I have a 69 Olds 88 with a 350 and drums I would like to know what other model/makes spindles will fit. I want to go to disk brakes. I know my model came with disks I believe primarily the big blocks. The easiest thing may be to find one parting out.
These cars arent exactly plentiful I would like to know if there is a more pratical model of GM that has spindle I can use in my application.

 

67-70 Olds 88 and 98 will be the only direct interchange. Avoid 67-68 due to troublesome dual piston caliphers.

Henry

 

WOw I'm amazed at least the buick 225 n lesabre dont work.
thanx

 

So 69+70 only huh?

 

As easy as finding a unicorn

 

 

Heres some pics of what I got. And a freakin speedometer cable through spindle!?? WTF
That could be what makes this thing so different?

 

With the speedo being driven from the front tire you will have a very accurate reading when you launch off the line...

 

Maybe not if it pulls the front wheels off the ground! Henry

 

Got a spindle from a 77 MC today the height is good and I will have to run them backards left on the right vise versa.



Ball joints wont fit I already had a new set to fit the upper but im not sure what to do for the lowers.


Only other concern is where the tie rod mount up is above the lower a-arm and originally it was lower than. Not sure if this would be an issue?? The mount appears to be the same distance from center of lower ball joint.

 

NO NO NO!!!

As you have found, the ball joints are different. Swapping the spindles side-for-side is a REALLY bad idea. Your steering geometry will be WAAAAY off. The car will handle like a pig and be completely unsafe to drive.

Stop right now and remove the later spindles. There is a reason why this is not a common swap.

 

I've seen it done on an Impala.





In case you're wondering, on the 70' Impala's the caliper was mounted on the front side of the rotor. Not sure why though.


Everything fit like a glove: Upper & Lower Ball joints, as well as the tie rod.


Put the rim back on with absolutely no rubbing. My fear was that the caliper would rub on the inner lip.

 

I've seen lots of things done that were not a good idea.

Time for a reality check. Every spindle swap that makes sense has been covered in dozens of magazines for the last 30 years. The fact that NO ONE advocates this swap should tell you something. The steering arm is NOT at a 90 degree angle to the kingpin axis of the spindle. Swapping the later spindles side-for-side will completely screw up the steering linkage geometry. The later spindle uses different stud tapers on the upper and lower ball joints as well as on the tie rod ends. You need to use either the correct ball joints and tie rod ends or a tapered reamer to remachine the spindle. Of course, this still does not fix the steering geometry.

Bottom line is that this is a BAD idea for the reasons listed. You've asked for advice. Ignore the facts at your own risk. Just try to avoid hitting another car when you try to drive yours.

The fact that you CAN do something doesn't make it a good idea.

 

I own a 69 88, but it has diskbrakes at the front. And it's a 350.
I thought it came of the factory so.

 

Damn the do do gets deeper. There is no way to mount the speedo to the trans this year?
And if I went with stock disk set up the rotors arent available!?

 

that is correct on the rotors none available take what these guys are saying they know their olds and i can vouch for it owned mine for 17 years and found one set of used rotors and they were out of spec so i am still searching for that unicorn!!!

 

Well I was trying to find a lower cost fix but looks like I'm going this route http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123

 

Have you tried these guys, They were very helpful with my 57 Olds.

http://www.scarebird.com/index.php?id=1

 

that is the link he has from ebay it is for a kit using fabricated brackets with a 84 olds caliper and rear 74 t-bird rotors and i think it is for drum brakes
i emailed them asked if it would work for my car already equipped with disc brakes and the reply was "NO different animal" that was it i emailed back and asked why., is it because of drum spindles making the difference. and have no reply from them!


scarebird dont even list a kit for these cars i dont know why if they have it on ebay

 

I guess I missunderstood you. I hought you were looking for a conversion where you could find easy to repalce parts. In any case if you want more information about his products you can e-mail Mike at m@scarebird.com for more information, very nice guy and only a few miles from me. He came to my house when I had a question and went over the install with me

 

That is a sweet ride there!
I dont know why their brackets wont work with the disc spindles. I know I may have no choice to go with thier kit. I can believe it $300 for some brackets and hubs and I still have atleast $200 in parts to get and Im happy about the idea of running Ford rotors on my GM.
Im going to go to their shop with spindle in hand and hopefully I can come up with a little less expense I dont care if my bolt pattern in front is 5 on 4.75 as long as it works.
Heres my beast:

 

Magic, go with the scarebird kit, I believe they are well thought out. Russell, there is a reason that they dont make a kit for your app. The spindles are machined differently from the factory. The top bolt I believe is the issue. I know on the Cutlasses that the drum takes a 1/2" thread and the disc setups take 5/8", plus the pad is at a different height. Hope this helps.

 

so if i understand this corectly the rotors (vented disk), they i can not buy anyware.
becouse i have a 69 with diskbrackes with delco brakecalippers.

becouse i need in the futere new disk's (rotors)

 

That is some good information.

 

Well I'm looking to actually buy the Scarbird kit but....$325 is a good chunk just to buy a bracket and a small hub. I wish the solution was easier.