I have been in contact with Dave at Team 321 about installing his IRS kit. Here is some more info he provided about changing the wheel bolt pattern to the more popular 4.5 x 5.

Hello from Dave at Team321 LLC makers of rear suspensions and IRS adapter brackets for classic Ford Pickup Trucks.

Changing the T-bird / Lincoln Mark 8 wheel bolt pattern...

This is a very popular topic and I am often asked what is the best / easiest way to do it... Here is a solution that involves purchasing new hubs and new rotors... I can't supply the hubs, but they are widely available from Ford as well as other sources... but I can supply the rotors. I will supply one pair of new rotors machined to the proper wheel bolt pattern and center hole size for $50 with the purchase of a set of IRS adapter brackets... For those that wish to only purchase the rotors, I can supply them for $149 / pair. Here are the details.

The T-bird / Lincoln Mark 8 wheels are not the most popoular 5 on 4 1/2 (114.3mm) bolt pattern. They are 5 on 4 1/4 or 108mm bolt pattern.
As described on http://www.truckIRS.com ( specifically : http://team321.com/truckirs/WheelPage.html ) you can change the bolt pattern by pressing in a Mustang wheel hub... Part Number YR3Z-1109-AA



The red arrow indicates a ring that must fit in the center hole of the brake rotor. This ring is larger on the Mustang hubs vs. the T-bird / Lincoln hubs. Since that is the case, the center hole of the brake rotor must be enlarged to accommodate it.

Shown below are two T-bird / Lincoln brake rotors. The original is shown in red primer paint and the newly machined version shows the modifications required for changing the bolt pattern. You will notice a second set of 5 holes - for the 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern along with the larger center hole.



With these two components - the hubs and the rotors, you will have a 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern with no additional modifications... you can use the existing calipers, no need for caliper mounting brackets... no machining required on your part... simply press out the old hubs, press in the new ones, install the rotor and caliper and away you go.

let me know if you have any questions.

dave
http://www.truckIRS.com
http://www.team321.com
Cocoa Beach FL

 

Good information. I guess my question is does it take any special tools to remove/install the hubs? chuck

 

I'd be curious to know what the differences are between the Mustang and T-Bird rotors are, and why you couldn't just use the Mustang rotor and not hassle with modifying the T-Bird part? It is diameter, offset, both, or none of the above/something else?

 

Mustang Rotors are larger diameter (11.65")
I have heard Cobra calipers can be used with the Mustang rotors and the Tbird spindles - and I've also heard they cannot be used. I have not proven nor disproven this.
Either way, they are expensive and you have to deal with the E-brake cable attachment.

The other option is to relocate the Tbird caliper with a caliper mounting bracket.
Bearings / Hubs can be pressed out - so I don't know if a hydraulic press is considered a special tool... everyone should have a local shop that can provide this service. I highly recommend spending the few extra dollars to replace the bearings when you replace the hubs.
Rotors are wear items and need to be replaced... but we're talking about the rear rotors in a fwd weight biased vehicle... by that I mean most of the braking will be done up front and the rear rotors will last many years...

dave

 

By the way... i have purchased the components for another project and it breaks down like this:

Hubs (ea) $135
Bearings (ea) $35

I can highly recommend IRS Machining Services
to provide 4 1/2" hubs, bearings, poly bushings, etc

dave

 

It is always good to have a source for this to be done. I am lucky enough to have a machinist real close that has done all of my work. Every thing worked out very good with my project.

 

We used the parts we had and did not have to buy any. I did have the complete T-bird to work with.

 

Nice work. I have the T Bird IRS for my 49 and was planning on the same thing. Seeing the pics shows its all possible. Did you make your own jig for drilling the holes or have a shop do it. I have always used a 2 hole jig cut out of 2" steel and it has always worked. Just curious to see what others do.

 

ford sells " kit car hub assemblies " for 150 each that are 5x4 1/2 bolt pattern that are what was used for the cobra's . you can get or make adapters to move the caliper mounts up , the info is on a thunderbird site i still lurk on , or redrill the rotors . it's something i have been planning on for awhile with my bird to open up wheel options etc. but with the 53 and 52 , i kinda got one too many projects so ......................

 

I am very fortunate to have a machinist to do my work. We did not press out the hubs but made a jig to hold them on a drill press to drill the holes. The studs will come out without pressing out the hubs.