Granada Disc Brake Conversion for Classic Mustangs

What You Will Need for a Granada Disc Brake Conversion

Before beginning the conversion, remove the following components from your Mustang:

• Drum brake spindles
• Outer tie rods
• Master cylinder
• Brake distribution block

This is also a good opportunity to inspect other front suspension components. Replace the upper and lower ball joints if necessary.

Removing the upper A-frame is not required unless you plan to replace the upper A-frame bushings or the spring saddle perch. Likewise, spring removal is not necessary unless the upper A-frames will be removed.

Donor Vehicles for Granada Disc Brakes

The Ford Granada brake conversion uses disc brake components from 1975–1980 Ford mid-size vehicles.

When selecting parts, look for rotors marked with minimum thickness .810″ and a single piston caliper that is attached with a sliding retainer held in place by one bolt, usually with an allen head.

The components you find in a salvage yard will likely not appear as clean as the examples shown here, but as long as they meet the correct specifications they will work.

Fully Assembled Disc Brake Conversions

Important Items to Note:

Versailles disc brakes use a larger diameter lower ball joint stud. To install these on a Mustang, an adapter is required so the spindle can properly attach to the Mustang lower ball joint.

Some Ford brake assemblies look very similar to Granada brakes but will not work on a Mustang conversion. Granada rotors are approximately .810″ thick. If the rotors measure 1″ or thicker, they are from a different Ford application and will not fit a classic Mustang or similar Ford chassis. Always verify rotor thickness before purchasing donor parts.

Parts Needed From the Donor Car

Granada disc brake conversion parts list:

• Spindles
• Backing plates
• Rotors
• Calipers
• Caliper mounting hardware (flat spring, slide clamp, and attaching bolt)
• Rubber brake hoses
• Frame brackets where the rubber hoses connect to the steel brake lines
• Threaded flare nuts from the hose fittings (these are a unique size)
• Proportioning valve with all flare nuts intact
• Steel brake lines with the coiled wire wrap

Removing Brake Lines from Donor Car

The coiled wire wrap will be reused on your new brake lines. To remove it quickly, cut the lines with side cutters and slide the coil off later.

When removing the proportioning valve, do not attempt to loosen the flare nuts while still on the car. Instead, cut the brake lines approximately 1" from the valve. This allows you to remove the fittings later using a box-end wrench without damaging them. Make sure to note which fittings connect to each port on the valve. If the donor car does not have a proportioning valve, obtain one from any mid-size Ford or Mustang equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Whenever possible, choose a valve from a vehicle that still contains brake fluid, as this reduces the chance that the internal seals have dried out.

Parts You Do NOT Need

The following components from the donor vehicle are not required for this conversion:

• Ball joints
• Upper A-frame

Outer tie rods may sometimes be reused, but only if they are in perfect condition.

For 1965–1966 six-cylinder Mustangs, the donor tie rods are not needed.

Recommended New Parts

Even if you are using salvage-yard components, many parts should be replaced with new ones during installation.

Recommended replacements include:

• Brake pads
• Rebuilt or new calipers
• Rotors
• Rubber brake hoses
• Wheel bearings
• Cotter pins
• Brake hardware kit
• Tie rods (if worn)

You may also require tie rod adapter bushings depending on the specific application.

You will also need:

• Brake fluid
• Master cylinder (if upgrading)
• Steel brake lines

Required Tools

Typical tools required include:

• SAE sockets and box-end wrenches
• Allen wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Tubing bender
• SAE inverted flare tool

Granada Disc Brake Conversion Installation

Remove Original Drum Brake Components

Begin by removing the factory drum brake components from the Mustang.

• Drum brake spindles
• Outer tie rods
• Master cylinder
• Brake distribution block

Inspect suspension components during removal and replace worn parts if necessary.

Modification of Steering Stops

When installing Granada spindles, the steering stops may require minor modification. This prevents excessive steering angle and ensures proper tire and suspension clearance.

Steering Stop Modification

Disc Brake Installation

Install the Granada disc brake components onto the Mustang suspension.

Typical installation order:

1. Install the Granada spindle onto the ball joints
2. Install wheel bearings and rotors
3. Mount the caliper mounting hardware
4. Install the caliper
5. Connect the brake hose

Verify all hardware is properly tightened and that the rotor spins freely.

Spindle Assembly and Mounting Hardware

Caliper with Brake Pad

Caliper Support Spring (Curved Metal Piece) and the Caliper Retaining Bracket (Notched Rectangular Piece)

Brake Pad Hardware

Critical Assembly Step for the Outer Brake Pad

Tie Rod Installation

Granada spindles require tie rod adapter bushings to properly connect the Mustang steering linkage.

