Choosing a front disc kit

[DR650]

I just want my truck to be reliable as a daily driver and for light to moderate wheeling. For someone like myself who doesn't need the best I performance is there any reason to go with the duff kit over the graveyard one given the 1k price difference?

I'm a physics major so I have some intuition about mechanical things but my mechanical experience is light to moderate.

Edit: I have a Dana 44

Duff kit:https://dufftuff.com/product/ft-dis...t-dana-44-1971-76-bronco/#choose-caliper-type

Graveyard kit: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/mo...-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Kit/productinfo/12115/

 

[Madgyver]

Lots of original replacement parts available for disc brakes up front. I understand a kit has everything. but once you do it yourself, you'll understand how easy it is.

 

[doran4x]

Are you running a Dana 44? If so you should find a set of 77-79 Ford Dana 44 disc knuckles and start buying all the parts you will need. There’s a pair on eBay right now. Upgrade to the Thunderbird calipers


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[DR650]

Are you running a Dana 44? If so you should find a set of 77-79 Ford Dana 44 disc knuckles and start buying all the parts you will need. There’s a pair on eBay right now. Upgrade to the Thunderbird calipers

Yeah, Dana 44's what I got.

I'm not opposed to buying the parts individually If that's what makes sense *but* time is and ability are factors because I'm trying to get into graduate school at the moment.

The work itself will be completed by a mechanic I'm friends with. How much effort is the T-Bird upgrade? I read In another post it gives about a 30% boost to breaking power so it seems like it could be worthwhile

 

[DR650]

Lots of original replacement parts available for disc brakes up front. I understand a kit has everything. but once you do it yourself, you'll understand how easy it is.

Seems like that's Dorans suggestion as well. I just don't have a ton of time and there's other things I want to do to the truck so expediency is a factor

 

[doran4x]

After you purchase the knuckles the other parts are over the counter. Dana 44 outer rebuild kit. google is your friend.

Dana 44 Front Rebuild Kit-Broncograveyard.com

This kit includes:br - 2 New OEM Dana Spicer Spindles with spindle bearings and sealbr - 2 New OEM Dana Spicer sets of ball joints (upper and lower)br - 2 New OEM Dana Spicer sets of spindle nuts and washersbr - 1 New set of Mile Marker Lockout Hubsbr - 2 New Hubsbr - 2 Rotors with wheel studsbr...

shop.broncograveyard.com

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[Broncobowsher]

There are a few kits out. Most are GM based. The mid 70's GM truck also uses the Dana 44 and most of the parts work. But you use a Ford rotor to get the Ford bolt pattern.

Duff's is pretty much a copy of the factory Ford disk brake setup used in the late 70s. More involved as you have to change knuckles where the GM stuff the knuckle stay on and you just change spindles.

Then there is stuff like Wilwood, true aftermarket. Not recycling stock parts/designs.

 

[DR650]

There are a few kits out. Most are GM based. The mid 70's GM truck also uses the Dana 44 and most of the parts work. But you use a Ford rotor to get the Ford bolt pattern.

Duff's is pretty much a copy of the factory Ford disk brake setup used in the late 70s. More involved as you have to change knuckles where the GM stuff the knuckle stay on and you just change spindles.

Then there is stuff like Wilwood, true aftermarket. Not recycling stock parts/designs.

I was thinking of going with this kit: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Ford-Bronco-Front-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Kit/productinfo/12115/
paired with this hydroboost: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/19...Power-Brake-Booster-Set-Up/productinfo/12501/

Are there other parts that dont come with the kit that I would want to order/ have my mechanic change out while doing this job?

 

[gr8scott]

paired with this hydroboost: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/19...Power-Brake-Booster-Set-Up/productinfo/12501/

That's not hydroboost. That's a vacuum brake booster.

 

[SteveL]

Skip the vaccuum booster and go hydroboost

 

[DR650]

That's not hydroboost. That's a vacuum brake booster.

Dang! Every post I've read says hydroboost is better but I haven't look into how much better it is or how much more expensive it is than vaccume boost. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me. Thanks Scott

Edit: lots of votes for hydro so far

Hydroboost or vacuum booster?

Just bought an EB as a family cruiser. Has power steering but no power brakes. Wife doesn't feel comfortable driving it with current brakes. Going to upgrade. Looking for advice whether to put in a vacuum booster or a Hydroboost? Not taking it off-road...at least not this one....just used...

classicbroncos.com

 

[bigmuddy]

If the duff kit still comes with their knuckles, then hands down it's a duff kit.

Ooof, I know see the price on that kit, OUCH!

OK, I think I would run down a set of knuckles and then do the parts counter and buy parts individually.

By the way, the JBG rebuild kit with the milemarker hubs are not necessary as your stock hubs will work fine.

Too, you can get the knuckles from any 1/2 ton ford with a D44 to make this stuff work. Truck, big bronco 78-79 models etc

 

[R Moses]

I have the duff kit with Thunderbird calipers on my 75. It works great. It is worth every penny!