73F100 4X4 drum to disk?

sGreuel · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2002, 03:04 PM

I would like to know what years of front disk brake systems would fit on my '73 F100 4WD. Is it only up to '79? I've found numerous 80&up 5-lug IFS's in the salvages, but don't know if any of those systems(rotors, hubs, spindles,etc.) will fit. What all parts do I need?
I don't climb rocks, but I do seriously work this truck. Stopping better with heavy loads would be nice. I just heard some metal up front so now's the time to update if possible.

dinosaurfan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2002, 09:48 PM

I think the stuff you need will be under a 73- 79 truck. All of the 67-72 trucks that I have seen had drums up front, with the discs starting in 73. My '71 4wd has a drum brake D44 axle, with open knuckles. I purchased a complete front axle from a 1976 F150, it also has the open knuckles, but with disk brakes. The frame of the truck got wider in 73, and the axle tubes did as well. But the ball joints were the same part #, and the disc brake ends look like they will fit, but I waiting to hear that metallic sound before I try them on. DF

sGreuel · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2003, 12:33 AM

Thanks DF. So you say the spindles ARE different between drum & disc systems. I sure wish I could use one of those 80's front diff's ends, they're everywhere I look. I guess I'll keep scouring the salvages for 74?-79 axle. So, I wonder when the half ton 4WD's started getting disc's? Probably the next one in line after my '73.:-( Ha, Ha!!
DF, Do you also have the power assisting slave cylinder type whatchamacallit booster whopper steering system? That's something else I'd like to remedy, If anyone has any suggestions! Or, should I post that as another question? I'm new here!

Torque1st · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2003, 12:47 AM

bphillips777 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2003, 11:30 AM

The outers you are looking for started in seventy seven, they also started to figure out what real power steering was then. I have a 75' f-100 and it has drums I would go the disc route too but I am going to a 3/4 ton running gear under the old half ton in a few weeks.

okiebronco · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2003, 11:34 AM

as far as the master cylinder and vacuum booster goes alot of people use ones off a 3/4 ton. i dont remember why unless its because they have a bigger piston in the master cylinder