Anyone recomend any Front disk brake conversions?

 

My recommendation for the front's is to read up and follow the directions for the Ford/Chevy conversion using Chevy truck calipers backing plates and spindles, then a Big Bronco hub/rotor assy. Worked great for me and save quite a bit of bucks by buying spindles and backing plates from the junk yard and competitive pricing on the other components.

 

Thats the best conversion for the bucks by far. Make sure you check some of the Bronco specific sites for detailed list of parts and mods needed to do it correctly. There is a broad range of year models for parts doners. There are a few different styles of Chevy calipers. Mainly the rotor width and location of brake line. A donor 4x4 chevy truck and even a Jeep Wagoneer will work. Bone yards should be full of these. I found most parts at one time from the pick-n-pull yards. The Ford rotor assemblies should still be under $35 from Autozone or O'Rileys. Go with new on these regardless. Get new pads, caliper kits and mounting hardware. New rubber brake lines from donor truck should work. Use a combination valve from just about any full size Ford truck with disks from 73 to mid 80's. I am going from memory on everything so be sure to double check before throwing the money down. I did the same conversion on my '67 halfcab with dana 30 front axle. This is a great time to get rid of the stock lines running from master cylinder. You can buy a double flaring tool that works very well from Harbor Freight. The brake line fittings are available so you dont need to use adapters. With some patience and studying some vehicles in the junk yard, you can make the conversion look like it was original equipment.

 

On my 70', I just picked up a 1978 front axle and changed everything over from the ball joints out. The only other component I needed was the bushings for the tie rod ends. The 78/79 carrier has a bigger tapered ID, so this allows you to use the stock 72 tei rod ends.

Good luck,

TK

 

I have a straight axle on my 64 and want to go with disc brakes. I have the complete front end disc brakes from a 76 F-150 for the donor. Is there a kit to put these on the straight axle? I have new calipers and rotors for the 76.

 

If the front end on your 64 is original, it is a closed knuckle design. The knuckles will not interchange with the later model disc knuckles nor will the GM spindle out conversion work in your application. Your best bet to get disc brakes is to swap the entire front axle from a later model with disc.

Jason

 

Got any ideas what will work with minimal cost? I've spent way too much already getting in too big of a hurry. I thought I would have learned by now.

 

FInd a 1/2 oe 3/4 ton chevy or Ford truck with disks. Make sure the differential is offset to the correct side. 1/2 ton will need changed to light duty 3/4 ton rotors. You will probably have to weld on mounts to match your spring width. But this does make coil spring axles an option. I still see plenty of late 70's complete axle assemblies. The pick n pull yards are really cheap. Under $150 complete. If you are in a more rust prone part of the country, it may limit your chance of finding what you need for a fair price.

 

If it is a factory 4x4, should have a LH differential. Your best choice for disc brakes is a 76-79 Ford F150 or 250. Like FTF said, you may need to add spring pads. But it will be the cheapest option. The only problem I forsee is driveline angle from the high pinion front end. You could use a 94-02 Dodge front end, but they are a unit bearing hub design that is pretty expensive to replace. You would also loose the option of locking hubs.

HTH,
Jason