-76) and doing a swap, but I haven't found any that have discs, unless they're rigs which have been completely rebuilt.
66 F100 Disk Brake Conversion Help?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2015
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66 F100 Disk Brake Conversion Help?
I just purchased a 66 F100 Longbed from cragislist in the last 2 weeks and right now I have a few grand worth of work I need to do on Mechanical alone. I want the truck to ride safe but I also don't want to go broke. I've been looking at getting a Brake conversion kit for the front and back. I've seen price from $600 to $3000. I was hoping I could get some advice on a good kit to buy for the conversion? I'm hoping sub $2000 for the pair.
Let me know if I am missing any critical details, right now the drums NEED to be replaced in the next 5 months and I don't want to rush a huge purchase like this.
Let me know if I am missing any critical details, right now the drums NEED to be replaced in the next 5 months and I don't want to rush a huge purchase like this.
New User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 22
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From: Monroe, Wa
After talking to members here I was looking at the route of buying a newer parts trucks (72-76) and doing a swap, but I haven't found any that have discs, unless they're rigs which have been completely rebuilt.
With that in mind, I finally settled on the idea of buying a kit from Master Power Brakes. It's $1400-1500 for just the fronts, but I'm okay sticking with drums in the rear until I've time/money to do a frame-up. I haven't taken the leap yet (gotta find a shop to do the work), but I'd say go the route of doing just fronts and having all new lines run, and then plan to do the backs at a later point.
This is, however, my first build, and most of the members here have more years driving/working on/building rigs like these than I've been alive.
With that in mind, I finally settled on the idea of buying a kit from Master Power Brakes. It's $1400-1500 for just the fronts, but I'm okay sticking with drums in the rear until I've time/money to do a frame-up. I haven't taken the leap yet (gotta find a shop to do the work), but I'd say go the route of doing just fronts and having all new lines run, and then plan to do the backs at a later point.
This is, however, my first build, and most of the members here have more years driving/working on/building rigs like these than I've been alive.
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New User
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I was thinking of getting a full kit IF I can use the same kind as the Ford Bronco, like this:
Four Wheel Power Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 11'' Rear Drums, 66-75 Ford Bronco, All New Parts - Toms Bronco Parts
Four Wheel Power Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 11'' Rear Drums, 66-75 Ford Bronco, All New Parts - Toms Bronco Parts
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Suggest do the research because there are a number of variations to the front disc brake upgrade. I went with spacers between the firewall and the MC bracket and did not have an issue w/ the length of the MC brake adjustment rod. Also, kept the pressure brake switch; however, going w/ the electrical switch is considered safer. There use to be a 'how to' in the 'FTE article' but have not check lately if info still available, suggest open 'search' menu, type in front disc brakes and narrow the field to the 61-66 forum. Posting a link may find helpful:
f100discs
f100discs
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2011
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I have a 65f-100 and put disc brakes from a 79 f-100 on mine. I changed the spindle on mine but some people change the axle spindle and control arm all together. I guess the big thing is can you do any of the work yourself?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1975/79 F150 2WD's came with power disc brakes as standard equipment.
1976: Disc brakes introduced in F100/250 4WD & Bronco.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
You can save money, or at least spend it on something else, by keeping the rear drums/axle setup.
This has the advantage of keeping the emergency brake system the same, roughly 70 per cent of the stopping power is always provided by the front axle anyway. Even today millions of vehicles use front discs and rear drums. It would be wise to replace all the hard brake line and rubber hose, rear wheel cylinders. New drums aren't too bad, shoes and springs are cheap. Inspect/replace rear wheel bearings and seals at same time.
This has the advantage of keeping the emergency brake system the same, roughly 70 per cent of the stopping power is always provided by the front axle anyway. Even today millions of vehicles use front discs and rear drums. It would be wise to replace all the hard brake line and rubber hose, rear wheel cylinders. New drums aren't too bad, shoes and springs are cheap. Inspect/replace rear wheel bearings and seals at same time.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
MrJNice Welcome to 
and the Slicks Forum. 
Kits don't come with everything, when you need replacement pads one day what are you gonna use. You need to make a plan on how to do this, depending on where you live a parts truck at home might not work, so you may need to rent some space close by. I have done this several times and always sold more parts from the donor truck that I used and have made my upgrade parts -0- in cost.
You need to find a 73-79 F100 that has the engine and transmission in it like yours or that you would like to install in your truck. I rebuilt the engine, and added in a C6 auto transmission when I did my swap so I know how many miles is on it all. 76 was the last year for the V8 FE so you need to be aware of that. Buying a donor truck will give you all the little pieces needed for the swap that kits don't have.
Take your time make a plan, work your plan, enjoy your project.
John
and the Slicks Forum. Kits don't come with everything, when you need replacement pads one day what are you gonna use. You need to make a plan on how to do this, depending on where you live a parts truck at home might not work, so you may need to rent some space close by. I have done this several times and always sold more parts from the donor truck that I used and have made my upgrade parts -0- in cost.
You need to find a 73-79 F100 that has the engine and transmission in it like yours or that you would like to install in your truck. I rebuilt the engine, and added in a C6 auto transmission when I did my swap so I know how many miles is on it all. 76 was the last year for the V8 FE so you need to be aware of that. Buying a donor truck will give you all the little pieces needed for the swap that kits don't have.
Take your time make a plan, work your plan, enjoy your project.
John
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