Disc Brake Question
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
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From: Syracuse NY
Disc Brake Question
I am going to be installing a 9 inch rear axle in my 55 F-100. The axle originally came out of a 72 Mustang. I was wondering if it was possible to bolt up rear discs from an Explorer or other Ford product?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I have seen kits from the aftermarket to convert an older 9 inch to disc brakes but I know of nothing else that is a bolt-on. For a pickup truck with most of the weight in front you do not need them. Front discs do most of the work in stopping anyway....seems like I read somewhere about 70%. 
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
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From: Syracuse NY
the axle housing that I have didn't come with any brake hardware so I was thinking about upgrading
Also, the weight bias on my truck is a little different than stock, I have relocated the fuel tank (21 gallon Chevy van) behind the axle and the bed floor is made from 1/8th inch diamond plate....although the 429/C6 probably offset any difference that made
Also, the weight bias on my truck is a little different than stock, I have relocated the fuel tank (21 gallon Chevy van) behind the axle and the bed floor is made from 1/8th inch diamond plate....although the 429/C6 probably offset any difference that made
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
AFAIK the only Ford 9" that came from the factory with disks was on a Lincoln. The parts are near impossible to get, no one is still making them, so when they do become available the price is astronomical! It would be cheaper to use aftermarket, but as GNW has said disks are not as good as drums on the rear of a pickup, even with the extra weight. Stick with drums unless you are only after the bling over performance.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: America!
AXracer-
I'm curious as to why you would say that "disks are not as good as drums on the rear of a pickup".
While it is definitely true that a pickup needs a greater % of braking capability at the front axle due to the high CG and static front weight bias, an appropriately sized disk brake setup could work quite nicely.
What is your rationale for drums over disks?
I'm curious as to why you would say that "disks are not as good as drums on the rear of a pickup".
While it is definitely true that a pickup needs a greater % of braking capability at the front axle due to the high CG and static front weight bias, an appropriately sized disk brake setup could work quite nicely.
What is your rationale for drums over disks?
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Drums are self energizing requiring less pedal effort to stop, are easily used where a true emergency brake is desirable (most rear disk E brakes are actually just a parking brake utilizing a second miniature mechanical caliper or a small drum brake inside the hub housing. Neither would stop the truck in any realistic amount of time in an emergency, and are very complex/costly.). Drums do not need to drag to keep the braking surface clean or to preheat the shoes. They stop better when cold.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,310
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From: Illinois
Rear disk brakes on a truck was not a viable option until ABS came about. The "brains" of the ABS kept them from locking up premamturely. Usually it is overkill for our old trucks but damn it looks good under those expensive billet wheels!
Check with a supplier called Quick Performance (Iowa) for their brake kits.
Check with a supplier called Quick Performance (Iowa) for their brake kits.