Hey all, new truck owner here - just picked up my 55 F100 over the winter, and have been enjoying it so far in limited doses.

It does need some TLC and the first thing I want to look at replacing / updating / repairing is the brakes. My problem is that I'm not really sure where to start, I've been reading some but I'm still pretty much in the dark.

What I want to do is replace the 4-drums with discs. I am looking for Kits but can't easily find what I am looking for, or don't exactly know what it is I'm looking for. The truck is stock, so far.

I'm sure this is a common update that you guys have done so can you point a in the right direction? What I've gleaned so far is: I need is a front kit, a rear kit and a master cylinder, then I connect it all up with the lines and valves, etc... Ok, I admit a little oversimplified, but that's the idea, I think.

I see options for things that I don't know yet or quite understand such as :
- Big Bearing Ford vs. Small Bearing Ford
- Bolt Patters 5x?
- 9" Rear End (This is what's in a '55 F100, correct)?

I know some of this is fundamental, but I do plan on returning the favor by documenting my projects for the FTE site as a thanks and resource for future enthusiasts!

Thanks in advance,
-Jason

 

I know of no kit that will give you rear discs with the original rear end and would not waste any effort on that anyway since about 70% of your stopping is done by the front brakes. Unless someone has replaced it your 55 does not have a nine inch rear. Yes, a change to discs requires a master cylinder change.

I think what you might want to do is replace the original rear end with a 57-72 nine inch which will have a 5 on 5.5 pattern...although if you are intent on having rear disc brakes you can use a late Explorer 8.8 rear with a 5 on 4.5 pattern. It's not a bolt-in like the nine inch but several here on the forum have done the swap. Also, you can change the bolt pattern for the 57-72 nine inch to 5 on 4.5 by using passenger car axles or have the truck axles re-drilled ny a machine shop. If you intend to keep the straight axle in front I'd look for a kit that uses rotors that will give you a pattern on the front to match whatever rear you use. If you have plans to convert to an IFS then don't waste your money on a kit for a straight axle because whatever IFS you use will already have disc brakes.

Vern

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ial_Swaps.html

 

www.mpbrakes.com has all the stuff you need as well as being very helpful when you're ready. Other decisions you'll need to make: thru floor pedals/underfloor MC or hanging pedals/firewall MC, manual or power brakes (recommended with disks). Make use of the seach function here to review what has been discussed before on the subject. Rear drums are more than adequate, arguably preferable, to disks and are far less complicated.

Oh, and welcome to the forum and the insanity!

 

Welcome to the board! Wow! you have a great looking truck! Super clean!

Here is another link for brake stuff; http://www.ecihotrodbrakes.com/ When doing the front disc swap you can chooe the bolt pattern you want 5 on 5 1/2 or 5 on 4 1/2. The easiest thing to do is to roll a 57-72 9" under the rear (on my 49 the 9" from a 1960 was a direct bolt in with the exception of shock mounts) adn stick with drum brakes in the back, get the front disc kit from one of the many suppliers and enjoy your gorgeous truck

Bobby

 

I agree 100% with Bobby. What a great looking truck! Hopefully, you don't leave it out in the snow often...good to see another great truck here in the Northeast!

Vern