Converting from 4 Lug to 5 Lug

There a several combinations to upgrade from 4 lug to 5 lug wheel pattern. The method you choose will depending on the cars purpose and your wallet thickness. Below I have listed  several ways to achieve this goal. Choose the method that best suites your needs and finances.

Minimum Expense:

1. Front Rotors:

Buy 10" 5 lug conversion rotors for the 79 to 86 Mustang. This will require no other changes to the suspension parts in the front. Note: You keep the smaller 10" rotors when doing it this way. 87 and up Mustang V8's come with 11" rotors.

-OR-

Use 1983 Ford Ranger rotors. They are five lug and will work with the existing spindles and calipers. You will also need to obtain the dust shields from the Ranger spindles.

2. Rear End:

The 85 Mustang comes with a 7.5 differential. My suggestion is to upgrade to a 87 and up 8.8 differential and getting two rear axles, rear brakes and axle drums from a Ranger pickup. Note: the Ranger differential has an offset differential pumpkin so you will need two drivers side axles.

-OR-

Swap in a 94 to 95 rear differential. This will give you 5 lug axles. 10" rear disk brakes and a 1.5" wider stance that will help the handling. You will need the entire rear including calipers and the emergency cable. The rear is a bolt in fit into any 79 to 98 Mustang.

Medium Expense 1:

1. Front Calipers, Spindles, Struts and Rotors

The 85 Mustang comes with 10" front rotors. You will need to upgrade to the later 87 to 93 spindles and struts before upgrading the rotors. As for upgrading the rotors you need to get 1987 Mark VII front non-ABS rotors and calipers. These are 11" units and are compatible with the 87 to 93 spindles and other related suspension components.

2. Rear end:

The 85 Mustang comes with a 7.5 differential. My suggestion is to upgrade to a 87 and up 8.8 differential and getting two rear axles, rear brakes and axle drums from a Ranger pickup. Note: the Ranger differential has an offset differential pumpkin so you will need two drivers side axles.

-OR-

Swap in a 94 to 95 rear differential. This will give you 5 lug axles. 10" rear disk brakes and a 1.5" wider stance that will help the handling. You will need the entire rear including calipers and the emergency cable. The rear is a perfect fit into any 79 to 95 Mustang.

Medium  Expense 2:

1. Front Rotors, Spindles, A-Arms, Struts, and Calipers:

Use the front Rotors, Spindles, A-Arms, Struts, and Calipers from a 94 to 95 Mustang. The newer parts will give you a 1" wider stance which will improve handling and the 11" rotors will help in braking and of course the strength of the 5 lugs instead of 4.

2. Rear end:

The 85 Mustang comes with a 7.5 differential. My suggestion is to upgrade to a 87 and up 8.8 differential and getting two rear axles, rear brakes and axle drums from a Ranger pickup. Note: the Ranger differential has an offset differential pumpkin so you will need two drivers side axles.

-OR-

Swap in a 94 to 95 rear differential. This will give you 5 lug axles. 10" rear disk brakes and a 1.5" wider stance that will help the handling. You will need the entire rear including calipers and the emergency cable. The rear is a perfect fit into any 79 to 95 Mustang.

High Expense:

The sky is the limit here. Several companies make 5 lug conversion kits for 87 to 95 and 94 to 95 Mustangs. Once you have upgraded to either the 87 to 93 or 94 to 95 Spindles, A-arms(95 Suspension only) and Struts you can purchase a 5 lug conversion kit. These kits come with a wide variety of options ranging from slotted rotors, larger rotors, dual calipers, you name it. Choose the kit that will best suite your needs.

Part Suppliers:

Complete Brake Service......................1-(800)-581-2339
Sells 10" and 11" 5 lug conversion rotors.

Maximum Motor Sports......................www.maximummotorsports.com
Sells 10" and 11" 5 lug conversion rotors.