79 D44 disk swap questions, searched

[Bronco73]

I've searched but can't find what i'm looking for. I am about to start ordering parts for my D44 with disk brake axle swap. I have all 78/79 parts from the knuckles out. Have a couple of questions before I start ordering parts.


1) Is there an adapter to use the 78/79 caliper brake hose that will adapt to the stock steel brake line on a 71 EB? Instead of buying the $40 stainless braided lines.

2) Can I just use the stock 71 EB D44 axle shafts with the 78/79 spindles? I have to buy new spindles so if I need to I can buy a different spindle. I know there are a couple of different spindle sizes.

3) Could I reflare the steel brake lines that mount to the flex hose for the caliper?

I have the 78/79 axle shafts but would need to buy the long inner side so that is an option as well. I still need to price that option.

 

[needabronco]

Are you using a D30 or D44? The only disk brake swap that works on a D30 is the 'Chevy' disk brake swap.

 

[Bronco73]

My bad, swapping axles from D30 to D44. I made an edit to my original post.

 

[needabronco]

Your 71 D44 axles should work. As a general rule I'd suggest you buy new brake lines the braided stainless linies are nice, but if you can't swing it go with 78/79 Bronco brake lines, they should bolt up to your hard lines.

 

[Bronco73]

I plan on buying new brake lines, just don't want to drop $42 on each line. From what i have read the 71 bronco has a different end and the 78/79 will not bolt up. That's what i have gathered from what research I have done on here. If they will bolt up great but the vendor even mentions an adapter being replaced with their custom SS line.

 

[Timmy390]

I did this swap on my 74.

I used 76 F-100 disk brake lines. The only issue I had using them was the brake line bracket on my 74 had a "star" pattern and the 76 F-100 lines have a "D" shape. I ordered 76-77 brake line brackets from WH and the "D" was too big so I just welded the "D" up a bit making the "D" smaller and they worked great. been running them for close to 4 years now and can get them at any parts store.

Tim

 

[Bronco73]

I did this swap on my 74.

I used 76 F-100 disk brake lines. The only issue I had using them was the brake line bracket on my 74 had a "star" pattern and the 76 F-100 lines have a "D" shape. I ordered 76-77 brake line brackets from WH and the "D" was too big so I just welded the "D" up a bit making the "D" smaller and they worked great. been running them for close to 4 years now and can get them at any parts store.

Tim

So I am to understand that the 76 F-100 brake line will mount directly to the 78/79 disk brake caliper and bolt to the early 71 bronco steel line?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes. (but verify )

1. You can't usually use stock replacement '78/'79 hoses because they are (or were) molded into the steel lines for a 1-piece replacement of the entire line per-side each time.
Awkward at best, and no good on an EB width axle anyway.

2. The pre-'76 drum EB uses a different size fitting at the axle end than a disc brake equipped EB does. So stock disc EB hoses do not work either.

3. Purpose made braided stainless flex hoses are available as well (http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/76-79_Caliper_Hose_to_3-16_Inverted_Flare) to directly fit disc calipers to drum-EB lines, which is where you end up paying that 40 bucks for a stainless replacement.

Have fun!

Paul

 

[PaveBronco]

You can get brake line adapters from O’Reilly Auto parts, to adapt the stock bronco hard lines to the new flex lines, I also had to get thicker copper crush washers. I took my hard line to match it up.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...+-+SAE/N1415/C0267.oap?categoryRedirect=N1415

 

[Bronco73]

I already have a large order with Wildhorse and have been talking to them about correct parts since their web site wasn't very clear.

I think I will try to see if the 76 lines will work. It will save me just over $50 which i can use towards buying the other parts I need for the swap. Even though I had the major parts it's pretty pricey buying all the other stuff new.

I will stop by the parts store which has one 76 line in stock and check the end to see if it will bolt to the 71 steel line on my bronco. They have a stock drum brake line in stock for my 71 so i will have them pull both and find a fitting to see if it all works. If so i will have to order the other 76 line since it's not in stock.

 

[broncnaz]

1. brake lines from the 76/77 bronco/truck will work thats what I used on my conversion. As was said the part that mounts in the bracket is a little different sized but its not a issue. Or as was said there are adapters availible at most parts stores. The stock bronco line should be the standard 3/16" line with a standard 1/4" fitting. Or the last option is to get some new hard lines with the fittings you need and bend to fit.
2. Your axles should work fine the only differance that I know of is that some early D44's used a different trype of seal in the spindle but otherwise the axle was the same. The only spindles you can use for the Ford disc brake swap is ford spindles.
3. You can rebend and reflare your current lines to fit but got to figure there probably old and may not hold up new ones may be a better choice.

 

[Bronco73]

The 76 F150 brake line is 3/8-24. They did not have the stock 71 drum brake line and at this point it wont matter. If I have to make new steel lines for the front axle I will. I think I have a roll of brake line in the garage some where anyways.

I also order several parts from Wildhorse and need to buy more from the local parts store. The spindles are on back order so i won't get this D44 with disk brakes installed until next month.

I might buy a set of new 3.5 inch lift front springs and just swap them with the Rancho coils I have now.

 

[DirtDonk]

I already have a large order with Wildhorse and have been talking to them about correct parts since their web site wasn't very clear.

I would not always rely solely on just the quick descriptions below the parts on the site's main drop down pages. Click on a part you're looking at or curious about for more detail.
The part in question is very clear as to what it's for: http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/76-79_Caliper_Hose_to_3-16_Inverted_Flare
Says that it fits a later caliper to your early model without adapters.

That said, there's still nothing wrong with trying to save a few bucks here and there. But if you need a simple install and are ordering other things anyway, this could still be an option.

Paul

 

[Bronco73]

I would not always rely solely on just the quick descriptions below the parts on the site's main drop down pages. Click on a part you're looking at or curious about for more detail.
The part in question is very clear as to what it's for: http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/76-79_Caliper_Hose_to_3-16_Inverted_Flare
Says that it fits a later caliper to your early model without adapters.

That said, there's still nothing wrong with trying to save a few bucks here and there. But if you need a simple install and are ordering other things anyway, this could still be an option.

Paul

Wildhorse has been more than helpful. I just dropped a decent amount on an order yesterday. Shipping cost from you to me kept me from buying anything more. I could have saved on the bearings I needed but choose to order them to support the vendor as mush as I could.

 

[DirtDonk]

Definitely appreciated. Always.
If you still have issues finding/making a suitable hose, tell them to use USPS instead of UPS for that.
For small and inexpensive parts like a pair of hoses, it should only cost a few bucks anywhere in the country.

Doesn't work on big parts, and is not advisable on expensive ones, but it's a good option otherwise.

Paul

 

[Bronco73]

I just couldn't swallow the cost of shipping rotors and hubs. But I am looking at maybe ordering new coil springs. Just researching them now and its down to two different vendors.