Brake upgrade
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Finger Lakes, Central NY
Brake upgrade
Looking for a brake upgrade on my 1978 F150 2WD Super Cab Trailer Special with 460. I have been unsuccessful in trying to find an aftermarket upgrade.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 5
From: Burlington, WI
I think you've already posted about this before. As I recall, the common consensus is that there is no "upgrade" because there is no need for one.
What is wrong with your system? When properly built/maintained, the system works very well. It will not stop a 4000lb brick on a dime, but frankly nothing will.
What is wrong with your system? When properly built/maintained, the system works very well. It will not stop a 4000lb brick on a dime, but frankly nothing will.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 366
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Jess
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 5
From: Burlington, WI
It isn't "good enough". It's perfectly fine and acceptable for a pick up truck from the 70's. Folks with real ***** still had manual drum brakes at all four wheels back then too.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Finger Lakes, Central NY
Brakes upgrade
Exactly! I want this truck to do what it was designed to do. Work hard and well!
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Finger Lakes, Central NY
Brakes upgrade
I am aware of the ***** it takes to have drum brakes on all four wheels. My 69 bronco has them, and if you step on those brakes and are not hanging on to the wheel, you're going to end up in the ditch. Even with constant adjustment. That's why I'm taking the disc brakes from my 76 Bronco parts truck and installing them in my 69.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2015
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Jess
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Finger Lakes, Central NY
Brakes upgrade
I am not looking to get in a verbal contest over this issue. I just want to know if anyone has ever made any mods or upgrades to a brake system like mine. Everyone has their opinion on whether to stay stock and original or modify and upgrade. That was not my question. Each to his own preference. So, that being said, if anyone on this site has made changes or upgrades, either using newer Ford parts or aftermarket parts, I would appreciate the help.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 91
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I have not done this swap so the advice is worth what you paid for it... But for a low $$$ optimization scheme I would do the following.
1978 Thunderbird front calipers
1978 F350 Wheel Cylinders
(Adjustable proportioning valve... May be required???)
Throw the above on and drive it. I suspect you will have more pedal travel than you had before due to the larger surface areas of the bigger calipers and wheel cylinders... Now decide how much pedal you want and upsize your master cylinder.
There is a very good cross reference here: Ford Bronco Brakes
With the right master cylinder installed drive the truck again and get a feel for pedal effort.
If its OK drive it as is with all simple bolt on changes.
If its not your next step up would be the dual diagram booster from an F350, also a bolt in.
Alternatively you could run a hydroboost which people love but that is not a bolt in. You will need to do some parts scrounging at the junkyard, fabricate some brackets, tie into the power steering system, plumb your PS for a return etc etc. The results are worth the effort on a 4WD with 35" tires but you would have to really want it for a 2wd F150 application.
1978 Thunderbird front calipers
1978 F350 Wheel Cylinders
(Adjustable proportioning valve... May be required???)
Throw the above on and drive it. I suspect you will have more pedal travel than you had before due to the larger surface areas of the bigger calipers and wheel cylinders... Now decide how much pedal you want and upsize your master cylinder.
There is a very good cross reference here: Ford Bronco Brakes
With the right master cylinder installed drive the truck again and get a feel for pedal effort.
If its OK drive it as is with all simple bolt on changes.
If its not your next step up would be the dual diagram booster from an F350, also a bolt in.
Alternatively you could run a hydroboost which people love but that is not a bolt in. You will need to do some parts scrounging at the junkyard, fabricate some brackets, tie into the power steering system, plumb your PS for a return etc etc. The results are worth the effort on a 4WD with 35" tires but you would have to really want it for a 2wd F150 application.
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