Disc brake conversion

[DeepC73]

1) I am about to swap my front drums with the disc brakes I just removed from a 1978 f150. Do I need to use the hubs that came off of the f150 or will the hubs off of my 73 still work. The reason I ask is because all of the front wheel bearings are less than 6 months old, and are the same part numbers for the 78. I am thinking I can just separate the hubs and re-install.
2) My second question is the new disc/drum proportioning valve. I am planning to use a vacuum pump to bleed the new system after install. Do I still need to install the bleed plug in place of the switch to bleed the system since I will not be using the pedal. My gut says no, but want to ask the experts.

 

[Yeller]

I’m not up to speed on the hub differences but you can remove the races from your drum brake hubs and install them in the disc brake hubs to use the new bearings

 

[DirtDonk]

1) I am about to swap my front drums with the disc brakes I just removed from a 1978 f150. Do I need to use the hubs that came off of the f150 or will the hubs off of my 73 still work. The reason I ask is because all of the front wheel bearings are less than 6 months old, and are the same part numbers for the 78. I am thinking I can just separate the hubs and re-install.

I think the basic answer is no, they don't interchange.
But more importantly I think is that, even if they could be made to interchange, the work required would be much more well spent simply swapping out the races.

2) My second question is the new disc/drum proportioning valve. I am planning to use a vacuum pump to bleed the new system after install. Do I still need to install the bleed plug in place of the switch to bleed the system since I will not be using the pedal. My gut says no, but want to ask the experts.

I would not take the chance. It's not much work to pull the switch and install the plug/tool. Other than it being in a usually awkward spot, they can often be removed by hand.

Paul

 

[DeepC73]

UPDATE
The hubs are not interchangeable. The original drum hubs can be turned on a lathe and be usable, but not a direct swap.

 

[reamer]

just take the F-150's complete knuckle and install on the Bronco, that's what I did.... but you'll need the Tie-rod reducing "shims" to run your original tie rods

 

[DeepC73]

Done and done! I actually did just that. I took everything from the knuckle out of a 1978 Ford F150 4x4 from a junk yard. It actually had weeds growing out of the differential and the seats inside the cab. It turned out great. However, it took me all of two full days to get it done. I had the knuckles and caliper brackets powder coated. I bought the backing plates of eBay. I did a quick measuring tape alignment on it. It drives and stops straight. The brakes are a little soft. I will probably bleed it again in a few days. I listed a few pics below. Thanks for all the help.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0519ilngz4iVlLDFRe1UuYEbQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0306Xx2zg1xWRzK7A2Snujj0A

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e2Dc4qipFvAuf1cUsktlIKaQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/07b7CMpdjOztzu_AhUm0nM2DA

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f7upSUaKUzi0Dv1e8U_JdESQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0b9El6i5cV2EtS07uYV5R1H7A

https://share.icloud.com/photos/001yxmhJtNp0JA77dB-PVAJTA
https://share.icloud.com/photos/07epsQxgwV5OSVDhUNq_gWytg

 

[Dne007]

That looks incredible!! great job!!! It's nice when things come together

 

[daddycreswell]

1) I am about to swap my front drums with the disc brakes I just removed from a 1978 f150. Do I need to use the hubs that came off of the f150 or will the hubs off of my 73 still work. The reason I ask is because all of the front wheel bearings are less than 6 months old, and are the same part numbers for the 78. I am thinking I can just separate the hubs and re-install.
2) My second question is the new disc/drum proportioning valve. I am planning to use a vacuum pump to bleed the new system after install. Do I still need to install the bleed plug in place of the switch to bleed the system since I will not be using the pedal. My gut says no, but want to ask the experts.

I am fixing to tackle the same job, just ordered new locking hubs. On a Wrench scale 1-10, rate how hard it is. Never done it before in my life.

 

[DeepC73]

I am fixing to tackle the same job, just ordered new locking hubs. On a Wrench scale 1-10, rate how hard it is. Never done it before in my life.

I'm sorry for the delay. I was off grid working all weekend. I would give it a 5. There is some trial and error involved, but it is manageable.

 

[sprdv1]

Done and done! I actually did just that. I took everything from the knuckle out of a 1978 Ford F150 4x4 from a junk yard. It actually had weeds growing out of the differential and the seats inside the cab. It turned out great. However, it took me all of two full days to get it done. I had the knuckles and caliper brackets powder coated. I bought the backing plates of eBay. I did a quick measuring tape alignment on it. It drives and stops straight. The brakes are a little soft. I will probably bleed it again in a few days. I listed a few pics below. Thanks for all the help.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0519ilngz4iVlLDFRe1UuYEbQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0306Xx2zg1xWRzK7A2Snujj0A

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e2Dc4qipFvAuf1cUsktlIKaQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/07b7CMpdjOztzu_AhUm0nM2DA

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f7upSUaKUzi0Dv1e8U_JdESQ

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0b9El6i5cV2EtS07uYV5R1H7A

https://share.icloud.com/photos/001yxmhJtNp0JA77dB-PVAJTA
https://share.icloud.com/photos/07epsQxgwV5OSVDhUNq_gWytg

Nice job..

 

[DirtDonk]

I am fixing to tackle the same job, just ordered new locking hubs. On a Wrench scale 1-10, rate how hard it is. Never done it before in my life.

Do you have a half-inch drive torque wrench?
Do you have the correct four prong spindle nut socket?
Do you have a preferred method for bleeding brakes?
If so, then you’re at least halfway there.

 

[daddycreswell]

I've got all that, still looking for someone to be around to help me bleed the brakes.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[DeepC73]

I've got all that, still looking for someone to be around to help me bleed the brakes.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

You don’t need anyone to help you bleed your brakes. All you need is a water bottle and a piece of tubing. You can YouTube it and see it. It’s much easier.

 

[daddycreswell]

You don’t need anyone to help you bleed your brakes. All you need is a water bottle and a piece of tubing. You can YouTube it and see it. It’s much easier.

I'll check it out, thanks

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk