Heyo:
I am working up to doing a power front disc conversion for my Malibu. The original thought was to just buy a MP Brakes conversion kit, but everyone says they're too expensive so I am looking at assembling the pieces myself.

I would like the better handling you get from using Camaro/Firebird tall spindles, rather than the A-body spindles. I have upgraded the rest of the suspension for great handling and I think a tall spindle conversion could be an additional way of making the car work as well as a modern car.

I also need a 2" drop because the front Hotchkis springs _raised_ the front end so it is higher than the rear end and it needs dropped. There is plenty of clearance under the car for a 2" drop. I just added the Hotchkis rear springs last weekend and they lowered the rear even more.

I would prefer all this with stock Chevelle-sized rotors. I have 14" Camaro Ralley wheels and I gathered that F-body rotors are too big for 14" wheels (don't have the benjamins to get 15" wheels and tires right now).

Is this even possible? Do the tall spindles improve handling so much that it is worth looking into it?

Thanks!

Well I am in the process of doing the same thing...First off the tall spindles wont work with your stock upper control arms and you will have to buy Hotchkis or Global West uppers....I just bought the Globals and sunk 800.00+ dollars in the complete kit, bushings,ball joints, and outer tie rod ends.. Hotchkis doesn't tell you that you need different lower ball joints and tie rod ends to match the taper on the taller spindles....And yes you will need 15 inch or better wheels for the disc conversion also..
I am using 12 inch disc on my 67SS....I have the 11inch system for sale if you are interested????? With it you can use your upper control arms and just put in a good set of poly bushings and a larger sway bar...
Hope my info helped out, check out global west at globalwest.com If you call them, they will give you all the info on what will and will not work for your car!!!! Have a good one man...

Alcapone

Dave66;

I wouldn't rule out the 14 inch rims if you run the 11" calipers. Back in the older days, when disk brakes became more popular, the configuration of the outer band on the rim was changed for clearance. In other words, some stock 14" rims will work, and others will not. You just have to check them out.

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference & Wagons sections
Gold Member #5

I've just installed the Global West upper A-arms kit myself and found it fairly easy to do. I have other issues with steering geometry and using the mid '70s Camaro/Bird spindles. I've tried to explain it in my posting yesterday hoping that others have found answers to the same questions.
In any case I think you'll have better luck finding Global at globalwest.net .
Good luck with your conversion Dave.