I'm going to convert my "66 short box four wheel drive F-100 to disc brakes.
Any help on availability of parts for front wheels would be appreciated.
Is it possible that some large Bronco parts will work? Thanks guys. I am in the final few days of completing a NP 435 to C-6 tranny with a NP208 transfer case conversion. So next on my list is the brake issue. So, away we go!

 

1976 was the first year that disc brakes were available with 4WD on Bronco's and F100/250's.

AFAIK, Bronco 4WD parts will not work on F100's.

 

Thanks for that ND. Nothing is easy with this truck.

 

Hi Jackpot, I Drive a '65 F-100. Been doing so since 12/23/82. It has drums all the way. It used to have the little mast. cyl. (manual brakes). That was ok in Ga. where it is flat. ( I lived there ). I moved to N.C. in 2,000. I soon saw that I needed to increase the braking ability. I had a shop put a brake booster, a double holed mast. cyl. & proportional valve from a '79 F-100. The difference in stopping ability is many times better. I am happy with what the truck will do now ( as far as stopping I mean ). At the time I had the work done, I considered the discs from the '79 on to my truck. I was used to pumping the brakes and am slow to accept anything new. PLUS... at the fab shop where I was working there was a '66 Ford 6 wheeled dump truck that had a booster and double holed mast. cyl. I thought, " hmmm... That is working well, I shall do the same". I should say that I had a 1/2" plate for a fab. table and a Miller welder bolted to the frame of my truck. That weighed in @ 1,500 #. So stopping is very doable with the booster etc. Hope this helps, Cheers, Pete

 

Pete: Thanks for the advice. It confirms my thinking on the subject. Since my truck is 4 whl dr there seems to be no easy way to convert to discs on the front. Your confirmation on the subject seems to say to update the drum brake system. And that the results are acceptable. Thanks again and I shall proceed!
Jack

 

Kits to convert the closed knuckle 44 on your F100

4x4 Front Differential Disc Brake Kits

Garbz

 

If im not mistaken didn't the 66 f100 get the open knuckle dana 44 if so couldnt he just switch swap from the knuckle out for the newer style?

 

garbz2: Mine is an open knuckle 44: Jackpot

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/410621-1972-f100-4x4-drum-to-disc-brakes.html



Check out this post on disc brakes. The early open knuckle 44 had kingpins instead of the later balljoint, but from a few different posts it suggests that the newer spindles and brackets will bolt onto your knuckle. Maybe do more search into the 67-70 year range of truck they had the same axle I believe. Good luck with this if you could find a 76-79 axle it will bolt up to your truck without much hassle and I believe had bigger u joints for a little extra strength.

 

Hi Jackpot, U'r welcome. I am very happy with this set up. I make sure to say "Whoooa" when I step on the brakes. Remember to "pump" the brake pedal when in a hard stop. This gives everything a chance to remain cool. I used to do portable welding with my truck. The fab table measures in at 62"X68"X 1/2". The Miller welder is bolted to the fab table made a healthy 1,500# . I have taken all that off now. My miles per gallon is much better. I had that set up for 26 years. The first 12 yrs. I lived in Ga. It is flat there. So the little manual mast.cyl. was ok. When I moved to N.C., I had to do something so I could stop. There are some serious inclines in the mountains here. I have 3/4 springs in the back. The fab table is now up on cement blocks in my back yard. I still make parts for myself & friends. I am glad that I can help you. One story. A logger needed a crane welded. I went up as far as I could. A D-8 Cat backed down to me. We put a 25' +- choker on my frame. I was hauled up to the top. It was flat up there. I did my welding. I then turned around, put 'er in Granny low, pulled back on the reins, and flew down. I wish I had had a stick match. I bet I could have lite it by putting the head on the drum!!! So, let me know how you like your new set up. Cheers, Pete

 

Hi Jackpot, It finally occurred to me that U'll need a part #. It is: NMC1854, mfg by Brake Best. I went to the local O'Reilly A.P. store here in Asheville N.C. If you don't have that a.p. store NAPA should be able to get it furr ya. The key to getting the correct part is telling what years the mc goes on. That is: '77-'86 F-100. You will also need a proportional valve. Best to have a donor truck to supply that. Using the years: '77-'86 F-100. Cheers, Pete