[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Jun-02 AT 09:09 AM (EST)]I've got a few questions about the front disk brakes on my '74 F-100. To start with, the truck has been sitting for several weeks and when I got in it the other day there was a pool of brake fluid on the driver side floor mat. Looks like that is the final confirmation of a bad master cylinder (the pedal hasn't been returning to the top of its stroke). The truck is new to me, and while I'm at it replacing the MC, I figured I would do calipers, wheel cylinders, etc.

I've been looking to gather the parts before I dive in and I have several questions. I saw that there is a choice of phenolic or metal pistons. Besides price (and availability) what is the difference? I would think that the phenolic pistons would tend to transfer less heat to the brake fluid (good) but may tend to be less durable (bad), although since this isn't a daily driver I really don't think that durability is a major concern. I have not looked at the manual yet, but it looks like the rotors and hubs are all one unit. I assume this means new berings and seals (or seals at the least) when I take the rotors to be turned (I might as well get the machine shop to press the old races out/new races in). Right?

Any other hints/tricks/tips would be great. I have done lots of car brake jobs (maverick to mazdas) so I'm pretty sure of what I'm doing, but if there is anything specific to Ford trucks, I'd like to be prepared.

Thanks,

Mark

 

Does it have power brakes? If it does and you have fluid on the floor then I would definately pull the booster and drain the fluid out of it.

 

Manual brakes. I considered the upgrade to power brakes, but at this point I don't really think it is worth it. With the repairs I think it will stop well enough for my purposes.

Mark

 

I would try and find an M/C that has a stainless steel sleeve installed.

Even some re-built M/C's are better than new because of this.

Tips:
Bench bleed the M/C before you mount it for one.

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How will I be able to tell if the new MC has a stainless steel sleeve? I'll probably be dealing with the typical automobile supermarket parts counter kid.

Any ideas on the phenolic vs/metal pistons in the calipers?

Mark