I am getting an axle set up for the front of my 67 f100 and I am having some confusion with disc brakes. From the knuckles out is from a 79 F250 so it has the eight bolt pattern with the bigger rotors and two piston calipers. I would like to switch back to the five bolt pattern to match the rear. I have been told two different things. From my understanding I just need to change the caliper brackets, backing plates, calipers and rotors and hubs. I was just told that the knuckles are different so I would have to replace the entire assembly from the knuckles out. Can somebody confirm this either way?

 

Correct....Everything from the knuckles out - knuckles, spindles, hubs, rotors, and calipers. As pictured below whose parts are slated for my 73 F100.

But the F250 uses a leaf spring set-up whereas the 67 uses radius arms..... have you thought or anticipated that??? You could install a James Duff long arm system.. that would be trick.

 

I guess the real question is regarding the knuckles. How come the knuckles won't work? They appear to be the exact same 5 bolt pattern.

I have planned for the mounting. The axle is a 79 F150 D44. The outers were purchased separately.

So if these won't work, and I continue with the 8 bolt pattern, is it okay to have 8 bolt wheels on the front and 5 lug on the back. Or should I try to find 8 lug axle shafts for the rear?

 

That would have been important to state in your original post. It sounded as if it was a drum D44 you were working with. Drum d44 knuckles center holes barely clear the axle shafts. Bend or break a yoke and its tuff to withdraw. Disc knuckles have bigger holes and clearanced for the calipers.

The knuckles should work but do your homework otherwise by comparing part numbers btwn d44 axles spec'ed for half- and 3/4-tons.

No problem running 8 lugs in front and five in back. Gotta carry two spares tho.

 

There is no F100/150 and Bronco 9" axle shaft used with 8 lug wheels, as all came with 5 lug wheels.

1976: First year that F100/250 4WD's were available with disc brakes.

F250 4WD spindles (knuckles) are not the same as F100/150 4WD spindles.

1976/79 F100/150 4WD's have single piston calipers, 1976/79 F250 4WD's have dual piston calipers.

1976 F100 4WD's have coil spring front suspension as do 1976/79 F150 4WD's (except 1978/79 Super Cabs).

1976/79 F250 4WD's have leaf spring front suspension as do 1978/79 F150 4WD Super Cabs.

1976/77 F250 4WD's (High Boys) have a 5 or 6 leaf front spring pack. 1978/79 F150 & F250 4WD's have a 2 leaf front spring pack.

1976 was the last year that F100's were available with 4WD.

 

The term 'spindle' is used differently when referring to front drive axles. The spindle is the part shown to the right of the rotor shields in the pic above.

 

Looks like i'm gonna stick with the 8 bolt. Thanks for the info!

 

Sho' thing... In that case, I'd be thinking to keep an eye out for a Dana 60 rear axle.

 

Is that an easy swap?