I've been on the road for awhile, sorry for being out of touch. On the road means Tokyo, Phoenix, Vegas, Manhattan, Newport, Boston, and a couple of other places I can't remember right now. I'm really tired.

I'm getting really tired of airlines, but... what should I be looking for to convert my son's '73 highboy to front discs? I'm thinking of tearing apart a '78-79 F250 and parting out the rest, but do you guys have other suggestions? Pick up the front '78-79 axle (8 lug) and brake valve stuff? Are there adapters for the closed knuckle parts?

I submit this to the norcal list, because I'm not going to ship this stuff all over the country. Fact of the matter is that he is having trouble keeping up with the money to pay for the fuel for the beast.

It does run really good though.


Chet

 

Hey buddy, long time no see.
Use a 76-77.5 front end. The spring perches will line up then. I did the same conversion on my 74.
From the donor truck I used:
1) front end, wheel to wheel.
2) proportioner valve. I think I needed to get an adapter for the brake line connect as I recall. If you have the old brake line ends from the donor that would be better. I didn't, so I used adapters.
3) master cylinder
4)vacuum booster (i had to modify the brake pedle shaft too. no big deal though. you can use the donor)
5)brake line ends. I bought a double flaring tool to put them on. You can use mine.
You'll also need:
vacuum brake bleeding tool. You can use mine if you want.

 

Excellent, thank you Tim. I guess now I just start hunting around for a parts donor vehicle. I'll let you know when we're ready to move on it.

Chet

 

I have to go hit the local PicknPull for an alternator bolt and spacer sleave for my 460. Mine broke off in the block.
When I finally find time to get there and look around, I'll look around for a parts truck for ya.
I'm pretty sure that the late 77, and 78 - 79 frames were a little wider. I know that the rear end perches don't line up, and would assume the same for the front end. To my knowledge, you would need a 76 or an early 77 disc brake front end, and donor truck.
T
ps., if you guys need any help, pm me and we'll figure how to touch bases by phone. I lost your number since we last met.
Regards, T

 

If you get some stout 4wd stuff extra, we might be interested. I am considering challenging the wimps in Nevada to a mud pull - - there is also a couple of kids in the northwest chapter that need to learn about weight and horsepower. . .

And brakes are for sissies!!!!!!