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Superformance Spindles
I've been told that the SPF front spindles are Mustang II components but haven't been able to confirm that. Does anyone here know for sure if that is fact or fiction ? Also, any experiences here with using dropped spindles on these cars ?
Thanks in advance. Ted |
I have an extra set of spindles at home, I'll look I for part numbers if you like.
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The very early cars are, later cars are a custom piece.
I have some late model take-off available as well as the later upgraded Willwood brakes. |
Have to ask....why would you use drop spindles?
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Gentlemen,
Thanks for the responses. Blas - If those spindles actually have a Ford part number on them, that might be helpful. Mark IV - Thanks for the info. Do you have any idea at what chassis number the change was made ? Vatdevil - Honestly.... 90% aesthetics. I recently spoke with an SPF owner about his car, specifically it's stance....absolutely the nicest SPF I've ever seen. It was an early car (chassis number in the 600's). He said he had insatlled 2" drop spindles and he "thought" they were Mustang II but couldn't remember for sure. He had made other suspension changes as well and seemed pretty well versed on suspension set-up. I did some searching in this forum and did find a post from a couple of years ago from a member who said he also installed the 2" drop spindles. I was hoping to get some feedback from owners who have done this and find out what the positive and negative consequences might be and if doing this would also require other suspension changes. Thanks again for any input. Ted |
Not sure where the change happened but guessing around the 300 area.
Dropped spindles will create some other issues you will need to deal with. The spindle geometry is based on the Mustang II but that was to allow use of the hub/bearing sizes. Wilwood has spindles that work if you want the big six piston brakes with 17" or larger wheels. The SPF spindles used for the last ten years or better are forged and done to SPFs specs. |
If you switch to Mustang II spindles, the bottom ball joint connection is a bit larger initial diameter(.69 vs .72). This is because the SPF spindle is designed to use upper style ball joints (smaller) for the lower ball joint. You will want to insure the lower ball joint seats properly and doesn't bottom out. This also causes a slight change in front geometry, as the lower control arm will be slightly higher, how much of a change I don't know. If you use the Wildwood spindle, the upper ball joint height is raised 1/2 inch. This is to improve the original Mustang II geometry. What it does to SPF geometry I don't know.
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Forgot to mention that by using Howe racing 22320 ball joints, the height differences can be compensated for as Howe offers a full array of ball joint heights. So, a slightly taller lower ball joint and a 1/2 in shorter upper ball joint would put the geometry back to stock (using the Wildwood spindle). The stock tie rod end is Mustang II.
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Gentlemen, once again thanks for your input.
Mark IV - I did look at the Wilwood site and saw that they had the spindles, so that may be an option. I would like the larger brakes as well, but I'm really a traditionalist when it comes to wheel size. I really prefer the look of the 15 inch wheel/tire combo. Vatdevil - Thanks for the info. It sounds like you've done some suspension work on these cars. I've read that the Cobra Valley ball joints are suppose to correct the bump steer issue in these cars and from what you've said, it seems that with some calculating the same could be accomplished using the Wilwood spindles and Howe ball joints. Although I've been a gearhead pretty much all my life, I've really never taken the time to study the science of suspension design. I've been doing a lot of reading recently trying to educate myself on suspension design and set-up so that I can accomplish the end result I'm looking for without screwing up my car. I will certainly look deeper into the information you've provided. Thank you guys Ted |
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I converted to 22330X Howe joints, incredibly smooth and way stronger than needed. The other reason for using them is, as you suggested, the ability to customize the geometry to what you want (and easily switch back). I have yet to convert to Wildwood spindles, but others have with no issues. In my opinion, they are the best spindle available for Superformance. If you go with Cobra Valley joints on Wildwood spindles, you may have clearance issue on the lower joint. Be careful with ground clearance if you go to drop spindles, especially oil pan clearance. As for brakes, I find little need for brakes requiring larger wheels. Don't need that much brake unless you're planning on serious track time. |
Sorry, no part numbers stamped on them....
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Good Morning Gentlemen,
Mark IV - My chassis number is 1016 and I've got the 11.875 rotors with 4-piston calipers. The car's braking is adequate and installing the big brake kit would likely be overkill for my use. I guess I want it to stop like a new Vette :) Vatdevil - I got on Howe's website and it certainly looks like there's no shortage of options. I'm going to have to spend some time under the car taking a lot of measurements and studying the "what if's" before making any changes. You've really given me some good ideas and I'll likely be asking more questions. Your point about getting it too low is one I've definitely thought about. I don't want to be crushing my oil pan if I drive over a golf ball. Blas - Thanks for checking for the part numbers. Once again guys, thanks for your help. Ted |
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I just got done changing my front suspension. Lengthened the upper and lower control arms about 3 inches. I also changed to heim joints in place of the cam adjusters. The lower control arm now uses a mono-ball in place of the standard ball joint and I was able to upsize it to a K727 size stud. Changed to the Wilwood 2" drop spindles, and added a Wilwood big brake kit. I auto-cross and this really helped the suspension geometry. I also run 3-piece wheels (5-lug, 18 x 10.5) and was able to change from a 5" back spacing to a 8.25" back spacing to help with the scrub. I also had to lengthen the shocks due to the changes. It was a lot of work, but it made a big improvement. Some of this also depends on what size diameter tires you are running. My front race tires are about 1.5" smaller than the stock tires so this has a large affect on the suspension geometry. Ken |
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You've definitely made some pretty extensive suspension changes to your car. I notice that we live in the same area. Going to send you a PM. Thanks Ted |
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