Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Better Braking?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 01:41 AM
  #1  
SouthernX's Avatar
SouthernX
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Better Braking?

Is there anything I can do to "beef-up" my '96 F-250's braking? I'm going to start pulling a trailer and cargo that will be pushing my GCVWR and the more stopping power that I can get the better. Is there some aftermarket products like bigger rotors / pads that are out there? Any other suggestions?
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 01:48 AM
  #2  
SouthernX's Avatar
SouthernX
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by SouthernX
Is there anything I can do to "beef-up" my '96 F-250's braking? I'm going to start pulling a trailer and cargo that will be pushing my GCVWR and the more stopping power that I can get the better. Is there some aftermarket products like bigger rotors / pads that are out there? Any other suggestions?
Can I replace my rear drums with disc-brakes?
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 09:58 AM
  #3  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

There aren't any bigger rotors that I am aware off. For good pads google Hawk pads. And yes you can add rear disc brakes. Its a great upgrade
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-are-here.html
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 10:35 AM
  #4  
SouthernX's Avatar
SouthernX
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tjbeggs
There aren't any bigger rotors that I am aware off. For good pads google Hawk pads. And yes you can add rear disc brakes. Its a great upgrade
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-are-here.html
Awesome truck! I wish mine looked that good. Mine is in OK shape but it's just a work truck (and it shows with the dents in the bed railing, etc.).

How much of a boost could I expect by replacing the rear drums with discs?
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 01:25 PM
  #5  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by SouthernX
Awesome truck! I wish mine looked that good. Mine is in OK shape but it's just a work truck (and it shows with the dents in the bed railing, etc.).

How much of a boost could I expect by replacing the rear drums with discs?
Well I can't give you any numbers but is one of the best bang for the buck mods I have done to date.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 07:13 PM
  #6  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
after converting to discs i can say its a HUGE difference whether i am towing or just cruising. stops incredible now, no more soft and low pedals, no early morning grabbing rears, and if you mash on it; she'll throw the passenger through the windshield.
part numbers for use at advance auto- current
Wearever rotors---------YH145251 - $57.99 each
wearever silver pads- --- NAD-52 -- $14.99
Cardone calipers rt side-- 184124---- $17.99+$15.00 core
cardone calipers Lt side-- 184125----$17.99+$15.00 core
True torq ft hoses ------- H98925---$32.99 each
Caliper hose bolt(help isle) 13940----$4.28 each

the rotors are 2 yr warrenty
calipers are lifetime warrenty
pads are lieftime warrenty
hoses are 1 yr replacement

and the link to my conversion.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-brakes-6.html
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 07:37 PM
  #7  
1dieselman's Avatar
1dieselman
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: Page Az.
Maybe add a hydroboost. How about a complete kit from here Ford Rear Disc Brake Kits for 9", Dana 60, Dana 70 and Sterling or is it to pricey.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 07:38 PM
  #8  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
why convert to hydro boost?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 07:45 PM
  #9  
1dieselman's Avatar
1dieselman
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: Page Az.
Most 1 ton and over trucks use it. When I converted my Jeep (I know not a truck) the first time I got on the brakes I about threw myself through the windshield.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 09:24 PM
  #10  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
its still only going to apply as much pressure as the master cylinder can, the hydro boost is just another way to give assist.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2009 | 09:36 PM
  #11  
1dieselman's Avatar
1dieselman
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: Page Az.
The hydroboost puts out something like 2000 lbs of braking pressure compared to 1200 lbs from a vacuum assist with less effort. I'm very happy with the difference it made in my Jeep and I am in the process of getting a SD setup to put on my 94 with 35s. I may do the rear discs someday but right now I can do the hydroboost for 1/3 the cost.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 03:32 AM
  #12  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by 1dieselman
The hydroboost puts out something like 2000 lbs of braking pressure compared to 1200 lbs from a vacuum assist with less effort. I'm very happy with the difference it made in my Jeep and I am in the process of getting a SD setup to put on my 94 with 35s. I may do the rear discs someday but right now I can do the hydroboost for 1/3 the cost.
Agreed! Not to mention if you go hydroboost and get an electric vacuum pump you can do away with the less than stellar mechanical vacuum pump. It would be tricky but I have been brain storming a way to do it with a little fabrication.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 10:20 AM
  #13  
RRranch's Avatar
RRranch
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
This is just my 2 cents so take it for what it's worth but in all the years I worked on cars and trucks the biggest problem I had with drum brakes was that whoever worked on them previously didn't know squat about adjusting them. Auto adjusters can't be relied on to work properly either. No matter how often you clean and lube them.

To date I've only had to replace drums on one truck, a ford 9000 farm truck. I actually set them on fire going down a mountain. I've replaced shoes twice I think on my last pickup in nearly a million miles. My wife is the only one freaked out by the back end braking on our trucks now. She tailgates real bad and can't understand why the back end feels like it's jumping when she stops. At least she exercises the rear ABS system for me.

If your brake pedal goes more than halfway down, or your park brake pedal, then your brakes aren't adjusted properly. I like keeping an inch or less of movement in mine. I adjust up the brakes till The drum won't spin anymore and a slight drag is felt normally. All three of mine now have factory lockers in the rear so I have to put a certain amount of feel into the adjustment. The wheels on one side couldn't spin anyway.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:30 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE