Brake upgrade

timduvall · 2021-03-22 12:48:23

You could go old school on the e-break :-X04 https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/1200x900/old_school_ebrake_a9c3f8209e52d99fe8b92d1844f064f3ce66481a.jpg

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Mar 23, 2021 | 06:27 PM

#16

redroad

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Pa.

You could go old school on the e-break

Mar 23, 2021 | 07:14 PM

#17

F-250 restorer

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Near Los Angeles

Quote:

Originally Posted by redroad

You could go old school on the e-break

Ya gotta love the ratchet handle! That thang's got style.

Mar 23, 2021 | 08:00 PM

#18

Shortbox4x4

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2016

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From: Hartford, WI

James Duff Bronco and full size Bronco/F150 has a complete rear disc conversion kit.

https://dufftuff.com/product-categor...bronco-brakes/

There was another place in the technical/tips and tricks of the 73-79 forum here that had rear disc conversion kits but not seeing it right now.

Mar 24, 2021 | 10:06 AM

#19

F-250 restorer

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Near Los Angeles

Those p.brake calipers aren't worth a side-ways glance. I have tried two diff. types and neither will stop my truck from rolling on a slight rise. I don't ask for much, just a p.brake that'll keep me from rolling forward and nailing the car front of me in the parking lot before I can get the truck started. So far, I haven't found that system. However, I am hesitant to revert to drums.

I know there is a rear end that ford uses on their ... is it Explorers?... that uses discs with an internal drum for the p.brake? That sounds promising, but a lot of work and expense.

Mar 24, 2021 | 10:49 AM

#20

440 sixpack

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Joined: Oct 2018

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If you're going to upgrade the brake system that's another box of apples. and sure more pressure will make the stock brakes work with less pedal effort, just like running on the bottle will give you more power. at a price , for a short while. the subject is about towing and brake performance. the stock booster will fry your brakes if your legs are strong enough to walk you to the driver seat, nuff said.

My opinion is if you're towing a load heavy enough to warrant brake upgrades maybe the money would be better spent on a newer heavier duty pickup. I love my classics but the fact is the brakes are just one place these old rigs fall short against modern pickups. it's your money but if you tow much you're going to figure it out for yourself.

Mar 24, 2021 | 12:40 PM

#21

redroad

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Pa.

@F-250 restorer https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ake-worry.html

Mar 24, 2021 | 12:50 PM

#22

Tracktor

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Joined: Aug 2013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by F-250 restorer

I have used hydroboost for about ... 10 years? I have a 1975 f250. I used a SuperDuty master and hydro so they would be compatible. I also swapped the power steering. to a saginaw pump with dual return lines. I used to haul and tow a lot. The hydroboost is one of the best mods I've done to the truck. The brakes are fearless.

Off a 76 LTD with a 460.

I bought the caliper brackets from a guy who sells them on ebay and some forums. They only aspect of the hydroboost was that I also installed rear discs. I used the Chebby calipers that worked great, but without a parking brake. I've tried two of the El Dorado parking brake type calipers, and the p.brake worked badly. I've considered going back to a drum set-up, but we'll see.

I was planning on doing a rear disc conversion but after just hydroboost I don't really see the point. Eventually putting SD axles under it all the way around & works so good for now no complaints. Plus, overall contact area is reduced with the normal conversions offered even if efficiency is better so not sure how much improvement I would be getting & losing the strong e-brake would suck. That said, I haven't done it so could be wrong but for now I have strong AF breaks with splendid moderation so I'm satisfied. 39.5's with stock system was plane scary especially off road in "emergency" situations can't imagine towing with them......

The thing is - it's odd to see people offering "advice" on an upgrade they haven't even done. To say hydroboost is a waste of money (easily done for a few hundred bucks) with no real life experience with it is just silly. But that's how the interwebs works........It works, period. That is a fact..............

Mar 24, 2021 | 02:34 PM

#23

F-250 restorer

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Near Los Angeles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracktor

The thing is - it's odd to see people offering "advice" on an upgrade they haven't even done. To say hydroboost is a waste of money (easily done for a few hundred bucks) with no real life experience with it is just silly. But that's how the interwebs works........It works, period. That is a fact..............

I agree! What say the rest of you all?