up-grading front brakes

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Feb 25, 2009 | 08:22 AM

low54

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Bend, Oregon

up-grading front brakes

So since my truck is all torn apart, it probably would be a good time to upgrade the front brakes...Now I've read several posts on here regarding up grades but very few pics were attached...could anyone assist me with some guidlines, again my truck will be running the stock 239Y with a straight axel set-up. I seen firewall mounted dual systems...which I like but need assistance with a likely donor and also, should I consider a disk brake set up?...ant thoughts are helpful

Feb 25, 2009 | 08:27 AM

jaye

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From: S.C.

I have the disc set up on my 55, If I had it to do again I would have just purchase the bracket adapters and went to Advance Auto or a salvage for the rest. Same with the M/C. There are a few truck that you can get the brake pedal along with the master cylinder and adapt it to your truck. There are a few guys here who have done this and have pictures in their gallery. I have one of what the disc brakes look like but not the install.

Feb 25, 2009 | 08:54 AM

55 f350

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 5,776

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From: springfield il

speedway has a disc setup 5 on 5 1/2 for under 300 in their books . i want it and it has been in the plan for awhile but again because of other things coming first in her repairs , im just gonna upgrade bessie's drums with the self adjusting goodies from a 68 f-100, 150 whatever , and put new lines , m/c , so forth in and a set of residual valves in front and rear { 1 in front line , 1 in rear line } . that should hold me over for now . i was gonna run the single m /c with either as i dont A: have the cash for the dual under cab arrangement right now , B: i want to keep it looking fairly oe and one of the things i'm gonna do now is get rid of some of that dain clutter on the firewall not add to it .

Feb 25, 2009 | 09:47 AM

DR Smith

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,532

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From: northeast Ga

front brakes

I bought a disk kit,and used a 88 ford ranger dual cylinder and power boaster,with portioning valve,pictures in my gallery.

Feb 25, 2009 | 10:08 AM

edzakory

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 556

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From: Prescott, AZ

I bought the disk bracket and spindle bearing adapters from ECI. I then purchased the rotors, bearings, and calipers locally from Advance Auto. I was able to adapt a Mustang dual MC but mounted it in the original position. I had to use a 2 lb residual valve in the front line to prevent brake fluid from running back into the MC.

Make sure you use a disk/drum MC and not a drum/drum MC when converting otherwise the front brakes will lock up. Check out MP Brakes for details; good info but high prices.

Below is a picture of my old '56 that I sold in VA with the disk brake conversion and original front axle:

Feb 25, 2009 | 10:17 AM

low54

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Bend, Oregon

It looks pretty straight forward, Mid fifty has a conversion kit I've been looking at...however, $$ is tight right now...I think I'll go with that though..its $399.00

Feb 25, 2009 | 11:20 AM

james gang 1001

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Pt. Orchard, WA.

I used the kit from classic performance products CPP . I selected the master cyl. in the orig. position. It was a snap, just one day in my shop with a buddy helping. Man alive you would not believe the difference power disc in the front and power drum in the back make. The only thing I wish I had done was get the remote fill for the firewall to make bleeding easier. I think I can do it myself with a reservoir from a ford courier. Good luck.