WHEE!!! Dumb question time.....

Birddog63 · Post by **Birddog63** » November 20, 2006, 8:20 pm

Is it possible to swap to Disk front brakes AND keep the 8 lug setup??
As the truck sits it's got drum/drum 8 lug with a D60 full floater and 10 leafs. I'd like to keep the load capacity and the originality. Yes I kinda want my bacon and to eat it too....

I looked at the disk conversion kits mentioned on this site and they all seem reasonable but they are for 100s and 5 lugs. If I decide to go this route can I use my existing spindles or will I need a set for a 100(I'm assuming the latter)

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » November 20, 2006, 8:57 pm

Course you can. Assuming that is a 2 wheel drive F250 that is.

You just got to go out and find some used F-250 spindles and hubs from a later 3/4 ton truck and you are in the money.

Most people like 5 bolt in these trucks, but if you likes the 8 bolts, then fine.

66fordtrucknut · Post by **66fordtrucknut** » November 20, 2006, 9:27 pm

Cd, is that true with 61-64 trucks? I thought they were different, I may be wrong. I'm definitely no mechanic.
Charlie

Birddog63 · Post by **Birddog63** » November 20, 2006, 10:36 pm

Sorry I forgot to put up that it's a 63 f250. But hopeful news. Thanks!

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » November 20, 2006, 11:21 pm

Alas, I had somehow gathered that you had a 65-66. Beats me how, as it is not in your post (putting that sort of thing in your profile is useful).

Everything I said applies to twin I-beam 65-66 trucks. 61-64 are totally different beasts. I have not a clue how to upgrade a 63 F250 to disk brakes........

Birddog63 · Post by **Birddog63** » November 20, 2006, 11:39 pm

I do apologize for the confusion there. I will be putting more in the profile...

mikecarson · Post by **mikecarson** » November 21, 2006, 6:34 am

I kinda figured, since your handle is Birddog63, you must have been asking about a 63. But, that's just me.

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » November 21, 2006, 9:59 am

I don't know all the specifics, but I have noticed lated model Fedex Ford vans have a straight axle with disc brakes. I have to count the lugs next time I see one.

Truckfarmer · Post by **Truckfarmer** » November 21, 2006, 10:12 am

The basic kit from ECI has bearings and adaptors to be able to use 73-79 rotors on the 61-64 spindles. 73-79 F150's and F250's use the same spindles. Makes me wonder why you couldn't use the ECI kit to convert a F250. The stumbling block might be that the GM caliper they use may not clear the F250 rotor. Just thinking out loud here. Anybody know for sure?

Birddog63 · Post by **Birddog63** » November 22, 2006, 5:22 pm

I shot them(ECI) an email today to see if I can get some dimensions and/or a yes or no on the 250 parts swapping over.
STILL have to get er home to start playing but I figure I may just go with power drums for the time being.... Unless a hi boy axle will swap in..... Then it's a whole new project though!

64 f100 · Post by **64 f100** » November 25, 2006, 9:48 am

I ran accross a 71 f250 that had disc brakes the other day, kind of oddball I think. I've been checking out every poersteering setup I can find to try and convert straight axles to power steering without a lot of hassle, and been thinking on the disc conversion at the same time. If you do the gm style box conversion, where you use the rear arms from the spindle, I don't know why you couldn't use 73 to 79 spindles and all for a complete conversion. I've also been checking out all the little SUV power steering boxes I can find for converting to power, but have only found a few that might work. Mostly these boxes steer from in front of the axle, which is a problem because of the angle of the steering shaft on the straight axle trucks. Would mean mods to the floor pan and mounting brackets. Also, If this can be done with an F100, it can be done with a 250.

Rich