[Spridgets] Disc brake conversion

[Peter Caldwell]

Michael,
         The minimum parts required are:
1. Spindle or swivel axle, as it has the caliper attachment bolt 
holes that the BE spindle doesn't have.
2. Kingpin, as it is a different diameter to fit the spindle
3. The caliper and all its attachments
4. Hub and brake rotor.

But, this gives you an opportunity to use the best a-frame and lower 
trunion pin between the early and late. The A-frame might or will 
have provision for a sway bar that you might want. You might want to 
use the newer springs if your BE ones are fading. Given the 
difficulties associated with removing the lower trunion pin, the most 
expeditious method is often to just swap out the Aframe with kingpin 
and spindle attached. There is less disassembly involved. You don't 
even need to remove the hubs or anything. Do check for play in wheel 
bearings first, and also in the king pin and trunion. Leave the 
steering arms attached to the spindle, and undo the connection at the 
tierod end. You also need to move the steel brake line a little.

         Peter C
----
At 11:01 AM 1/15/2009, Michael Rowe wrote:
>I read somewhere that the entire front suspension below the shocks 
>must be replaced in a drum-to-disc conversion for a BE.  Yet the 
>catalogue shows many of the parts to be the same, and some parts 
>(e.g. coil springs) that are not the same, even though it would seem 
>a priori that they might be.  What are your thoughts on what can go 
>right or wrong with this conversion?  I have a complete spare '70 
>front end to work with (assuming I can get the @#$% thing apart).
>
>Michael Rowe
>'74 Midget
>Long Island, NY