Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Disc Brake Conversion

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2015 | 10:18 PM
  #1  
FordTruckGuy96's Avatar
FordTruckGuy96
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Disc Brake Conversion

So I just picked up a dana 60 front and a sterling 10.25 rear for my 87 f250. I figure that if I am going to change axles I might as well swap from rear drums to rear discs at the same time. I have been reading online and it looks like I just need a rotor off a 96 E350, front pads and calipers off a 79 k20, and a mounting plate for the calipers (made by Ruff Stuff). Is there anything else I am missing? And I keep getting comfused as to whether I need a 1/8 wheel spacer or not. If anyone has done this conversion before and can give me advice it would be great.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 05:11 PM
  #2  
Crewcabber's Avatar
Crewcabber
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood Wa.
I just did this swap a couple weeks ago and it is pretty straight forward. You will need a rear axle hub socket to remove the hubs. You will need new hub seals. Caliper brackets I bought from ruff stuff. 73-79 iirc calipers from a k20 chebby. E-350 rotors, as far as wheel spacers thats up to you. I think you are getting the 1/8th inch spacer from ruff stuffs website that spacer is to space the caliper bracket in board an additional 1/8 inch only needed if you are using their brackets on a 94 or later 10.25 sterling. You have to cut and re flare the brake lines that come out of the breather/brake line T. I bought the parts and brake lines to do this from afco.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 05:18 PM
  #3  
Crewcabber's Avatar
Crewcabber
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood Wa.



Socket inside hub removing hub nut.





Axle hub and backing plate removed.





All mocked up before paint





Installed
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 09:08 PM
  #4  
BruteFord's Avatar
BruteFord
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
Curious, what about the parking brake?
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 11:14 PM
  #5  
FordTruckGuy96's Avatar
FordTruckGuy96
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
First off what parking brake? Mine was cut off a long time ago by the looks of it. And thanks for the pictures man, looks great. My question is did you use the calipers for the JB7 or the JB6 chevy brake system? There is no cost difference between the two I just don't know which ones I should use, or does it not matter. Also the brake hoses, do you still have the part numbers off them? I don't even know where to start looking for the hoses. I have the rotors on order as well as the mounting adapter and I assume I don't need an 1/8 spacer because the Sterling axles I could use are off an 87, 89, or 91. Thanks again for the info.
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:22 PM
  #6  
Crewcabber's Avatar
Crewcabber
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood Wa.
I think.I'm going to put in a micro lock
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:28 PM
  #7  
Nothing Special's Avatar
Nothing Special
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
Originally Posted by Crewcabber
I think.I'm going to put in a micro lock
That's what I did on my Bronco (but I think you mean Mico, which is the brand name of what seems to be the most common line locks). It works OK as a parking brake (although I'm not sure I'd trust it for a long period of time). But it doesn't function as an emergency brake at all, and I'm told that it wouldn't pass inspection in some states because of that (no inspections here in MN to deal with)
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:32 PM
  #8  
Crewcabber's Avatar
Crewcabber
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood Wa.
They will not pads inspection. E brake is supposed to be independent from the hydraulic system
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:32 PM
  #9  
Crewcabber's Avatar
Crewcabber
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood Wa.
You can use Eldorado calipers for ebrake
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:56 PM
  #10  
FordTruckGuy96's Avatar
FordTruckGuy96
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
There are no inspections here in Michigan as the truck is straight piped with the injection pump turned up. So I'm not worried about that. I have most of the parts ordered just need to find the hoses and I'll be good to go. All in all it comes to around 300 for everything which I am happy with ( shipping taking up a good chunk of that). I am just curious if I would have to change the master as the calipers will take more fluid than the cylinders do?
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 04:07 PM
  #11  
FordTruckfan89's Avatar
FordTruckfan89
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 4
From: NC
look into a hydroboost setup as well.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jgilrfr
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
17
Jan 17, 2013 04:00 PM
oreocreaming
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
19
May 6, 2012 08:34 PM
74ford4x4
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Dec 31, 2011 03:57 PM
SNSTER
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Jan 24, 2010 03:29 PM
jdawwggin25
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
1
Feb 4, 2005 03:00 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE