Ok. I want to put disc brakes on the front. My nearest salvage yard is 70 miles away (well one where you can go pull parts).
Why would I not simply specify the components needed for a 1973 f100 with disc brakes at NAPA/wherever: booster, booster bracket, spindle, brake rotor, calipers, proportioning valve, hoses, etc. If you go with reman parts the prices don't appear to be too bad.

 

It's possible... but ya still need disc spindles.. It's not an off-the-shelf part.

And cores. Lest ya can withstand the cost. Do the math and see if it pencils out.

I think a few gallons of gas is with the JY trip. You could give 'em a call ahead of time so it's not a wasted trip. Alternatively, see if you can get on their call list if and when a 73-74 disc-equipped F100 arrives or is delivered. The promise of a cold 12-pack does wonders to motivate folks.

 

Probably going to drag myself down there in the morning with a wagon and a few tools. the san antonio yard only opens its older side from 9-12.
good post knee surgery therapy ��

 

Make a list, bring some water, and have a good time.

I walk the truck entire truck section before pulling any part unless there's an autolite 4100, bucket seat brackets, or nice grill shell looking back at me.

 

hillcountryflt, I don't know you or have any idea on how well versed you are on parts, but I am suggesting STOP, don't do it. There is a very different method to get these parts and get them all. You are likely to leave parts behind and will have to make one or more trips back.

Buy a donor truck, that has the engine/tranny combo that you have or want to end up with. Bring to to where you will work on it. It may be home, it may be a rental space. If you can't bring it home, find a space to rent for 1 month, get a team assembled to help swap the parts and roll up your sleeves. It's the little parts overlooked that can cause problems, all on the donor truck.

Been working with folk here for a while now, an every time a poster comes back with issues, it is because he went parts shopping rather than buying the donor. I have been a part of several swaps. I usually sell parts not needed from my donor and when it time to go to the scrap yard I make money rather than loose on the deal.

Because they are so interconnected you want to swap the brakes, steering, transmission, & maybe engine all at the same time. I promise you will not regret it.


John

 

If you happen not to find anything then consider brackets you can buy on eBay that allow you to use your current spindles. You have to buy they parts you mentioned but uses GM calipers I believe. We figured it out to be a pretty cheap way to go disc up front.
Just search F100 1/2 ton front disc brake conversion....

 

NAPA and etc auto parts stores will not have some of these parts, because they never had them originally, as they were Ford dealer parts only.

For examples, they won't have the disc brake spindles or the correct brake pressure differential (proportioning) valves.

Parts donors: 1973/79 F100 2WD & 1975/79 F150 2WD. But, be aware that 1973/79 F100 2WD: MANUAL disc brakes were standard equipment, POWER disc brakes were optional.

Get everything from one specific year truck. For example, the valve used 1973/74 is different than the valve used 1975/79.

 

I suspect this is due to the rear wheel cyls being different 73/74 than those used 75/79. 3/4" vs 13/16"

Could be other reasons too, though.....

 

1973/74 F100: D3TZ-2128-A .. Rear Wheel Cylinder Repair Kit: 7/8"

1975/79 F100/150: D3OZ-2128-A .. Rear Wheel Cylinder Repair Kit: 15/16"

1972/74 E200: D3UZ-2128-B .. Rear Wheel Cylinder Repair Kit: 13/16"

 

2X John. He has a valid point. 70 miles away too far to make more than one trip. Any Dents in your local C/L?

 

Found a 1978 f150 with disc. pulled everything but the right side hose bracket. loaded up in my wagon. headed for the gate. they said i was too late had to come back tomorrow to get the parts.
so got get up early enough to be there when they open at 9 on Sunday.
is it worth going back for 1978 parts? Not sure of condition of booster.

 

Heck yeah...Go for it... I've swapped a 78 F100 system into my 70 but the booster and MC are out of a 75 F150.

 

Drag my behind out of bed early Sunday to get to San Antonio to be at the pick and pull before it opens. I anticipate my parts will still be there. Lot of work for someone else if they are not. Did learn a bit about the front suspension of the truck.
If I can't get the right side hose bracket off, is that one probably readily available? Should I even bring the booster home? I believe the brackets are applicable.

 

Ok, so I mis-remembered the sizes. Been a while since I looked into it (like 2 years). However, you also backed up my point about this being the likely reason for the valve difference between those years.

 

I would get the booster too, might have to have a core and that will not be cheap.