Brake Upgrade Question
#1
Brake Upgrade Question
Complete Brake Upgrade for 1978 - 1979 Ford Broncos .: Articles
I'm interested in doing the above upgrade. Will the procedures for a 1978 F150 4x4 shortbed be identical to the procedures listed in the article for the 1978 Bronco?
I'll probably keep the rear drum brakes, as I don't plan to do any towing.
Is it necessary to upgrade the lines or will fully functioning original lines work just as well?
I'm interested in doing the above upgrade. Will the procedures for a 1978 F150 4x4 shortbed be identical to the procedures listed in the article for the 1978 Bronco?
I'll probably keep the rear drum brakes, as I don't plan to do any towing.
Is it necessary to upgrade the lines or will fully functioning original lines work just as well?
#2
You are going to have to upgrade the proportioning valve and the master cylinder and the brake line size will be sized according to those upgrades and fittings .. if you are keeping the rear brakes I would use an adjustable proportioning valve and fit your forward end of your current rear brake lines to fit the valve then replumb the front brake lines accordingly
#4
Yes, any thing in that article dealing with a '78 Bronco applies to your '78 F150 (as well as my '77).
About the flex line from Combination Valve to Front Axle .... in searching, it's not made anymore .... so I'll use stainless steel braided hose 14" long and two brass tee blocks from Earls.
Skyjacker has a specific braided line kit too, for up to 7" lift (mine's stock).
As I read all the info in several swap ups, the stock type combination valve is perfectly OK if functioning (you can get a new one easy now, even on ebay) if using rear drum brakes. The aftermarket adjustable proportioning valve is used instead when changing rear brakes over to disc brakes.
About the flex line from Combination Valve to Front Axle .... in searching, it's not made anymore .... so I'll use stainless steel braided hose 14" long and two brass tee blocks from Earls.
Skyjacker has a specific braided line kit too, for up to 7" lift (mine's stock).
As I read all the info in several swap ups, the stock type combination valve is perfectly OK if functioning (you can get a new one easy now, even on ebay) if using rear drum brakes. The aftermarket adjustable proportioning valve is used instead when changing rear brakes over to disc brakes.
#5
#6
Did the same on my 79 4x4. Much cheaper than rear discs plus I still have a parking brake. I used front brake hoses from west coast broncos who sell a hose kit just for this upgrade. Or with the t-bird calipers if you want. I replaces my main front flex hose with a braided one from superlift when I lifted it. But any parts store should be able to get a standard length one.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
psquare, does it matter what year of rear cylinders you use? Just asking cause I'm going to do this upgrade along with the T-bird front calipers. I want to keep the 15" rims that I have also, will all this fit in with no problems.
Trending Topics
#8
I haven't looked them up, but the WCs I pulled fit many years .... I just concerned myself with '77 and the numbers were same for '78.
Look at RockAuto Parts Catalog and check numbers.
#13
YES .... I think the Tbird / Torino / Elite / etc .... used same calipers from like 72 up to 79 or so, but 79 Tbird is easy to recall as it's what everyone mentions.
I have a thread I started where I'm gonna post pics, etc ..... I list part nos too, the A-1 Cardone 18-4083 and 18-4084 are the same as the OEM brand SLC-182 and SLC-183 calipers which we carry at AAP so I got my discount but we could have ordered the A-1 Cardone.
I did order the Cardone MC / Booster and got OEM, same part number. Guy at works says they are remaned at same co?
#15
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fun98
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
04-04-2010 08:13 PM
Dean M
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
6
12-22-2005 07:25 AM