I wanted to see what the differences are, if I can use F100 parts or not.
And what would it take to swap to disc brakes? I'd like to keep it cheap... I found a set of brackets, but they wanted over $200 for brackets and bolts! I wouldn't mind piecing it together, I'd prefer it if it saves me big money.
I'd keep the drums if it wasn't for the huge by huge bolt circle. I'd like to downsize a bit... well, a lot.


I'm still debating changing the axles on my F500 frame, or swapping the entire frame with a roller from a F100... but that's not too easy to come by... locally.
The pro of keeping my F500 frame is that it's already there... and the transmissions are already in place. The con is that in addition to changing axles, I'd also have to cut it shorter for a bed. That's a big 'con' though...

 

i cna't say for sure about the spindle diameters as i don't have the info i have scribbled somewhere in a notebook from when i was working on my 1 ton some time ago , but the only thing that caomes to mind for sure is the kingpin diameter will be bigger on the f5 axle . might be able to have a competent machine shop ream out 1/2 ton spindles to the right size . but before you do check on the spindles / diameters . could be as easy as going to one of the bearing manufacturers sites and looking up the specs for the wheel bearings for a f100 and an f500 . you might just be able to get away with just putting the 1/2 ton components on the bigger trucks spindles ............... i want to say that my 1 ton and the 1/2 ton of 55 vintage were able to just swap the hubs etc. to get that if so desired .......... just don't quote me on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

oh yeah a guy called oilly owl on here done a simple disc swap on his 3/4 ton bonus built and it applies to you as well . got the spindle mounting brackets from a 70's era ford truck , put the up against his spindles , marked where he wanted the holes to be drilled , drilled them and welded up the originals , and walla . then you can just buy the bearing spacers from speedway , and a little research will get you the right bearings . i'm using 84 ford 4x4 knuckles i'm cutting down if i do the disc swap , to make my own , and like mentioned using bought bearing spacers from speedway , i wanna say it was a-2 and a13 bearings { again no notes in front of me !! } and 74 - 8? disc brake rotors and 84 calipers and flex lines to do them on the 53 f100 of mine .

 

The F-500 axle will be about as similar to an F-100 axle as a Clydesdale is to a Shetland pony. NOTHING will interchange or swap. The spindles won't even be close, so none of the disc swap kits will come anywhere near fitting. Swapping the axle out isn't even a viable option. The F-500 springs will be too wide to hang an F-100 axle from and I don't think that F-100 springs will fit the F-500 frame. I honestly think that you'll be happier in the long run with a swap to an F-100 frame.

 

I second the comments from BlueOvalRage. About the only thing in common between the F500 front axle and the F100 front axle is the distance from center of spring pad to center of spring pad.

If you want to use light truck style wheels and a light truck style disc brake retrofit, you will have to swap axles. And to get a decent ride, you will have to swap in light truck springs. This all can be done, but it is not easy. Or cheap. You have a medium truck. F100 frames are out there, and getting one shipped in from somewhere else is not all that expensive, especially if it is a "rolling" frame with axles and all.

Now, if you have the time, equipment, and ability, you can make that F500 into a street cruiser. With enough time and money that is.