1947 Front disc brake conversion

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Apr 15, 2007 | 11:03 AM

47Lumbertruck

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From: Brunswick Maine

1947 Front disc brake conversion

I am sure the answer to my question was posted here before but can't seem to locate it. I would appreciate anyone setting me straight on the following:

I am closing in on the final plan for modernizing the running gear of my 1947 1 ton, primarily so I can use modern wheels/tires. I would like to put disc brakes on the front using the stock suspension . If I remember correctly I will need to find 1948 F1 spindles which will fit the 1947. Then I can use one of the disc brake kits available to fit 1948 spindles. Do I need to consider if spindles/brakes are strong enough for the somewhat heavier truck? What are good sources for the spindles and brake kits? ( Since this is a saftey issue I am looking for quality first and price second.) Thanks very much in advance for input.

Apr 15, 2007 | 02:13 PM

46fordtruck

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From: Orange County, CA

The 1/2 ton spindles are adequate for your truck. That is the same route I am going on my '47 1 ton, except that I will be using the spindles from a '46 1/2 that I have here.

You can find the kits at most street rod shops. I have never heard of any really being of bad quality. I used a kit from a local shop, uses GM calipers and Mopar rotors since I wanted the 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern. The only issue you might have an issue with is if you want to retain the 5 on 6.5" bolt pattern that the 1 ton uses. I have not seen a kit offering this bolt pattern

Apr 15, 2007 | 02:27 PM

RedSkin12B

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From: Colorado Springs

This site might have a some info for ya.

http://www.mpbrakes.com/index.cfm

Brad

Apr 17, 2007 | 04:25 AM

47Lumbertruck

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From: Brunswick Maine

Your reply suggests that spindles from 46,47,48,?, 1/2 ton would fit. Does anyone sell those new or NOS? Thanks for the help.

Apr 18, 2007 | 01:19 AM

46fordtruck

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The spindles from the '42-'48 1/2 ton will fit. In fact, the 1 ton uses the same axle as the 1/2 ton. I thought I have head of reproductions of these being made, just not sure off hand who it is. You can always get a used set and have them magnafluxed to ensure they are good to use.

Apr 18, 2007 | 07:12 AM

47Lumbertruck

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From: Brunswick Maine

Thanks for that and also thanks to Redskin. That link looks like a good source for brakes and also a new 9" rear. Are there any advantages or disadvantges to going with 4 3/4 as opposed to 4 1/2" 5 bolt wheels. I am planning to use steel wheels that will take the Ford caps and trim rings.

Apr 19, 2007 | 12:32 AM

46fordtruck

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Not advantage or disadvantage. I'm going with the smaller pattern based on the rear I am using (8") and it's current bolt pattern. I believe that 5 on 4 3/4 is a GM pattern, which won't match the bolt pattern from a Ford rear. If you are using a Ford rear then use either 5 on 4 1/2 or 5 on 5 on 5 1/2. The half ton Ford pickups used the bigger pattern, most cars used the smaller pattern. Of course, this is if you are concerned with having the same bolt pattern on all 4 wheels.