I found a slightly used 40 Ford disk brake kit for sale. The seller went to an M2 front end. He doesnt say if it came from a car or truck. Just asking. Could it fit a 56 F100 with stock front axle?

 

I had a 40 Ford pick up with disc brakes. I also have a kit on my 56 F100. they use the same calipers and rotors, but the mounting bracket and collar may be different. Good luck.

 

Thanks! I think what I will do is to find out who the kit is from and then see if I can buy the mounting bracket s separately. I hate to sound like a dummy. But what are collars?

 

You are only a dummy if you DON'T ask! Modern disk brake hub bearings don't match old spindles, so they used spacers or collars to allow them to fit. Number dummy could tell you if the prewar spindles and yours are the same, but I doubt it.Note that you will need a lot more than just the basic kit to install disks on your truck, master cylinder and mounting adaptor, booster (unboosted disks require more effort than your drums), proportioning valve, residual valves, etc. Unless you know a whole lot about matching brake system parts you'd be money and safety ahead by buying a complete kit specifically for your truck from one of the major suppliers like Mid Fifty Home - Mid Fifty F-100 Parts, CPP, MP brakes, etc. Where all the parts are chosen to fit and work together. Brakes and steering are two life critical systems, not someplace to try to go cheap.

 

Thanks Ax! Not only did you answer my questions but I also learned the difference between boosted vs no boosted. I think your advice is spot on. You can't put a price on safety! Might as well get the right kit and get it done right!

 

boosted = "power" (assisted) brakes.
Most all drum brakes are of a "self energizing" design, the pivots points and lever action uses the friction of the shoes being applied to the turning drums under braking to automatically applies additional braking force to the shoes The harder the brakes are applied the more additional force is generated.
Because disk brakes use brake pads squeezing the sides of the turning disk they are not self energizing, all the braking force comes from the pedal pushing on the fluid in the master cylinder transmitted to the pads thru the calipers. If you want to stop faster with unboosted disks, you need to apply more pressure on the pedal, and keep it there until you stop. Using a power booster on the MC adds extra pressure on the master cylinder so your leg does not have to do so much work. Back in the drum brakes all around days power assisted brakes were not very common and were usually an extra cost option. If you ever get a chance to drive a vehicle with power assisted drum brakes all around you would note that the are very sensitive, since they boost the self energizing effect.