intro

punkrock gearhead · Post by **punkrock gearhead** » December 7, 2008, 6:58 pm

hey, my name is dave. just bought a 63 a couple months ago for $400. just put disc brakes on the front. looking for a drop axle. needs alot of work, but thats why i bought it.
here it is...

95awd2008 · Post by **95awd2008** » December 7, 2008, 7:02 pm

what disc brake kit did you use any pics of the brakes

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » December 7, 2008, 7:29 pm

Welcome to the club, and I am glad to see you have started out right by posting a picture, we do like pictures and keep us informed on your progress.

If you have any questions, there are lots of experts here.

Dean

don morris II · Post by **don morris II** » December 7, 2008, 7:57 pm

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » December 7, 2008, 8:19 pm

Looks like you have a very nice, staight body on your truck!

I am also interested in your disc brake swap details.

napass2004 · Post by **napass2004** » December 7, 2008, 8:41 pm

welcome to the club we could always use new members.

Post by **Greg D** » December 7, 2008, 9:01 pm

Welcome, the drop axle is a pretty expensive way to go. I used a set of reverse eye monoleaf springs that are available. If you go with a drop axle you will still have the same ride quality, the monos are worth it for the ride alone. There are more pics in my photobucket too if you want a better look at the height with them.
That looks like a real nice truck and $400 is real good, I recently paid $300 for a parts truck.

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » December 7, 2008, 9:14 pm

Welcome!! Looks nice and solid.. keep us updated and yeah bring on the pics.. Nice pole mirrors!!

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » December 7, 2008, 10:53 pm

Welcome! what are your plans for the truck?

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » December 8, 2008, 12:17 am

yeah, cheaper (maybe) and better ways to lower than drop axle. Not to say I think it's a bad way to go.

I havent changed my suspension at all, but got plans for when I can come up with the cash.

Planning on an airbag system to drop the axle to the frame on demand, and because that will only get me about 3-4 inches, Add a drop axle into the equation for another 3.5 to get down where I want to be. With the air ride, if I do it right, I hope to still be able to attain stock (or near-or higher?) ride height if I feel so inclined.

I still wont be able to scrape my frame on the ground (why would I want to???) but that's the deal with a straght axle.

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » December 8, 2008, 12:36 am

Welcome aboard from Las Vegas, nice looking rig you have for $400.00 great deal on that thing. What motor and trans. does it have?

Michael

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » December 8, 2008, 7:51 am

With Greg. The mono's are the way to get 'er down for the money. Four, or so, inch drop, still suspension travel left, plus new bushings already installed. Then if you still need to go a little lower, do a two inch axle drop.

I had my spring eyes reversed, and had my axle dropped three inches. If I'd do it all over again (and I might on another truck someday), I would start with the mono leafs.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » December 8, 2008, 11:19 am

from Alaska.
nice looking truck you got for $400

Slick Fan · Post by **Slick Fan** » December 8, 2008, 4:28 pm

Welcome aboard, good lookin' project you've found.

punkrock gearhead · Post by **punkrock gearhead** » December 9, 2008, 12:59 am

thanks guys. the disc swap was from speedway motors. about $300 after tax worth it when new wheel cylinders cost 75 each... it went together really easily. the only bad thing is my stock rims rub the caliper just a hair. i want to keep my rims though so im just going to let it wear to make it's clearance. plans were drop axle up front and remove the coil spring between the axle and frame and take out the 3 overload leafs and notch the frame in the back. it has a 292 and 3 on the tree. it wasnt running when i bought it, but i just put a carb, fuel pump, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coil and now it runs. i still need a radiator though. tell me more of this mono leaf thing. sounds better than the axle. where can i get it?

Post by **Greg D** » December 9, 2008, 8:59 am

Here is one place that sells them, I bought mine from a member here. I need to do something with my rears too, the rears are now way too stiff.
Try putting some 1/4 inch spacers behind your wheels to see if it stops the rubbing.
I did discs on mine too, CPP brackets (the ones Speedway sells).
One thing you might consider - swap your tranny to a T-5 from a Mustang. Do a search and there is alot of info on it here. I haven't done mine yet but those that have say it's the number one best mod for a Y block truck!

http://www.nolimit.net/products.asp?dep ... =&sort_by=

http://www.ford-y-block.com/truckt5.htm

36truck · Post by **36truck** » December 9, 2008, 9:32 am

Don't let your wheel do the grinding take a grinder to the caliper to get clearance if it's that close.

slick4x4 · Post by **slick4x4** » December 9, 2008, 11:10 am

if you let your wheel grind it, will build up LOT of heat
if you use a grinder yourself, can cool it down ocasionally with water

Post by **Greg D** » December 9, 2008, 11:15 am

BTW, those trim mouldings on the sides of your truck are VERY hard to find especially in short wheel base and were only used in 63-64. If you plan on doing a "smooth" look without them, remove them very carefully - someone will want them. I know a local guy who has been looking for some for 6 years now.

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » December 9, 2008, 8:14 pm

What rotors were used to keep the stock wheels?

Aren't the rotors typically later model F150's with a 5 on 4 1/2" pattern?