Weak brakes
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 251
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From: Phoenix USA
Weak brakes
I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but my 79 F-150 has brake problems. It has 35" tires and I know this is the problem, but there must be a way to cure it. The tires are overpowering the brakes. Is there any other Ford parts that can be swapped on, or do I have to go aftermarket? I know it will never stop like a sports car, but the way it is right now, it's kinda scary at times. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 490
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
Weak brakes
hey Joe where in Phx are you. im at 31ave and T-Bird. i have the same problem. when i bought my truck last year the guy i got it from replaced everything except the proportioning valve. so i got one and put it in. as soon as i get my new motor all hook up and run i'll bleed the brakes and see how it works. hopefully this weekend.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: del city,oklahoma
Weak brakes
you might search the web for f250 master cylinder and brake booster mods... that is a easy way to beef up your brakes in a 150. also im a firm believer in rear disk mods. it helps alot
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Weak brakes
Okie,
I think I may have similar questions, hope I'm not hijacking the thread. I have a thread going in the 80-86 forum on brakes. Do you have empirical evidence on what % improvement might be obtained going to rear disk? I was wondering just how great the difference would be if there was no load in the truck or load being pulled. I guess what I am getting at is, I would like to know what the best bang for the buck so to speak is as far as brake improvements go. I think I am going to get stainless steel brake lines first and then rear disk, and then upgrade to bigger front brakes (I have new pads, rotors, and wheel bearings, might as well get a little use out of them). I have a 5 on 4.5 lug pattern (80-82 F100s had smaller setup and brakes) and I am trying to obtain more info on just how big I can go on front brakes as far as a donor bolt on goes. Do the F350s and F250s back in the late 70s/early 80s have the same size of brakes, spindles, etc? If I got stainless brake lines, would they work for any new brake application I tried?
Thanks,
John
I think I may have similar questions, hope I'm not hijacking the thread. I have a thread going in the 80-86 forum on brakes. Do you have empirical evidence on what % improvement might be obtained going to rear disk? I was wondering just how great the difference would be if there was no load in the truck or load being pulled. I guess what I am getting at is, I would like to know what the best bang for the buck so to speak is as far as brake improvements go. I think I am going to get stainless steel brake lines first and then rear disk, and then upgrade to bigger front brakes (I have new pads, rotors, and wheel bearings, might as well get a little use out of them). I have a 5 on 4.5 lug pattern (80-82 F100s had smaller setup and brakes) and I am trying to obtain more info on just how big I can go on front brakes as far as a donor bolt on goes. Do the F350s and F250s back in the late 70s/early 80s have the same size of brakes, spindles, etc? If I got stainless brake lines, would they work for any new brake application I tried?
Thanks,
John
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: del city,oklahoma
Weak brakes
well im not sure on a percentage but on the 76 bronco i had it was like night and day going to 4 wheel disk. i know that was a bit lighter than a full size p/u but if it makes that kind of difference on a lighter vehicle i could only imagine what it would do for a heavier vehicle. and the cost was under 200 dollars. since early broncos were 9 inch rears i dont see how it would be much difference between those and your f150 other than early broncos were small bearring 9 inch rears and f150s are big bearring 9 inch rears. anywho this is getting long so ill stop but that article should give you a good idea on where to start. i believe there is one on using the f250 brake booster and master cylinder as an upgrade also
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 64
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Weak brakes
Thanks for the quick response Okie! For some reason the site isn't loading up for me, I'll try again later today.
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From: Cullman Alabama
Weak brakes
Thanks Dennis. I knew that could be done from information on another forum, but that's the best a guy could ask for.
I think I'll get an F350 MC/Vac for my 77. I'll be pulling a heavy boat trailer up to Alaska this summer.
I think I'll get an F350 MC/Vac for my 77. I'll be pulling a heavy boat trailer up to Alaska this summer.