Request: Parts list for drum to disc swap, F250

[calipilot227]

Since there doesn't seem to be a conversion kit available for the 8 lug hubs, what parts are required for a front disc swap? Donor trucks are few and far between in my area, so I'll most likely have to buy everything new.

[basketcase0302]

calipilot227 » Thu Nov 03, 2016 5:44 pm

Since there doesn't seem to be a conversion kit available for the 8 lug hubs, what parts are required for a front disc swap? Donor trucks are few and far between in my area, so I'll most likely have to buy everything new.

Try contacting our member here Two-Bit. He seemed to think it could be done by just changing spindles.
It was my understand that you needed a donor dent, (73-79 F-250 or F-350) and swap out the beams with spindles and all the disc pieces from it.
This may help too:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/discbrakes01.htm

[TNIceWolf]

I am no expert but from what I have learned here.... the rough list is this......
Rotor and hub assemblies with attendant bearings and seals
The correct spindles and as Basketcase said possibly the I beams
Probably the correct flexible brake hoses for each wheel
The calipers and pads of course
The master cylinders are different between the two types of systems
Also the distribution valve on all drum system isnt the same as a proportioning valve on a disk setup....and of course.....bits and pieces of hardware and supplies that tend to add up costwise.

[calipilot227]

Thanks for the info guys. I put a request in the parts wanted section, will see if I can find a front end.

[1972hiboy]

Calipilot. Good to see another central coast guy Surprisingly, there are quite a few of these trucks still showing up in the wrecking yard in our general area. Last time I was at one of my favorite junk yards in Watsonville they had several dent side trucks there. I don't have a disk brake front end right now but have in the past. If you want shoot me a P.M and i'll tell you were you can try hunting around for a donor truck.

[HIO Silver]

Since there doesn't seem to be a conversion kit available for the 8 lug hubs, what parts are required for a front disc swap? Donor trucks are few and far between in my area, so I'll most likely have to buy everything new.

Okay. Just to recap, you have a 1970 F250 with front drums and want to swap to discs. I have a 1971 F250 in the same situation and have embarked on accruing the parts for a front disc swap.

First, you need to decide whether your truck will be "period correct" since there was a year-split in 1972.... (before serial number M80,001 and starting from and inclusive of serial number M80,001.

To illustrate. This is a pre-M80,001 F250 disc assembly. Note the anti-rattle springs on brake pad guide bolts:



This is the "late" version inclusive of serial number M80,001 and higher:



Parts List:

• Master cylinder, disc/drum
  Power booster & bracket (optional but recommended)
  Proportioning valve (adjustable is recommended). I am going with an adjustable Wilwood prop valve because the OEM is troublesome.
  Hub brackets
  Rotors ....just get new ones.
  Rotor shields
  Calipers
  Caliper brackets
  Disc brake hoses (specific to year by serial number). Refer to the late version pictured above which uses a banjo bolt whereas the early version screws into the caliper

The donor for my vehicle was serial number L26,704 so my truck will be period correct. It was a CA Dept. of Fish and Game truck. May it rest in peace... and pieces.

Here was my haul... one side pictured.:



And after a trip through the electrolysis vat:



Except for the calipers, the other parts have been etch-primed and stored... I have postponed rebuilding the truck until I have more time. Other parts you will need for a complete rebuild prior to installation include bearings, races, dust caps, pads and hardware. In the case of an early system, it be a good idea to replace the caliper slide bolts and bushings, and anti-rattle springs.

With that said, here are a couple of threads to help you out in your endeavor. Both use the early system with pics and part number information:

Flyboy's '69 F250 Disc Brake Conversion
Robroy's '72 F250 Disc Brake Conversion

...' Hope this helps.

.

[calipilot227]

Calipilot. Good to see another central coast guy Surprisingly, there are quite a few of these trucks still showing up in the wrecking yard in our general area. Last time I was at one of my favorite junk yards in Watsonville they had several dent side trucks there. I don't have a disk brake front end right now but have in the past. If you want shoot me a P.M and i'll tell you were you can try hunting around for a donor truck.

Thanks Rich, I'll take a look at the Watsonville yard (haven't been over that way, but it's not a terribly long drive).

HIO Silver, thank you for that detailed write up. I'll report back when I find something.