Front disk Brake conversion

[Buschman_66]

Hello, in full disclosure i must tell you that i am a novice. I have basic knowledge of the mechanics of a vehicle and dont fully have to total expert grasp on what everything is called. Im not an idiot Im just not educated yet... I tore down and put back together and painted an '88 trans am last year but the drive train was good so i didnt have to go to deep. so now you know.
I just bought a '66 Short bed that has already been molested by the previous owner. He put a 360 w/auto trans out of a '70 f100. So its not all original so its fair game on modifying in my opinion.
Now to the Question. I want to convert to front disc brakes and i see people saying they got stuff of the bump in trucks mid to late 70s. Is this a unbolt and bolt back on transfer or are there significant mods that are required? How much of the donor truck assembly do i need?

any info is appreciated and i have enjoyed reading things on this site over the past week.

[68fecyclone]

I just bought a 66 long box recently, and the first things changed was the front brakes and steering. I had a 76 f150 frame that I stripped all the usable parts from. The power steering box bolts right on, along with the axles and tie rods. I just used the brake lines and mounts for them, plus the power brake booster and master cylinder. For the steering column, I used the steering shaft from a newer truck and will shorten the threads so the original steering wheel fits. Basicly any 73-79 half ton 2wd truck will work for a donor. On fordification.com there is some detailed info about doing this swap. This is my first post here and will help with what little knowledge I have. Rob
I'm sure others will give more detailed info also.

[banjopicker66]

Ford kept the front end dimensions from '65 to '79 between the front bumper and the back of the cab, so you can transplant a lot between those years. However, the best donor years are indeed '73 - '79, as they have the better upgrades.
The best way to do this is to buy a donor truck, harvest the parts you need, use degraded parts like calipers for cores, and sell the rest.
Since you have a 360, which is a 352 that came originally with a different rotating assembly, you need to look for pulleys and brackets from a 360/390 up to '76. BE SURE to get ALL the brackets and pulleys from one engine, as they often won't interchange even from the same family. If you are thinking you might want to install A/C, look for one with all the accessories. Ford discontinued the FE in '76, by the way, so although the rest of the parts will interchange, you cannot use pulleys and brackets from different engine families.
I used the front end for power disc brakes and power steering from a '76F-150, and a steering column from a '70.

[Buschman_66]

Thanks for the input.
I guess im just wondering is it as easy as taking out the bolts that are attaching the "wheel unit" (not sure whatelse to call it) to the (twin) I-beam or is it more indepth than that. I dont have the room to get parts trucks or the room to store a bunch of extra parts. I need to figure out what i need and go get it.

[Uncle Skip]

Buschman, first welcome to the family. Next..... tell us where you're located. Odds are, there is another member near you that would be glad to help.
Having said that, look in the hints and tricks area because this has been a major subject since we came into being. Changing to disk brakes isn't difficult, its just time consuming. But it is the best single thing you can do to your truck.
Uncle Skip

[Buschman_66]

Thanks I'm in North Texas DFW area. I will look for that thread.

[Buschman_66]

I couldnt find that thread i think i may just pull it off and put it back on so i know what im looking at. Im into learning new things and most of the time i learn the hard way. we will see how it goes this is going to be a long term rebuild so ive got time.

[JojoDVM]

Woo HOO!!!! Another N. Texas Slick! Welcome Buschman...Im in Collin County, up around McKinney...haven't done the disc brake swap yet, but am well read on the subject and its in the future...lol...if you get to it before I do, would be glad to help...don't claim to be an expert, but I Google like nobodies business and can usually put what I learn into effect...lol

[DV65CustomCab]

Geez guys, I've only had the disc brake swap how-to page up for about 5 years now....
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead ... discs.html
You'd better copy it or print it because the web site is being discontinued by the end of July!

[PFM-64f100]

Buschman_66

Hey I am in Haslet (Alliance airport/TMS Area) and have done the disc conversion to my CrewCab. I also added hydro boost (power brakes from PS pump) to both of my trucks (64&65) and I love it. Let me know if I can help any. What part of North DFW are you at?

[Gritsngumbo]

This site (owned by a member) might be of assistance. http://mongrelmotorsports.homestead.com/f100discs.html
(look quick, I understand the site will go away at the end of the month)

[Buschman_66]

Thanks Guys that will help and it answers my questions.

I'm in Weatherford, PFM

[PFM-64f100]

Thanks Guys that will help and it answers my questions.

I'm in Weatherford, PFM

Cool not that far away as the crow flies.. Send me a PM if you want to come out for a visit.

[JojoDVM]

Nobody ever lives on my side of town lol

[PFM-64f100]

JoJo they do live over there they just havn't chimed in yet.. Wolfee (dave) lives up in Denison... not to far from you.

[Truckrat]

from Okla )( homa to you Buschman! You live in a great area for Slick members.
Good to see another lover of our F-Series trucks around here. Best truck site on the planet.
You couldn't ask for a better bunch of folks than this group.
Hope your disc brake swap goes well. Easy job on 65-66 trucks. TR

[lennys61]

Geez guys, I've only had the disc brake swap how-to page up for about 5 years now....
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead ... discs.html
You'd better copy it or print it because the web site is being discontinued by the end of July!

Geez guys, I've only had the disc brake swap how-to page up for about 5 years now....
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead ... discs.html

not fair, I just got here

[PFM-64f100]

Geez guys, I've only had the disc brake swap how-to page up for about 5 years now....
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead ... discs.html
You'd better copy it or print it because the web site is being discontinued by the end of July!

Geez guys, I've only had the disc brake swap how-to page up for about 5 years now....
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead ... discs.html

not fair, I just got here

No worries...
http://mongrelmotorsports.purpleflyingm ... discs.html

[firelake]

I have a 1961 short bed fleet side. I want to lower the nose and complete a disc brake conversion. What donor Ford (and Years) do I buy to rip the front rack out of. And bolt into my 61. I have a 460 in it so it must be able to carry the weight. HELP!!!!

[DV65CustomCab]

'61 is solid axle so the 65-66 swap page referenced above will not work for you. We typically see 'clips' swapped in from Crown Vic, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Diplomat or Ford Aerostar.

There are disc brake conversion kits available for the solid axle trucks. They've been discussed on this site before and a search should bring them up.