Brake conversion help.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: TX
Brake conversion help.
Want to replace the front drum brakes on a 1975 F-250 4x4 with disc brake set up and am looking for a complete kit. Anybody suggest a do it all kit? The drum set up leaves alot to be desired. I have never drove anything with this set-up and it's a bear to stop. Or is there anything to do besides a complete brake job to help out the old set-up? i was told the brakes were redone a year or so back, have not tore into it but it seems way too hard to stop. Any thoughts ford gods?? Oops like a dummy I did a search after the post. I see this has been covered a million times confusing me more. Are there any options besides the front end swap? I really don't want to get that involved. Maybe do a jam up brake job and live with what I got?
Last edited by stealth1; Mar 19, 2008 at 08:00 PM. Reason: Forgot
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 364
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From: Southern Delaware
i feel your pain, as i have a 74 250 4x4 wit drums and they do suck(well, not that bad if it is power brakes.) but for the closed knuckle front end makes it difficult to do a direct brake swap. most people will recommend a 78-79 d60 axle swap as it is the easiest but it can be over $1000. there is an option if you have a closed knuckle d60, use chevy d60 caliper brackets, spindle, hub and rotors(i think) but i dunno bout bearings tho.. hope it helps....
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Other side of the sunrise
Check your brake adjustment. Back before I swapped out my drums for discs, I had a crappy drum brakes, and adjusted them for a much better braking. Those self adjusters don't always work, so your brakes might just need a mechanical adjustment. Might help anyhoo.
However, I must say, once I finally did do the front end swap, I was amaized how well my brakes work now. Like night and day.
I used a 1976 Dana 44. I believe that 76 was the first year for disc brakes, so 76 or early 77 should bolt right on. I think that late 77 and all the years later had wider spring perches, but late 77 - 1979 could be used if you remounted the perches.
I would go for the 76 through early 77 though. Straight forward, bolt on.
I also changed out the booster, master cylindar, and proportioner valve.
PM me if you wish. I can answer questions you might have regarding my brake swap, if I can help.
Good Luck, Tim
However, I must say, once I finally did do the front end swap, I was amaized how well my brakes work now. Like night and day.
I used a 1976 Dana 44. I believe that 76 was the first year for disc brakes, so 76 or early 77 should bolt right on. I think that late 77 and all the years later had wider spring perches, but late 77 - 1979 could be used if you remounted the perches.
I would go for the 76 through early 77 though. Straight forward, bolt on.
I also changed out the booster, master cylindar, and proportioner valve.
PM me if you wish. I can answer questions you might have regarding my brake swap, if I can help.
Good Luck, Tim
