Morning y'all new to the site and would have to say that this is definitely the best place I've found so far when it comes to looking for a little help. Im in search of all kinds of answers for the questions I have about my 97 f250. Have no issues with the wrenching part of this game but definitely have issues with the finding the best ways to go about these tasks. Brakes are not terrible to replace but the drums all the way around is a little obnoxious for the era... what does converting them to rotors entail? first thing I think of is where to mount a caliper? almost seems to be easier to purchase hub/axle that has been previously set up for rotors and go from there. Any ideas as to where to come about something like that? Changing the original bench style seat to something like bucket seats but not necessarily bucket seats. The cab needs a different style seat in my opinion, carid.com is the only place I've been able to locate something like what I'm after. any suggestions on where to look other then there? What kinda problems tend to occur when doing something like this? I sure must would just tell me to get a new truck and I would like to agree but the current situation im in has got me stuck. Im also having a very hard time finding wiring diagrams for the lights. Found a great one to use for the radio/speakers on this site and I know I can find one for the lights but not sure if im wording searches wrong? thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any suggestions or ideas

 

A 1997 F250, even the 10th generation light duty version, has front disc brakes. Why do you think it has drum front brakes?

Could you clarify if your truck is the light duty version or a F250HD which is a 9th generation (OBS).

 

it is the hd, door stamp does actually say 96, its right on that transition line from 96 to 97

 

Havent seen a truck with drum front brakes newer than the 70s. Care to post a picture of the front drum brakes you have? Also seat pans can be found at u pull it yards or made. I made 3 for my trucks because i had a little trouble finding any pans. They use 2 buckets and a fold down center jump seat.

 

Now that we know you do have a 9th Gen (OBS) we can tell you this truck has front disc brakes from the factory. The rear are drum brakes. For the most part it is a pretty good setup. Some despise the Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS) while others like myself have never had an issue with it. If you think the braking performance is sub-par then you need to thoroughly inspect the components for signs of wear and proper adjustment.

Which lights are you having issues with that require a wiring diagram?

 

By “door stamp” are you referring to the build date on the sticker? Generally speaking, the next model year comes out in the Fall so a vehicle built in September - December of 1996 hold be a ‘97 model year vehicle. You can also check the emissions decal under the hood to see what model year standards it meets.

 

right on thanks! ill definitely be using something similar to your idea!

 

think I figured my light issue out and have come to the conclusion that I have a faulty switch. gotta get it in the sweet spot for the dash lights and taillights to work.

 

Yeah had something similar happen. Check all fuses and pull the switch out asap, it is probably melted.

 

is your truck 4x4? Still interesting that yours is drums on front, maybe PO did SAS, and thats all he had? JY on finding you split bench, and you will get better results, if you google search, ex. 96 F250 tail light wiring diagram:FTE.com

 

Don't eat yellow snow.

Wait, you want specific advice... Well the rear brakes are drums and probably neglected. The front axle does maybe ~70% of the work when it applies to braking so people can kinda get away with it and not notice it too badly. A set of glazed over front discs & rotors and you'll start to notice real quick. Sometimes the pad material isn't really suitable, "heavy duty" might last longer, but at the expense of braking quality. If they aren't bedded in correctly any brake pad or shoe combination will seem really bad.