I have a 1972 F100 that i am pulling parts for my 1965 F100. The 72 truck has the power steering and power drum brakes. Is there a difference in the master cyclinders and brake proportioning valve between the power drum brakes and the power disc brakes. I am pulling all of the steering stuff along with the master cylinder and booster from the 1972 and find spindles and brakes from a later disc truck and swap spindles while the 1972 axles are out. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

cs, Yes there is a difference. Why dont you grab the I-beams from a 74 or later and and do th echange only once. IMHO changing I-beams now and spindles later is a lot of unesessary work. You can use the booster from the 72. I used a 76 for my 66.

Hope it all works for you :-)


John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

I have to agreee with John on this matter, I'd wait til I found a truck with disk and do it all in one shot. I would also use the M/C, booster, and Proportioning Valve from the donor truck - or at least a truck from that series (73-79) and weight class (100, 150, 250, 350). In other words if your brakes and axles are from an F100 go with F100 parts all the way, if they're from an F250 go with F250 all the way.

Trail Rider

 

Creeksider, I recently did a PS/PDB conversion on my 66. This conversion is not complicated and easier if accomplished in one project. But, depending on the budget and available time and your need for transportation, you may consider adding power steering first, then add the booster and MC for power drum brakes. If your drums are in good shape they will work fine until you have time and money to convert to disk. Using later than 72 axles will get you more width for the front verses the rear. No biggie unless you are trying to keep your truck mostly original and haven't invested in after market short backset wheels. It takes about 5" backset to get the wheels back under the fenders. If you use the 66 steering wheel you need to cut about 1/2 inches off the solid steering column so the horn will clear. Save about 8 threads for the steering wheel retaining nut. Run the nut on before you cut, it restores the damaged threads as it comes off. Careful clean up with a file also helps. Are you running an automatic transmission? Do you want to have a neutral start switch and back up light? Will you switch to a floor mounted shifter? The 72 column is not a bolt on deal and the 66 column is to long with PS. The clamp/bracket that bolts the column it to the bottom of the dash is different. You can use longer bolts and spacers or as I did, drill out the spot welds on the old bracket and transfer it to the 72 steering column. A nice U bolt may work as well. Also read the article on this subject in the technical section of this site.
William

 

Will, Some of your facts aren't exactly straight. The 65 - 79 front I-beams are all the same width. In 73 the rear axle was widened to match the front track. The PS columns are shorter that non, because of the upper part of the gear where the fluid lines connect. You should change out the column with the conversion. You are correct about having to use longer bolts or changing out the U clip at the dash.

Don't mean to pick on you. ;-)

John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.