Does anyone know the compatibility of brake parts. I am assuming I have a dana 30 with manual drum brakes. I would like to replace with a power disc brake set up. I see the kits available but are pretty salty. I can source the parts for much cheaper. I can swap the whole axle, but did that on the last truck. This one is so solid I dont really want to go changing the steering linkage from T to Y and that ended up costing $$$ for new stuff. What spindle and parts will work? I am assuming I can get this stuff from a 77 F-150? does it need to be a dana 30 or can it be parts from a 44?

 

Here you go!!! Just did this on my brother-in-laws 1970 with the D30. The link with the pictures shows a D44. The only difference is that the D44 has studs in the knuckle and you bolt the spindle on with nuts. Whereas the D30 just bolts the spindle to the knuckle.

Classic Broncos .com - Tech: Disc Brake Conversion * 66-77 Early Ford Broncos
ClassicBroncos.com * Disc Brake Conversion * 66-77 Early Ford Broncos

 

Those are good links.... If you have a 30 you will see kingpins like a Dana60... if you have ball joints you have a Dana 44..... if you have a 30 you can only do the Chevy conversion.... if you have a 44, you can do either. The easiest way to separate ball joints is with a 48 oz hammer beating on the side of the joints with the nuts loose.... the nuts catch them when they drop....

 

from the "Ford's got a better idea" commercial:

Front Disc Brake Conversion using all Ford parts | ClassicBroncos.com Tech Articles

Some use Mark VIIIIIIII (or some such yr) all around, others T-Bird. Both were of the early disc era and heavy vehicles so suit the EB...

 

Both of the previous links show the Chevy conversion. Here's the D44 only conversion using all Ford parts.

Classic Broncos .com - Tech: F-150 Disc brakes * 66-77 Early Ford Broncos

 

Now for an opinion question. I have only had one manual brake truck and it took a while to get use to but I eventually did. The goal here is to build something that is solid as possible with good driveability. Is it worth the time to convert the brakes with this in mind?

 

Sounds like a street rig?... all above would do. Some crawlers add the astro van hydroboost. Some add the power master (it came as oem option '76/7) for street or trail.

"...solid as possible with good driveability..."
it's really a matter of opinion on both. 'Ts 1 reason to get these rigs. U can pretty much make them into whatever U want (mine's an income generator/DD/toy).
Tell us some more re: project's end goal for increased accuracy in responses...

 

I did the 77 F-150 brake conversion on my 44...direct bolt-in & not hard. Ends up costing some money because you want new ball joints, bearings, that sort of thing, plus you may have to buy the spanner socket for the upper ball joint nut that threads into the knuckle.

I put a vacuum booster on it at the same time, & I can't really see a need for hydroboost. This thing stops on a dime already. IMHO, it's overkill, but lots of people love it. It does depend on how you 'll use it too. Having said that, I wouldn't want a rig without front disk & some type of power assist.

 

"...did the 77 F-150 brake conversion on my 44..."
or 1 tuns w/the F250
8^0