I have a 1963 F100 . I have converted the front to disc and want to convert the rear but the kits are stupid expensive. I have been told by several hotrod builders that a 1998 ford explorer rear diff Would be a direct fit. Anyone ever tackled this project?

 

Clayton, consinses of this board through the years was that rear discs didn't add a lot. Unless ya got a real itch that can't be stopped spend the money elsewhere.


John

 

It's for my 17 year old daughter. 5' tall 98 lbs lol, just trying to give her all the help I can to stop this tank when she needs to . Plus disc are easier for her to work on .

 

The main advantage of disc brakes is brake fade, Rear brakes usually only do about 30% of the stopping force and last much longer than fronts.
I would suggest investing in handling upgrades, top quality tires, 3 point seat belts and adding some ballast under the rear of the truck to improve the front-rear weight bias.
Without knowing what has been done to your truck other than disc brakes it's difficult to make any meaningful suggestions. I do know that tires are often ignored as far as safety improvements.

 

Clayton, I am a father of 4 and a grandfather, I agree with Rusty. These trucks were not designed to use disc brakes, using them on the front adds a lot. I have them on my 66. Your baby will be safe with them just on the front.


John

 

Ok, so I'll just completely replace the rear brakes and hardware, I'm running a heavy n wide 31/10.50R15 wild country HT . Upgraded to an electric fuel pump,electronic ignition, power front disc, all new stainless steel brake lines, 3point seat belt, windshield washer system, relocating the fuel tank and a few other things. Thanks for the input.

 

It wouldn't hurt to install a front sway bar and decent shocks. I just put a fuel tank behind the rear axle and my rear end is still pretty light so I run less air pressure in the rear to smooth out the ride a little and extend the contact area of the rear tires (28 and 35 ). I also prefer passenger car tires because they are engineered for highway traction than mud slinging.
Try to impress your daughter these trucks were meant to haul loads and don't stop or handle as well as new cars so drive accordingly

 

There are three different housing end flange patterns on the 9-inch rear ends (the 4-bolt flanges at the ends of the axle tubes where the brake backing plates bolt up to).

There was a small bearing 9-inch flange (same dimensions as the flanges on a Ford 8-inch rear end).

There was a 'big Ford' large bearing flange.

And, there was a 'new style big Ford' large bearing flange.


Your truck would have the 'big Ford' large bearing 9-inch rear end flange/4-bolt pattern. In order to install '95-'01 Explorer rear discs, you would have to cut the existing flanges off and weld the newer 'new style big Ford' large bearing 9-inch rear end flanges onto the axle housing tubes.


Difference in the flange dimensions.




The flanges (and even the Explorer rear disc assemblies) can be purchased through Currie Enterprises.

 

A little OT here, but you mentioned a new electric fuel pump. Do you have an oil pressure or inertial switch for that? Or is it just going to keep pumping gas on a fire after a crash till someone turns off the key?

Fuel lines should be steel or braided steel. Parts store rubber lines do not last.

 

Im a parts director for a Ford and a Chrysler dealership in Alabama so im pretty familiar with car/trucks and how changing one thing can create other issues . I did install a Ford factory inertia switch inline with the updated electric fuel pump and also a manual shut off at the tank for overkill . I used 5/16 steel fuel lines from tank to pump to carb and two glass fuel filters so I can see any fuel issues .
I'm looking for a sway bar kit and steering damper to really improve this simple front end.

 

Some information on Dentside factory front sway bars that will work on a '65-'79 F100-F350.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-handling.html

 

Ultraranger, thanks that's great info. Never thought about a rear sway bar .plus the added weight will do more for the ride.