There is an 8 lug disc brake conversion for these trucks you may look into, if you have everything else and just need hubs and brakes.

 

 

I would recommend it. It can all be fitted under the floor and use the stock pedals so you could retain the stock look with modern benefits and driving ability. It would be a worthwhile update, imho.

 

 

Here is the disc brake kit I was thinking of. It's been used successfully by guys here before, which is why I remember it. It does say you need to use your own hubs, and I'm sure there's someone here that can hook you up. You could check with Kevin 'bigwin56f100' he deals in 53-56 Ford truck parts and likely will have a set of 8 lug hubs.

https://www.tsmmfg.net/ford-truck-8-...-kit-1853.html

 

 

Hey did you ever solve this dilemma on your truck? I have been figuring out what’s the easiest or best to retain some stock-ness but do away with the 6x7.25. Not to mention my Timken 150 rear and it’s 5.14s. (Mines a 1953 express bed)
enter 1961-64 F250 2wd. Maybe 57-60. 8 lug, the front axle fits in place, use the rearend from same truck. Now I have 8 lug, non obsolete brake parts on all 4 corners, more driveable gearing, and with dually conversion spacers i could run a later model dual wheel rim if I want that factory appearance. But I dunno yet what I’ll do. So did you decide? Lol.

 

We decided to get a stirling 10.25 rear axle which is from a 76 F350 because it is easier to work on than the Dana rear axle, don’t need to pull the axles to replace the brakes. It may be a little wider but we are hoping to make it work, it was originally a dually.

For the front axle we had the original front hubs redrilled to the same 8 bolt pattern and used the f250 drum and shoes. We haven’t finished yet so not sure how it will turn out.

There are some great ideas put forth in this thread. Hope you find a good direction for your build