To Disc, or not to Disc?

DukeRoche · Post by **DukeRoche** » December 19, 2010, 8:19 pm

When I think of my next project, the brakes come to mind. Since none of them work, regardless of what I do everything will need to be replaced. My question for the group is (although I'm sure this has been polled before), do I stick with the drums, or go with discs. I don't really know to much about the difference so pros and cons would be awesome to.

F7BIGJOB · Post by **F7BIGJOB** » December 19, 2010, 8:25 pm

I cast the first vote. I love stock

I don't drive that fast and my brakes work/stop ok. My :2cents:

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » December 19, 2010, 8:30 pm

i won't vote because i think that if you have good working drums there is no reason to swap them (this is my opinion). however, if you have to replace everything anyways i would swap to front discs and repair the rear drums.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » December 19, 2010, 8:35 pm

Unless your building some kind of Hot Rod Slick, I would stick with Drum/Drum. But...... If you are having to pull it all and fix/replace it all anyway, put the front disc rear drum set-up back on it.... Again, unless you are building the Hot Rod Slick, stay with the Drum/Drum...... hope this is as clear as mud... :wink:

Post by **Greg D** » December 19, 2010, 8:47 pm

I swapped to discs when I had a tired 223 in the 62. The difference in how nice it stops is amazing. Not only do you have better stopping power but the brakes just "feel" better.
Besides, like Chris says if you have to do them anyway now is the time.
Don't know if you've seen it but I took pics and did a step by step as I did mine. Took me an afternoon.

http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2647

f100jim · Post by **f100jim** » December 19, 2010, 9:12 pm

Of course discs are better,but I haven't had problems with my drums. I figure if it aint broke don't fix it.

DanSanDiego2000 · Post by **DanSanDiego2000** » December 19, 2010, 10:50 pm

I like my 4-wheel Dumb brakes
(with original power booster AND single master cylinder).

Adjusted once a year or so, and flushed every bit as often, the drums do the job, and the lines stay solid and safe.

The power booster makes a world of difference, though. I am a proponent of 4-wheel drum, but I would never pass up the booster.

If the truck had factory option for front disc, I would be 100% supportive of 'changing' to the optional disc.

I am such a stickler for originality in some ways, but not in all.

DV65CustomCab · Post by **DV65CustomCab** » December 20, 2010, 8:22 am

Discs for me, for a number of reasons:
1) had to replace most of the system anyway
2) easier to get parts
3) Reversible if I ever wanted to go back to stock
4) I bought the truck to tow, and drums really not safe in today's traffic IMO
5) drum brakes are a PITA to work on and I loathe dealing with all the springs
6) simply, the truck stops better

BigMike · Post by **BigMike** » December 20, 2010, 8:54 am

Disc/Disc

Fanatic · Post by **Fanatic** » December 20, 2010, 10:21 am

Duke, I did my 63 back before I knew my options and totally overhauled the front brake system ( dual piston cylinders, springs, cut drums ) I also added a power brake booster from a 97 Ranger.
Had I known........I would have done the disc swap.
The cost was nearly identical.
However, the power drums do work great and I don't regret what I did. Just saying, you will invest about the same costs if you totally overhaul the stock system.

64 f100 · Post by **64 f100** » December 20, 2010, 10:22 am

Since rebuilding and or replacing go disc on the front. The straight axle trucks had a a tendency to pull left or right after setting for awhile, the disc brakes eliminate this problem. No need for power disc setup if not running HP engine, and disc on the rear cost more than it would be worth for the upgrade. Also, front drum are fairly expensive if you have to replace those. and may not be available in your area. Better driving and better braking with the disc setup. Cost may not be that much more than cost of rebuilding front brakes back to stock. I agree with the drum brakes being most of what you need with these trucks, with one exception. Towing a heavy load may cause you to glaze the drum brakes sif you don't have trailer brakes. I have experienced this with my 66. Otherwise, I seldom have any problems with stock brakes.

Rich

DukeRoche · Post by **DukeRoche** » December 20, 2010, 11:28 am

Appreciate the answers, but let me ask this. If your going to disc the front, whats the benefit to keeping drums in the back?

truckster · Post by **truckster** » December 20, 2010, 12:42 pm

DukeRoche wrote:Appreciate the answers, but let me ask this. If your going to disc the front, whats the benefit to keeping drums in the back?

discs in rear would just be overkill. i think drums are fine unless you're doing some heavy hauling or running 80+ mph....some might like the peace of mind of having discs i guess.

1965 F350 · Post by **1965 F350** » December 20, 2010, 1:41 pm

Where I work there are alot of hills and people everywhere, and drum brakes tend to fade. That plus the single chamber master cylinder. Bad combo.
Since it's such and easy swap I say why not.
I also feel that the quality of the wheel cylinders you buy now leave alot to be desired.
The 4x4 has ther 79 dana 60 up front so it has the huge dual piston calipers. Every time I hit the brakes they make me smile.
The red truck is getting discs next. I'm collecting parts for the swap now.

charliemccraney · Post by **charliemccraney** » December 20, 2010, 2:42 pm

My opinion is that you can't have overkill when it comes to brakes. Getting going is fun but getting stopped is a necessity.

Post by **Greg D** » December 20, 2010, 8:17 pm

Why are drums OK on the rear?
When you apply the brakes the momentum shifts the weight forward. This decreases the weight on the rear wheels.
Under hard braking if the friction is the same on the front & rear brakes the rears will lock up because there not enough weight/traction to override the brakes. A proportioning valve helps too - it's necessary on some vehicles.
Modern cars that have rear discs also have anti lock brakes - you probably wouldn't want to adapt one of those to your truck.
My truck doesn't presently have a prop valve. This same brake system was fine on the Uni, untested on the 64. I drove the Uni on water, snow, ice, and of course dry pavement - I had NO problems with the rears locking too easily. I also have a pretty serious difference in the front & rear tire sizes. The big rears have more traction and need a bigger brake than the smaller fronts - sort of has the same effect as the prop valve. This was "estimated" on my part and it seems to be fine. That doesn't mean it'll work on the 64 or another truck - the long wheel base helps too.

34rdztr · Post by **34rdztr** » December 20, 2010, 8:24 pm

disc vote for me....they dont duck and dart like drum brakes...plus i dont have to adjust them.....just call me lazy i guess
disc stop better but drum brakes have better holding power but tend to fade quicker when they get hot

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » December 20, 2010, 9:11 pm

A no brainer for me. disc all the way

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » December 20, 2010, 9:50 pm

I vote Disc.... even if you spend crazy money to do it like i did.

this is my 63 f250

i have the pattern for the custom bracket if anyone wants it.

Obsa · Post by **Obsa** » December 20, 2010, 11:03 pm

Back when I was driving the 66 I was one of those"Keep It Stock Stupid" people myself, even to the point of letting a perfectly good Dent donor go for 300.00. When my son took over the truck I insisted he change out to a dual chamber MC first ride in the truck after the changeover made a believer out of me (he being 30 yrs. younger than I had a much more shall we say agressive driving style)

Drum brakes work fine but Discs are better IMHO Overkill on brakes is a good thing!