is getting magical. All good!
Uh huh...ok so then in keeping it all Pontiac, spindles from a B body Bonneville, Catalina will work and I get 12 inch discs too? Cool. How much will that drop the front end? Won't the bolt pattern change from a 5x4 1/2 to 5x4 3/4? Also if you wanted to upgrade calipers and rotors go for the usual suspects for Bonneville's and Catalina's?
