Disc brake & power steering conversion

[twinoaker]

I need a little help. I just purchased my first bronco(1969) and currently have engine out. I recently purchased a new wiring harness because wires were jumbled and frayed. The bronco has an auto transmission but no disc brake or power steering. I had planned to add these two features later but should i bite the bullet now while the engine is out? What is the least expensive way to convert both of these items? What will i need? Any help would be deeply appreciated.

 

[farnorthdan]

These are my top two upgrades, been researching for a while. I'm leaning towards getting the complete kits from one of our fine vendors. Seems to me it would be a lot easier to have all the pieces and parts delivered all at once rather than having to source everything individually. Plus you know you would be getting everything new.

As far as doing the upgrades with the engine out, i don't think it would make that much difference.

dan

 

[broncnaz]

Check out the links section there's info there on sourcing the parts for both conversions.

 

[twinoaker]

Thanks for the help

anyone else?

 

[68rockcrawler]

Dan is right, having the engine out is not going to matter. Those upgrades are better to do with the engine in place. If you have all the parts to put it back together like stock and don't want to spend the money now then keep it stock for now. I'm doing pretty good on my junkyard power steering pump, rebuilt steering box and astro van hydroboost brakes. It would be great getting all the new parts to upgrade to power but tons of us on here are doing just fine with junkyard parts.

 

[brocken]

The only thing easier with the engine out is getting the power steering pump mounted to it.
Otherwise you can get to the steering shaft and box easily with the engine in.

I just did the PS conversion and I'm currently working on the disc brake conversion.
I saved $300 or so by doing the PS parts sourcing myself. On the disc brakes my margin is less... maybe saved $150 by the time I'm done.

The PS was really easy to pick up the parts. Bought the right 78 Bronco steering box for $75, the right 80's steering box for $40 for the worm gear. I already had the pump so that was a "freebie". Purchased a lower shaft kit with 2 u-joints for $160. Also purchased a mounting bracket from West Coast Broncos with a PS box rebuild kit for $75.
It seems like a lot but just a new PS box like that is $450.

 

[Pedestrian]

There is really no advantage to having the motor out for these upgrades.
If you have the money, do yourself a favor and buy the complete package for the brake upgrade. Sourcing the parts on your own will not save you that much, and is a major time burner.
The power steering can be sourced fairly easily and can save you a ton of money.

 

[brbuilder]

I've gone the junk yard route and some new parts for the front disc brakes, BCB kit for rear disc brakes, ordered new and reman parts from various vender for the hydroboost. I'm sure that I saved a few hundred but takes time. Depends on the junks yards in you area. Also, what could be more important from a safety standpoint than your brakes and steering. Just a thought.

 

[RustyShackelfor]

I used all used parts for my brake conversion. Made it only cost about $75