Fox Mustang 5-Lug Brake Kit - Four No More

Here's a look at the complete front/rear five-lug brake system (PN A112-2; $1,700) we're installing on our '89 Mustang LX. Other prepackaged five-lug conversion setups don't come as complete as this one.

Everything is included and it's all new, from the 28-spline axles, rotors, calipers, brake pads, and lines to every nut and bolt.

SSBC provides two anodized-aluminum rear calipers with its A112-2 kit. The calipers feature built-in mechanical parking brakes and single pistons that measure 45mm in diameter.

Installing new inner and outer bearings and seals (front and rear) is always a good idea for five-lug conversions and any brake- or axle-related repair. GTR's Dan Ellebracht put the grease to each piece and set up the front rotors for installation.

Chris removes the factory parking brake cable, which has seen better days. Two new ones come with the brake system.

It's critical that grease and other debris have been cleaned off the rotors' surface, so Ricardo gives them a sizeable dose of brake cleaner prior to installation.

Ricardo recommends applying 12 to 15 lb-ft of preload torque on the front wheel bearings.

Because our rotors have the optional turbo slots, they're considered directional and are marked with "left" and "right" designations to let Ricardo know which spindle they must be mounted on. Turbo slots allow the heat, created by pad and rotor friction, and gasses to escape.

With the new rotors in place, Ricardo adds SSBC's semimetallic front brake pads and resecures the factory calipers.

The 'Stang's original rear-brake backing plates/dust shields can be discarded. The oil bath Chris gave the mounting bolts in order to get the plate off is a common practice for high-mileage 'Stangs that undergo this swap procedure.

New bearings are pressed into the axle housings using a Snap-on Tools bearing driver (PN A1310A; $73.90). There are less efficient methods of seating bearings and races, but those tactics can cause damage. We suggest you use the right tool for the job, as seating the bearings is an important task in this process.

Mounting plates for our new brake calipers are positioned and bolted down on each side.

Chris attaches backing plates/dust shields to both of them.

Along with retention of the OEM front-brake calipers, SSBC's inclusion of correct-length, five-lug rear axles for this swap is one of its coolest features. Gone are the days of scouring junkyards for parts from wrecks for this type of project.

Returning this pin to its home inside the differential housing is critical. It contains each axle and prevents them from sliding toward center and hitting one another. Chris also pops both C-clips back in place. They're responsible for retaining the axle shafts. When all is secure, the diff cover is sealed with silicone and the housing is refilled with Royal Purple gear oil.