Brake Upgrade Question

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Mar 27, 2013 | 11:06 AM

mdlave

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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?

Mar 27, 2013 | 12:05 PM

redroad

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From: Pa.

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

Mar 29, 2013 | 04:00 PM

J ballan

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From: Saskatchewan

Sorry wrong thread.

May 15, 2013 | 07:12 PM

tbear853

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

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.

May 16, 2013 | 10:33 AM

psquare7575

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From: MA

I did this upgrade in my 79 F100 (2wd). I kept rear drums. All I did was use F350 sized wheel cylinders in the rear and kept the original prop valve. Truck stops amazing.

May 16, 2013 | 10:40 AM

orangeford

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From: Eastern, Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by psquare7575

I did this upgrade in my 79 F100 (2wd). I kept rear drums. All I did was use F350 sized wheel cylinders in the rear and kept the original prop valve. Truck stops amazing.

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.

May 20, 2013 | 06:58 AM

POPAJON

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From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by psquare7575

I did this upgrade in my 79 F100 (2wd). I kept rear drums. All I did was use F350 sized wheel cylinders in the rear and kept the original prop valve. Truck stops amazing.

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.

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May 20, 2013 | 08:23 AM

POPAJON

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From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada

Thanks tbear. Mine is a '77 also. If I read the posting right the T-bird calipers will fit with a 15" rim. I'm up here in canada and will probably deal with NAPA or Motion Auto Parts. You guys are awsome ppl. The info you pass along is invaluable to a lot of ppl.

May 20, 2013 | 12:06 PM

#10

psquare7575

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From: MA

Not sure on year, I just used '79s in my '79 F100. I too used rockauto for comparisons.

May 20, 2013 | 12:49 PM

#11

POPAJON

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From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by psquare7575

Not sure on year, I just used '79s in my '79 F100. I too used rockauto for comparisons.

Did you also upgrade to the T-bird calipers?

May 20, 2013 | 12:59 PM

#12

psquare7575

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From: MA

..... I followed the article as given, except I kept rear drums vs going with discs. My truck has excellent braking abilities.. tires help a great deal as well.

May 20, 2013 | 10:25 PM

#13

tbear853

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by POPAJON

Thanks tbear. Mine is a '77 also. If I read the posting right the T-bird calipers will fit with a 15" rim. I'm up here in canada and will probably deal with NAPA or Motion Auto Parts. You guys are awsome ppl. The info you pass along is invaluable to a lot of ppl.

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?

May 20, 2013 | 10:42 PM

#14

Nseal1996

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From: Greenville, SC

im looking to upgrade the brake booster and master cylinder along with the new fluid lines in my 75 hb have yall done this before

Jul 22, 2013 | 10:46 PM

#15

tbear853

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

I had planned to have this done long ago ..... but things like work and other chores here and across the mountain have stalled me .... have the stuff collected .... I must get to it!