Recommended adapters:

• 1965–1966 Mustangs — TRB-65GR
• 1967–1969 Mustangs — TRB-67GR
  

These adapters allow the tie rods to seat correctly and make proper alignment possible.

Master Cylinder Installation

When installing a Maverick master cylinder, retain the original Mustang pushrod for manual brake systems.

Brake line orientation:

• Front reservoir → Rear brakes
• Rear reservoir → Front brakes

Always bench bleed the master cylinder before installing it.

Removing the Pushrod

To remove the original pushrod:

1. Clamp the pushrod in a vise
2. Pry against the master cylinder ears using two screwdrivers
3. Apply steady pressure until the pushrod releases

Removing the Pushrod from the Master Cylinder

Proportioning Valve Installation

Install the proportioning valve to regulate brake pressure between the front and rear brakes. Avoid using brake line adapters whenever possible as they can increase chances of leaks.

Properly flared steel brake lines provide the most reliable result.

Granada Proportioning Valve Plumbing Diagram

Installed Proportioning Valve

Connecting the Master Cylinder and the Proportioning Valve

 Brake Line Flaring and Installation

New brake lines must connect the master cylinder, proportioning valve and the front brake hoses. The best place to mount the hose bracket is midway under the control arm (front to rear). The rubber brake hose attaches to this bracket using a spring clip.

Brake Line Fittings

Installed Granada Spindle and Brake Hose

Brake Bleeding

After installation, bleed the brakes to remove all air from the system. If the brakes will not bleed properly, check the caliper orientation. The bleeder screws must point straight rearward, not upward. Incorrect caliper positioning traps air and prevents proper bleeding.

Alignment

After completing the conversion, since the Granada spindle swap slightly alters steering geometry, proper alignment is important for best handling.

Alignment Settings for 1965–1966 Mustangs

Stock ride height:

• Caster: 0°
• Camber: 0°
• Toe: 1/8″ IN
  

Lowered vehicles:

• Caster: +3°
• Camber: 0°
• Toe: 0

Alignment for 1967–1973 Mustangs

Use factory specifications unless the car is lowered. Lowered vehicles typically require additional caster.

Steering Geometry Note

Granada spindles alter steering geometry slightly. Lowered 1965–1966 Mustangs may experience increased bump steer.

Original Mustang disc brake spindles may provide improved steering feel in some cases.

FAQ’s

Do I need tie-rod adapters for the Granada spindle swap?

Yes, most Granada spindle swap Mustang installations require tie-rod adapter bushings so the Mustang steering linkage properly fits the Granada spindle steering arm. Without these adapters, the tie rod will not seat correctly and the car cannot be properly aligned.

What master cylinder should I use for the Granada brake swap?

Many Mustang owners performing a Mustang drum to disc brake upgrade use a 1-inch bore master cylinder designed for disc/drum brake systems. 

Do I need power brakes for the Granada disc brake conversion?

No, the Granada disc brake conversion works with either manual or power brake systems. Many Mustang owners run manual brakes using a properly sized master cylinder, typically around a 1-inch bore, to maintain good pedal feel.

What parts are needed for a Granada disc brake conversion on a Mustang?

A typical Granada disc brake conversion requires the following major components:

• Granada disc brake spindles
• Vented rotors
• Single-piston calipers
• Caliper mounting hardware
• Brake hoses
• Proportioning valve
• Master cylinder
• Tie-rod adapter bushings
• Steel brake lines
• Wheel bearings and seals

Is the Granada brake swap still worth doing today?

For many owners, the Granada brake swap Mustang enthusiasts have used for decades remains one of the most affordable Mustang drum to disc brake upgrades. The swap provides significantly improved braking compared to factory drum brakes while using inexpensive factory components that are widely available. For street-driven cars, the Ford Granada brake conversion continues to be a practical and cost-effective upgrade.

However, modern aftermarket disc brake kits may offer advantages such as lighter components, improved steering geometry and larger performance rotors.   Check out our Complete Rear Disc Brake Conversion for a 1964½–1970 Mustang for another option.

How do I identify Granada disc brake spindles for a Mustang conversion?

When sourcing parts for a Granada disc brake conversion, it is important to verify that the spindles and rotors are from the correct donor vehicles. The most common donor cars include the Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch.

Key identification features include:

• Rotor minimum thickness around 0.810 inches
• Single-piston floating caliper
• Caliper retained by a sliding bracket and single bolt
• Rear-steer spindle design (tie rods mount behind the wheel)

Some Ford brake assemblies look similar but use 1-inch thick rotors, which will not work for a classic Mustang conversion.

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