G-body - 4 lug to 5 lug and brakes too

[GLHS592]

I'm an L-body guy, so I don't know as much about G-bodies. I'm going to convert my Chrysler Laser to 5 lug. I figured that I'd press in new 5 lug hub/bearing assemblies for the front. For the rear, I'm thinking that all I'd need to do is swap the drums to 5 lug drums. Am I correct?

As far as brakes go, what is the best upgrade for a G-body? I have the minivan calipers and 24 mm master cylinder on my Shelby Charger. Will the same thing work for the Laser? I thought if I found a rear disc G-body in the junkyard, I'd grab all the brake parts.

[Anonymous_User]

I have the front brakes from an '88 Shelby Z. I thought I had the rear non-vented brakes too, but they must have went to the scrap pile.

The front I'm not 100% certain if the wheel bearing/hub assembly will just bolt to your knuckle or not. Depends on if the bearing bolt pattern is the same.

The rear should just bolt on. Most likely it will all just fit right on your spindle, but you may have to use the donor car spindle too. It will just unbolt from the axle.

[turbovanman]

For the front, yep, just install 5 lug hubs. The rear, thats another yep, just remove the 4 lug and put the 5 lug on. Double check drum diameter, 99% sure there the same size.

Not sure on front upgrades but the rear disc is a bolt on. Some say change the prop valve, others say not needed. I guess do the swap, if it brakes fine, just leave it along.

[GLHS592]

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure. Right now, I'll probably just do the 5 lug swap. I'm trying to keep this car between $500-$750 total investment.

[22mopar]

I have a 1984 cargo caravan that came with 4 lug wheels, I converted it to 5 lug by changing the whole spindle from a 1993 caravan and also used the rear brake drums from the 93. it went together w/o any problems. the last thing I had to do was get it aligned. I used the 93 because I got that van free and I like the bolt in hub. seems to be a little easier to replace if it goes bad.

[turbovanman]

You got lucky if you swapped over the front knuckles without changing the K-member and control arms.

[22mopar]

forgot to mention that, I used the 93 K member cuz I like the newer cast control arms and mounts better than the old stuff.