I am getting ready to order a wide 5 ball joint ('74) front disk brake kit for a standard CMC Speedster, and I need advice. I am leaning towards a dropped spindle setup, but I am concerned about tire clearance. I have an adjustable front beam. Anyone have experience with these setups? What tires/rims are you running?
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do a search, Grant did his car a couple years ago and knows all...almost...
Call/email Andy Shoeu (sp?) at SoCal I,ports/AC industries. He owns both companies and is familiar with most builders cars... He supplies parts to most.
He was able to recommend all the parts I needed for my disk conversion/ wide 5 conversion... And he provided guidance and support as I installed the parts... ( it was my first conversion, so I needed help....
There should be a thread out there about my conversion... With lessons learned. Probably in the winter2014/spring 2015 time frame.
Great guy to work with, very knowledgeable. And for my trype of driving I have been very happy with the AC disk kits.
andys@socalautoparts.com
cheers,
I did the same conversion a few years back. My only regret is that I didnt go with drop spindles. There is no concern with rubbing in the front.
If you use drop spindles you dont need to adjust the beam at all. You can retain the lowerer stance and maintain the stock VW ride "comfort".
These kits have an annoying propensity to trap air in the caliper. Listen to everyone who says to rotate the caliper to 12 o'clock while you bleed the system.
Super easy job. Good luck.
Ted
Most dropped spindles increase front stance 1/2" both sides. With a normal width rim 4.5-5.5", normal offset wheel and normal tire width there is plenty of room in front wheel wells. It's the back where any increase can cause issues - especially on the driver's side.
I went with the AC Industries disk brake set-up on my wide fives and used the stock spindles. I didn't want to lower anything because of a driveway situation. It did widen out a bit , but that was ok because the tires would rub on the inside body if I locked the wheel, mostly in tight spots in reverse. Also, I have a link pin front end which narrowed my choices somewhat.
Nice kit and pretty easy to install, even for me. The only thing I changed was the single circuit master cylinder that came with the kit. Good luck.
I went with the AC kit with no issues. By the way I like the cream color.
Thanks everyone for chiming in with your advice. I will call Andy tomorrow and see what he says, although I haven't seen any drop-spindle setups from AC. Not sure what drop setup I will turn to if he doesn't have one.
LFEPARDO...I started reading your posts going back a couple of years trying to find the one you recommended. I spent 5 hours just reading the threads between then and now, and it helped a lot. Haven't seen the one you mentioned yet, but I'll keep trying.
I will add rear disc brakes of the same brand, whatever I do. Yup, I know it's overkill.
Thanks again to all
Mark
