Rear axle conversion questions

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Apr 2, 2024 | 09:10 PM

Parispete

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5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2024

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From: Felton, PA 17322

Rear axle conversion questions

I have a 1995 2WD F-150 xlt si gle cab. I will have to see what axle I have in it and get back. The question is about rear hub brakes being changed with an axle with disc brakes? Is there another vehicle with disc brakes that will fit my truck? I also plan to make it a pozzy track as well.

Apr 2, 2024 | 10:09 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

The truck has an 8.8 axle, there are disc conversion kits for it and you can also DIY a kit using parts from other Ford vehicles. Some later vehicles also had a version of the same axle woth disc brakes but usually the wheel bolt pattern is different, the one exception in the 2005ish E150 cargo van.

Apr 9, 2024 | 12:27 PM

Parispete

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5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2024

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From: Felton, PA 17322

Thanks for the advice. I am one that thinks more parts more problems. The conversion kits are fine, but I would like it to look original with rear disc. This E 150 sounds good. I will look into that. Thanks

Apr 9, 2024 | 12:49 PM

Hit Man X

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From: North Texas

Drums are fine. Just fix them and get on with life.

Apr 9, 2024 | 02:58 PM

My4Fordtrucks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Parispete

The conversion kits are fine, but I would like it to look original with rear disc.

What are you hoping to gain? You hardly use the rear brakes under normal braking. When you rotate the tires, you should be checking the brakes. Adjust the shoes if needed. Done.

Apr 9, 2024 | 04:31 PM

Edgethis

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Tobyhanma, PA

I know alot of people, myself included, don't really like to faff around with drum brakes. It is t mind numbingly easy to do pads and rotors on most disc setups, compared to messing with springs and bits and such on the drums.

Also, some folks that have custom wheels like disc brakes for the looks.

Having done multiple disc brake kits on different vehicles, you're on the right train if thought with trying to get a factory style setup. Makes getting parts down the road super easy.

The Mustang uses an 8.8 amd has rear disc's.

Here's a company that makes kits that don't use GM calipers

This kit comes with almost everything:

https://jfabmachining.com/products/c...brake-kit-17in

This ones much cheaper. But you gotta source the brake parts yourself, and run 17" wheels:

https://jfabmachining.com/products/r...brake-kit-17in

If I didn't have an F super50 dually, I'd be considering one of these options myself.

Apr 9, 2024 | 04:44 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

All the vehicles I own now have rear disc brakes including the last 2 work trucks and it's pretty easy to see/feel the difference it makes when stopping on slippery/wet roads or when towing or hauling a load, I don't miss the front end slide these old trucks would do in those conditions because the rear drums weren't doing anything. That's not to say drum brakes are bad my dump trailer has them and they will easily lock the tires even when loaded, it's because of the mechanical auto adjusters that never stay working correctly for very long... in my experience.