disc brake swap? can I use early 80's donor

rider307g · Post by **rider307g** » October 21, 2008, 1:56 pm

Can I use the disc brakes and all from an early 80's donor truck for my 65? Will the bolt patern be the same, etc?

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » October 21, 2008, 2:16 pm

wheel bolt patterns changed in the early 80s, f100 and f150 were different sizes. later f100 wheels will not fit earlier trucks, not sure about the rest of the stuff.

Hawkrod · Post by **Hawkrod** » October 21, 2008, 3:04 pm

1980 and newer front ends are totally different than 65-79. Hawkrod

rider307g · Post by **rider307g** » October 22, 2008, 3:16 pm

OK, so I found out it is a 79. Should I asume this will work? I am supposed to pick it up tonight. Please help me. Thanks.

Post by **Greg D** » October 22, 2008, 4:05 pm

Swapping the disc setup, power steering, etc from a 67-79 is as close to a bolt in as you will find (there are differences in the spindles etc.). You just have to use the right components. This is not an issue if you swap over the I beams, trailing arms and all from the 79 truck as they already all fit together. Spend the extra $5.00 or so and get the urethane bushings when you assemble it, worth WAY more than the price in benefits over even new rubber ones.
There are also alot of other odds & ends off of the 79 truck that are nice upgrades for your slick, 2 speed wipers (intermittent too with the right switch), bigger rear brakes, do some research in here and you will likely find even more. If the 79 has sway bars grab those too for example.

rider307g · Post by **rider307g** » October 22, 2008, 4:52 pm

Thanks Greg D. I sure appreciate the info. By the way, I like your truck so much I am ordering wheels like yours.

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » October 22, 2008, 5:54 pm

rider307g wrote:Thanks Greg D. I sure appreciate the info. By the way, I like your truck so much I am ordering wheels like yours.

COPY CAT!!!!

CHEATER!!!!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

ya oughta come up with your own ideas!!!! hehe

rider307g · Post by **rider307g** » October 22, 2008, 6:37 pm

Isn't there some saying about copying being the best form of a compliment? Hell, mine is even a long bed, but it is root beer brown. After that I have some ideas for paint, maybe flat black?

Just messing with you!!!! although flat black with red and white pinstripes would be an idea

Post by **Greg D** » October 22, 2008, 6:53 pm

Glad to help!
You might have a problem the wheels though rider. They are discontinued, according to American Racing I have the last pair of 15x8s in our bolt pattern in the US. There are other companies out there who sell a similar style though.
Thanks for the complements on my Uni, it still has a very long way to go.