Brakes

[82LTDQS]

Ok, I read through all the stickies. Can any one advise on the process for the front big brake swap? I hear you have to change the upper control arms. See below for vehicle info.

[82LTDQS]

Ok, Ill be a little more detailed. What needs to be replaced? Lower balljoints? spindal? Upper control arm and all its components? If so, what would be the correct donor car's year, make, and model?

[85crownHPP]

I think the exact parts are in the stickie in the suspention forum, but:

92-94 upper arms (the ones with the shaft that bolts to the frame) this is becuase you have to use the newer style upper ball joint.

98-2002 lower ball joints and steering knuckle with all brake parts and hub (this is the years of the "big brake" parts we can use)

any upper ball joint from those years should work, I think...

you want front hoses WITH ABS application - otherwise you get a left hose with an inlet and an outlet.

oh, all vics, grand marqs and towncars all had the same parts IIRC so any of those models work. Police vics have slightly different calipers, maybe...
Im not sure which part has the ABS ring for ABS cars, but the price may vary on that part for abs/non-abs.

[82LTDQS]

Can I still use my OE lower control arms

[82LTDQS]

Based on other member's car. They use the 98-02 swap. It seems as if everything is replaced except for the lower control arms. Is this correct?

[85crownHPP]

yup... just put the newer ball joint in the stock arms.

[gadget73]

The lower control arms from 79-2002 are the same, so if you want, you can grab a set of LCA from a junkyard donor to clean, paint, and install new bushings in ahead of time so the car is apart for less time. Your option, makes absolutely no difference. I definitely would suggest new control arm bushings for the upper and lower though if you haven't replaced yours.

[82LTDQS]

Ok, Thanks guys. So everything from 98-02 are considered "big brakes?" Do I need to change the master???

[82LTDQS]

Im also looking into rear disks. Should I keep that in mind when I buy the master??

[gadget73]

I have big front brakes and rear disc on the stock original 1986 MC and it works fine. The fittings are actually different on later master cylinders so its not a direct swap. The stock one seems to be up to the task though.

[Lincolnmania]

a rebuilt stock master cyl is fine

[82LTDQS]

In reference to 85crownHPP's answer. He mentioned that I need the upper control arms withthe shaft that bolts to the frame. My current suspention is that way now. ????

[Lincolnmania]

the arms bolt to the frame the same 92-94 but the upper ball joint is alot different and so is the spindle

[82LTDQS]

Is this really worth the workand money?? Please be honest. I will be doing some drag racing for fun on the weekends. Other than that its for the street. I do want better all around performance. you know, like handling and braking. Should I take note As to what the donor car's information is, for replacement parts if something breaks later?

[Lincolnmania]

read my other post
yes it's worth every penny.....braking is much better.....no more warped rotors