For those of you interested in converting over to disc up front on those strange years 69-74 vans. I used a 73 F250 caliper bracket. It bolted right up to my original spindle assembly. The bearing's are the same, the spindle was the same length and od as the f250 spindle. I have a new master clylinder,rotors,bearings,proportioning valve...al though the brake hose's for that year (73dual calipers)were a bit pricey
$30 and $55 it is going to work. I'll leave the king pins alone and the tie rods. The hardest part for these vans will be the brake line hook up. I'm using the lines from a 83 van from master cly to prop valve...then that 18" line going to the rear lines from the prop valve to tie in with the rear. Ain't life grand!!!!!!!! EconoDave

 

EconoDave, I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes by doing this, but I copied your post and placed it on my Ford Van web site.. I've been wanting to get around to doing this conversion on my 74 econo, but haven't had the chance yet.

 

If you want to write up details as a mini-article, email it to me and I'll send a couple of FTE t-shirts your way..... we're always looking for good tech info like this to share with other users. :-)

Ken Payne
[img src="/dcforum/User_files/webmaster/usaflag.gif" valign=top align=left] Ford Truck Enthusiasts Admin

 

Hey EconoDave...

Any idea of the conversion will work on my 74 E100?..I'd love to get disc brakes.

I've got the bare bones e-100 240 one barrel - 14' wheels, manual everything..including brakes, steering, etc..

I'm looking at powering up now...For power steering, I had a suggestion that a half-ton power steering box (F-series of the same vintage) may work and bolt in. I'd like to stay away from the hydraulic assist cylinder if possible.

I think the power brakes will be straightforward. A friend of mine has found the parts.

Any feedback or experiences on upgrading these vans appreciated.

Randy
Nova Scotia

 

rondo74, Where is your van website located??
I have a 1970 E300, and would like to share info with you & others! -Supercab

 

SuperCab, the address of my site is:
http://www.geocities.com/econoline74/

It's pretty basic. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of info on these vans out there.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Nov-01 AT 03:01 AM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Nov-01 AT 02:59 AM (EST)[/font]Randy J !!!!

As far as getting "truck" power steering in a van good luck. I haven't researched that part...but the trucks tie rods are different...course I already have power steering,,the power/cylinder kind..4 turn's lock to lock and four lanes and your around. One quick note the dual calipers set up front while the singles set to the rear using a one piece caliper bracket "with" the arm for the tie rod..with trucks and the later vans (75') Ford had the tie rods in front. been gone awhile glad too see some interest in this..EconoDave

 

Thanks for the response. I've decided to give up on trying to adapt power steering from a pick up truck and go van-original. Thanks to
bareazzbilly(No Email Addresses In Posts!) for the advice.

I'm getting the parts from out west (thanks to fellow vanner Marlon Reid for the help). I'll probably need to get the power cylinder rebuilt and maybe even the steering box. I hope parts are avaliable to do this. Any info?

One issue is a power steering pump bracket for my 240 and fluid supply lines from the resevoir. Apparently, not too many 240s had power steering and Marlon has been unable to locate these parts. These vans have disappeared from local junkyards so parts are unavailabe here. I can probably fabricate the lines, but I'm wondering if power steering pump brackets from any 240 will work. If you know of anyone with these parts for sale, let me know.

Seems like a lot of work for power steering. I hope it is worth it.

 

Randy...I wish I was an expert on those six's...I did get a rebuilt
spool valve, My power clyinder has not given out yet, nor the hose's.
You might check out the early Ford cars with sixes for brackets and stuff. I don't really care for the "wide" path you have to take to turn around with power. I does limit your turning radius extremely!
I would switch to a "regular" power setup.(just gear and pump) if I could but? I have that "bell" crank to contend with . Happy hunting!
EconoDave

 

 

when you did the conversion what size tires/disc did you use? 14/15 or 16”

 

You might try posting this in the 1968 and later Econoline forum, since this thread is 19 years old and is in the 1961-1967 Econoline forum.

 

moved to proper forum