8 lug disk conversion

[TheTurtleKing]

Hi guys, I'm looking to upgrade the braking system on my 63 f250. I want to be able to use this truck as a tow vehicle so I don't want to do a 5 lug conversation. I have read through a few posts that said the spindles from a 73-79 truck should work but I haven't been able to find anyone who actually did it. I found a 73 donor truck close to me for a reasonable price but before I buy it I was hoping someone could verify that I'm not just wasting my money. Thanks!

[bruceandersson]

Check out www.fordification.com This site has some great tech write ups and most can apply to slicks. For your swap, you'd be swapping the spindles between the trucks, so the kingpin size is critical for it to work.

[Toyz]

Not to mention the change from fore/ aft steering.
Paul

[slixtyfive]

The 73-79 spindles will work on other Twin Ibeam trucks including '65 and '66. But with yours being a '63 with the solid Ibeam i'm thinking there will be some issues. I need to refresh my memory on the exact layout of the steering components on the single solid beam front suspension to confirm the details but there are fundamental differences.

I won't go so far as to say that it can't be done but it won't be a bolt in conversion simply based on the mounting position of the steering box and plane of the pitman arms being drastically different.

[Shadow]

Didn't Bill W Have A Good Tutorial On TheSubject? I Don't Recall There Was Much Info On The Subject When I Was Thinking Of Going This Route. I Think He Fabricated Some Caliper Brackets..

[Toyz]

Yep; I thought he might reply to this query when asked on the FB forum. IIRC, the later 3/4 ton rotors CAN be used, but it takes a different 8 lug hub, and thus, longer wheel studs. the Chebbie calipers have been used in some instances with the custom brackets, but I seem to remember they did not sweep the entire area of the F250 rotors. I may shoot Bill a message and hope his memory is better than mine!
Paul

[TheTurtleKing]

So would it be worth it to buy the donor truck to rob parts off of or should I just go the custom bracket way and get all new parts?

[Toyz]

Not a lot of parts interchange with the straight axle trucks, unfortunately.
Paul

[Unibodyguy1]

Would like to know more about this too for our 61F250 Uni.

[TheTurtleKing]

I think I found an 8 lug conversion kit, has anyone used this before?

http://www.classicdiscbrakes.com/40-70- ... ns_c75.htm

[jamesdfo]

Here is Bil W's write-up

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19966

[Shadow]

I think I found an 8 lug conversion kit, has anyone used this before?

http://www.classicdiscbrakes.com/40-70- ... ns_c75.htm

Never Seen This Set-Up Before. I Don't Think It Was Available At The Time I Did My Brakes...