Lincoln Mark VII Rear End Conversion

[JEwalt]

In an effort to find a way to narrow a Lincoln Mark VII rear end so the rear wheel offset is not too drastic, I found this article:

http://home.pacbell.net/black306/tech/reardisc.html

In short, it allows the use of all the Mark VII rear end and disc brake parts (brackets, calipers and 11.25" rotors) except the axles which are obtained from the driver's side of a Ford Ranger w/ 9" drum brakes.

Has any done this modification and, if so, how is it working out?
OR
Does anyone see a potential problem using this method?

I'm not an engineer, but it would seem the modification to the bracket would diminish its structural integrity.

Hoping to do the modification this weekend.

Jeff.

[427sharpe]

It's really rather basic--I used the complete setup from a Mark IV, which I purchased complete for 75 bucks from the bone yard. Had the housing narrowed 8' locally ($85) and Moser did the axles ($125). This gives 11.25' rear vented discs and an Ebrake. Easy, and reliable for 10 years of abuse!

[Slow Dawg]

Jeff, we just take off everthing but the pinion and send the housing to Moser. They narrow it and send new axles. The e-brake cable bracket may have to be modified to clear the space between the caliper and lower control arm bracket. Sounds confusing? Look at it and do some measuring, then you'll understand.


Ron

[toolguy]

Hi I did this mod basically but figured it out myself about 6 months ago only I didnt flip the brackets and weld the bolts. I just made spacers and moved the backing plates in about 1.25" so I could still use my e-brakes. I used lokars e-brake and e-brake cables. Look over on the cobra forom on my post "Dino show this to your neighbor" or search under my user profile"toolguy" Hope this helps you . Paul Ferrell

[JEwalt]

Paul -
I read your post at cobra forum. In it you mentioned you had pictures of the bracket/spacers used to remount the calipers inboard. Would you mind providing me with a picture or two. I would really like to explore this option before dropping the rear end for narrowing.
Jeff.

[JEwalt]

Paul-

Thanks for the suggestion and the pictures. I had two (2)
u-shaped spacers made out of 1" thick steel (it actually looks like a donut with the top quarter cut off) and mounted them between the caliper brackets and the caliper bracket mounting flanges. They work perfectly - a perfect 1.25" offset to match the difference between each Mark VII axle and the Aerostar/Ranger axle.

Total cost for the conversion:

Two (2) passenger-side Aerostar axles at Pick-a-Part - $49.00;

Material/labor to machine two (2) spacers - $50.00 ;

Not having to drop the rearend and send off for narrowing -

PRICELESS!

Jeff.