Hi ya'll, Long time lurker here. I've got a '53 F100 that is now torn down to chassis for a complete rebuild. I'm working on the body now but I'm also planning ahead. Twelve years ago when I bought her I almost got killed due to original brakes, so I installed the complete disc kit from Industrial Chassis. It has worked great with absolutely no problems. The kit uses 5 x 5.5 rotors from '75 to '79 F100s (according to the catalog) I want Cragar SSs one her but found a statement on the Cragar site about not fitting any 75 to 79 Ford truck front ends. I've called IC and they said they haven't heard of this and said "Hmmmmmm"........when they looked at the web site for Cragar. It seems I found a thread with a similar problem that was left hanging by the poster with no final outcome. Anyone help out? Is this something I can take care of by using a spacer? Or do I have to change the front brakes to a different size? (this was suggested by IC but, they said the whole shebang from the hubs out would have to be changed) I'm really married to the SS's for the project. Thanks

 

Welcome to the board!

I'm running 15" Cragar SS wheels on my 49. I converted to front discs using ECI's kit. I used the 73-79 F-100/150 rotors and GM calipers. I do not have any rubbing issues.

Cragar's original warning about Ford truck front ends has to be taken with a grain of salt since you wont really have a 73-79 Ford front set up. I'm guessing that the Ford calipers are where the problem lies and that the GM calipers are a little more compact.

I did help a buddy install this set up on his truck and we had an issue of the wheel rubbing the GM calipers. In his case he was running an old set of white spoked steel wheels. The rubbing was pretty minor and we were able to grind a little material off the back of the GM calipers to correct it.

Good luck with it
Bobby

 

Bobby, The caliper mis match problem makes sense. Since the IC people hadn't had a problem I was almost going to take the chance. Now to be sure I'll buy 'em locally so the wheel store guy can mess with 'em if they don't fit.
Thanks, Ringo

 

No problem.

I've installed a couple of the disc brake kits on 48-50 F1 axles. They are pretty easy. I was most nervous about installing the bearing adapter sleaves onto the spindles but it turned out to be easy. What I did was to put the bearing adapters in my oven at 450 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or so. While I was waiting I made suremy spindles were smooth and free of burrs. One at a time I'd take a bearing adapter out of the oven, slip it onto the spindle and then "seat" it with a driver that I had built out of 1 1/2" pipe with a cap. Everything went real smooth.

I have heard that some people have had to change the orientation of the grease zert on the kingpin to clear the caliper bracket but I didn't have to on either of the installs I did.

Bobby

 

I have crager ss wheels with 5 on 5 1/2" bolt circle. I also have the cpp disc brake kit and did not have any issues with them.

Terry

 

Thanks guys, This had me concerned since the truck in my mind had to have SS's. If anyone's had any problems, please let me know. I think I can now add this to the not worry pile and continue with the other "head scratchers" I'm coming up with on my build.
You'll be hearing from me much more in the next couple years.

 

Oh yea, I'm a master at the "head scratchers" and the "hand wringers"

I get myself all worked up into a snit, cuss and moan and be a pain in the rear for awhile. Then when I finally tackle the issue it usually goes pretty smoothly...

LOL...all that careful planning is half the fun (having a few friends and a few frosty beverages tend to help)

Bobby

 

I also like the Crager SS. Any one know if a P285-70-15 on a 15x8 or 15x10 will fit a 1958 rear, I was thinking 15x7 front with a P225-65-15

 

How much width do you have inside your wheelhouse? With the right offset and backspacing, you can go pretty much wall-to-wall.