Econoline front disc brakes??? Is it possible??

thunderplex · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 03:54 PM

I'm new to this forum and thought that if anybody would know the answers to my questions you guys would.

Does any one have information on how to install front disc brakes on an Econoline straight axle? I'm putting an Econoline straight axle on my 1956 Ford Mainline Gasser and want to keep disc brakes on the front.

I'll fabricate from plans/dwgs, buy a disc brake kit or use Ford brakes from a later model truck/car.

Let me know what you know, I want to get this project going.

Thanks for the info in advance, guys,
Thunderplex

CHUCKS65PHUGLY · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 10:45 AM

Found this on the world wide web....it may help ?
http://www.dddiscbrakes.com/installation.html

thunderplex · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks chuck,

...that's exactly what I wanted. I searched the 'net and found nothing. I can't tell you how much this info is appreciated.

Thunderplex

CHUCKS65PHUGLY · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 08:25 AM

You're welcome !
I may look around to find other caliper mounting plates.
Those seemed a bit pricey to me.
But then again, designing isn't cheap.

thunderplex · #5 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007, 10:55 AM

The Econoline straight axle is going on my 1956 gasser clone (like my high school ride) and I now have Granada/Monarch spindles/discs on the front. I'd like to find a mounting plate where I could use the Granada discs that are on the car now (they're new). I sent the guy that fabbed the kit you found an email asking what I needed to complete the basic kit and he informed me I would need Jeep rotors and chevy calipers (a complete list of parts to finish the install comes with the kits).

You're right, designing isn't cheap and it might be the best that I can find.

thanks again,
Thunderplex

j-md · #6 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 01:40 PM

Lots of different way to convert Econos to disc ... D & D sell the entire kit or you can find a Gremlin and away you go ...

thunderplex · #7 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 05:49 PM

the discs from an AMC Gremlin is all I need? Is any machining necessary?

j-md · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2007, 01:54 AM

I'm not the expert but go to the old econolines group on yahoo ... use the search function and punch in disc brakes ... be prepared for lottsa reading ... lol, lol

briank · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 11:36 PM

Yes there is some maching needed. If you go to yahoo groups and do a search for oldeconolines then join that group you can get all kinds of information. also if you contact vlafountaine@socal.rr.com, he can set you up with a set already done. They has a really nice setup using the AMC setup.

Brian

vanishingbreed · #10 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 08:29 PM

I have the D&D kit on my 66 Econoline. It works great.

66gpw · #11 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 01:01 AM

I heard that the disc brakes from an early 70's Maverick or Comets will work with some mods for a mounting of the calipers. I thought I read it here or maybe ona site called Ford Econolines. They said the bearings from them are the same as the single axle I beam spindles.
I would check that avenue out. Be a cheaper way to go with very little modifications. I know guy say the Maverick disc brakes will fit some 60's Mustangs.
But I will admitt I'm not a 100% sure here. I just seem to recall reading about this many years ago. I could be mistaken. But it is an route to look at.

dogcollarlabor · #12 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 09:16 PM

I installed a TSM kit and posted a webpage about the process. You can check it out here:
The Modern Form - Econoline Disk Brakes

Cheers,
Doug