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Using Global
West tubular upper control arms and GM tall disc brake spindles have the following
advantages:
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The upper ball joint is moved back to allow for higher caster
alignment settings. Caster improves high speed stability and road feel. Caster also
improves corner entry.
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By using taller spindles and shorter upper control arms, camber curves are directly
affected. The tire stays flatter on the road surface. This improves handling through the
corners dramatically.
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Tire life is improved because the tire remains flatter on the pavement.
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Front ride height will drop 1-inch because of the taller spindle and lower ball joint
combination. This lowers the center of gravity and improves vehicle appearance without
sacrificing suspension travel. This combination also lowers the front roll center
providing a more favorable roll axis.
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Global West’s tubular upper control arms offer the advantage
of versatility regarding bushing selection. Stock rubber bushings, Del-a-Lum
bushings (limited lifetime warranty see bushing warranty policy) or
polyurethane bushings can be used
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This type of disc brake conversion uses ready available replacement parts.
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Stock springs can be used for maintaining ride comfort.
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NO clearance problems with headers whether
you have a big or small block.
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Alignment settings are easily achieved .
The following donor cars provide 11-inch disc brake
spindles:
| Apollo 1975 |
GMC Sprint 1973-1977 |
Pontiac Full Size 1977-1981 |
| Buick Full Size 1977-1981 |
Grand Prix 1973-1977 |
Pontiac Lemans 1973-1977 |
| Buick Century 1973-1977 |
Monte Carlo 1973-1977 |
Riveria 1977-1978 |
| Camaro 1970-1981 |
Nova 1974-1979 |
Seville 1976 |
| Chevelle 1973-1977 |
Olds Cutlass 1973-1977 |
Skylark 1975-1979 |
| Chevy Full Size 1977-1981 |
Omega 1975-1979 |
Ventura 1975-1977 |
| Firebird 1970-1981 |
Phoenix 1977-1979 |
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Most of the
brake parts can be found at the wrecking yard. Be sure to check the spindles where the
wheel bearings rest. Make sure there are no signs of galling or grooves. Check the ball
joint holes for damage making sure the tapers are not out of round.
For 12-inch disc brake spindles use:
| Buick Full Size- Le Sabre Wagon / Electra Wagon
1977-1994 |
Cadillac Fleetwood and Deville 1977-1984 // Brougham and Fleetwood
1985-1994 |
Chevy Full Size 1977-1996 Caprice, Impala, Belair, Biscayne |
| Olds Delta 88, Delta 88 Wagon and Olds 98 /
1977-1992 |
Pontiac Full Size Bonneville, Catalina, Grandville 1977-1986 |
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Important:
We have ran into two different types of 12-inch disc brake spindles. One version uses a
small outer bearing measuring .750. The second type uses a larger outer bearing
measuring .850. Use the large diameter outer bearing spindle.
Note: Bring a tape measure with you to the wrecking yard because many
of these vehicles also had 11-inch brakes. The rotors off of (B) cars have a 5 on 5 bolt
pattern. You have a 4-3/4 bolt pattern, so you will not need the rotors. Use 12-inch
rotors off a 1988-1992 1LE Camaro/Firebird GM part # GM 18016035. This is all you will
need off the 88-92 Camaro/Firebird. 1LE rotors have the correct bolt pattern but use 12mm
studs rather than 7/16 studs. You need to change the studs over to 7/16. We use a
DBS-42
kit ($26.98) for this conversion. The wheel stud holes in the rotor will have to be opened
up slightly in order to convert to 7/16 studs. A 35/64 drill bit will do the job.
The brake caliper we use is off of a 1970-1976 Camaro/Firebird. These calipers are the
right width for 1LE rotors. Use an 1-1/8 master cylinder with power brakes and a
1-inch master for manual. We use an adjustable proportioning valve rather than a standard
valve. If you have front drum brakes and converting to disc. You will need a proportioning
valve. If you already have disc's and upgrading to larger brakes for the handling kit.
Your original proportioning valve will work.
If you don't what to go through the hassle of finding all these parts. We can supply
you assembled spindles ready to go.
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