Guys,

I am considering buying a used 71 f-250 4x4 390 4spd 44F/60R Sport Custom that is a good shape mechanically and decent cosmetically. The front axle is a dana 44 closed knuckle with drum brakes, but has been converted to power steering. Drum brakes just scare the heck out of me. Has anyone swapped in a D44HD or a D60 front axle with disk brakes and what is the approx. cost??

Thanks,

Paul K.

 

The drums are ok if in good shape, give em a try berore you go swapping axles. I went the easy route and put a 1976 D44 with discs in my 70,a bolt in swap. Any 76-79 D44 will bolt in but the77-79 hi-pinion models will require driveshaft mods and possibly steering I am not sure. A D60 will be harder to locate and be$$$ will bolt in but you will have driveshaft/exhaust/header issues, do you really need or (like me) just want a 60. Cost will vary by location I am in CA so I pay extra for everything....I call it Cantaffordya.

 

That was the exact route that I was planning a D44HD from a '76 or '77 with disks so I don't have to mess with the shaft or power steering. What did it run you if you don't mind me asking? I am just plain paranoid of having any vehicle with front drum brakes? I dunno? I never had one, maybe it's OK?

 

You know I don't remember what it ran me. the D44 axle was a trade from a generous buddy but I see them around here every once and a while at $600-$1200 so who knows what you can get a D44 for. I do know that it did not cost me a dime to install just pulled the old and slid in the new(to me) front end. everything ,brakelines ,u-bolts,driveline,steering all bolted up. With yours already having power steering your swap might be a little different.

 

7DF250,

Thank you very much that was around what I thought it would cost. I'll just have to see how well the truck stops?

 

I swapped in a 77 D44HD into my 70 F-250 4x4. I would do it again in a second, the disk brakes are WELL worth it. I got really lucky and bought a used axle for $200, but I went through and replaced ball joints, u-joints, wheel bearings, brake lines, and all said and done it cost me about $600 total to put in. The setup was bolt in except that I had to heat and bend my drag link slightly so that it didn't have clearance problems. Also, keep in mind that you will need to replace your master cylinder for your brakes when you convert from drums to disks, and you will need to replace the proportioning valve. I used an adjustable type proportioning valve to the rear brakes, an plumbed in the new front disks direct. Good luck with your swap!

 

Thank you Moonley & 7DF250,

Thank you both! I believe that both of you are on the right track. I am just going to have to spend the money. I just do not fell secure about having drum brakes in the front of any vehicle no less a large heavy vehicle such as a 3/4 ton pick-up truck. The drums actually might work just fine, but it just bothers me enough to get rid of them just in case? You never know?

 

It did make it stop a lot better. Back when I had the drum brakes, I actually had nightmares about not being able to stop! It would get real bad during water crossings, or in the winter when the warm brakes sucked in some snow. Once that would happen, stepping on the brake pedal was more of a suggestion than anything! Also, keep in mind that you are probably going to want to get an alignment afterwards.

 

Moonley,

It very might well be mostly pyscological on my part, but to be perfectly honest about it the whole idea of having drum brakes on the front of a heavy vehicle just plain scares the heck out of me. Yikes!!!

Nieche said "that in life perception is greater than reality" and that is my perception! It's also my perception that will help spend my money.

 

Moonley,
I am in the middle of this right now on the same rig. Axle costs were so high and I also wanted the PS system, steering col. (putting a C6 in), NP205 T-case, and was thinking if I could find it a 460. So, when I added it all up it was around $2k in junk yard parts alone. So I decided to look for a junked '78 or '79 F250 4x4. I wanted this for the high pinion front axle. I finally found a junked super cab for $600. It cost me $500 to get it to Seattle where I live, but even at $1100 I was in better shape than to buy parts individually. Plus I was able to sell the sheet metal and some other stuff, including a C6 (still available) I had but don't need now because this truck had one. Oh and yes, it has the 460 too!

 

I would agree that buying a complete donor vehicle is usually your best bet. I had connections with the guy that owned the junkyard that I got my front end from, so he went kinda easy on me. I used a donor pickup for the engine that I have right now, and by the time I swapped engines (as well as all the heavier parts of the towing package and better tires/rims), I was able to turn around and sell the donor truck in running condition, and all said and done I only paid about $600 for everything!
I should also say that when I swapped front ends, I kept my manual steering. I'm not a big fan of the "power assist" steering they had in 77. Recently, I have installed power steering, using a conglomeration of parts (ps box from a 79, pump for a 76, modifications to all the linkage, etc). I love the power steering, but I still need to do some adjustment, and replace some worn parts.

 

i have a 67 f250 ranger 4x4 with dana 60 front and rear axels with discs all the way around. it stops fine for daily driving and i also take it in the woods often and have had it in some pretty steep spots and havent had problems getting it to stop. it has a power booster so its pretty much like any other truck ive had. i wouldnt be scared of the discs for everyday use.

 

The drum brakes aren't bad if you push a little harder. I went 4 wheel discs with 60 front and 14 bolt rear, but If I didn't need to spend the money, the drums work just fine and are just as reliable as discs. I know guys that tow very heavy loads with these old trucks and drum brakes hold up very well under heavy braking. They do fade, but if you're not an idiot with the brake pedal, drum brakes will withstand torture way past the point where rotors will warp all to hell. Why do you think semi tractors and dumptrucks still use drums?

 

I have drums on all four corners of my 71 4x4 w/ power brakes and power steering. I have more brake than I know what to do with. They work great for me. I never had a bad experence yet. Of course disk would be the way to go.

 

Help!! I have an 85 bronco with an early 70's dana 44 in front with disk brakes.(I think its early 70's) But the tie rods have so much play, and I don't know how to order the parts Everyone wants to know what kind of vehicle it is, and I don't know what kind of vehicle it came from. Can someone tell me the first year dana 44 came out with disk brakes, and what type of vehicle it was?