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1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: January 25, 2014, 8:31 pm
by Chucks66
Hello everyone, I'm new to all this but I was hoping to get some help. I am starting a restoration on my 1966 F100 Short Bed 2 wheel drive pick-up. I have it tore down to the frame at this point and am ready to have it blasted and coated but can't decide on what to do with the suspension and brakes. I would like to get these things all figured out before frame is coated. I would like to keep the truck as original as possible, so I would like to keep the I-Beam front end but I also would like to change the Drums to Disc Brakes on the front and rear. I have heard about the option of using the front end out of a Crown Vic but I have no idea about it. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: January 25, 2014, 11:06 pm
by Sweet6T6Ford
You can take the spindles off of a 76-79? f100 to swap your i-beams to disc brake. I used a 79. Just find a donor, pull the kingpins remove drums from your I beams and instal the spindles from the 79. Keep brake calipers from donor for core charge at local parts store( should carry new calipers rotors and pads) and while I was at it bought new kingpins, booster/master/cylinder proportioning valve setup from lmc truck. Start to finish took about two maybe three hours. Cost about 650 all together? Or you can also do the crown vic front suspension if you are good with math, measuring and welding.... I am in the process of doing the C.V. swap myself on a custom frame. Crown vic route definitely cost more to get setup, front section of C.Vs go for around 400 then miscellaneous expenses. Many have gone this route and there is tons of information on this swap in these forums. Do your homework and the choice is purely your preference. I was lured to the C.V. for the lowered stance and the awesome ride. Good luck!

Robert

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: January 27, 2014, 10:05 am
by bruceandersson
I've converted a couple of 65 and 66 trucks to 73-79 disk brakes and power steering. I've used the complete ibeams and radius arms from the donor truck. Very simple and gives you a tremendous brake upgrade. As long as you are not planning on building a ralley truck, this is simple and provides the single best upgrade IMHO.

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: January 27, 2014, 3:22 pm
by Chucks66
Ok, thanks for the info. Sounds like my pocket book will be a little happier. Now I guess I will start looking for all the parts. Hopefully finding what I need won't be too hard. Thanks

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: February 19, 2014, 10:03 am
by marcfridge
I have a front disc setup I am selling that is a bolt on kit. It is listed under the "parts for sale" section. Only a couple hundred miles on them.

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: February 19, 2014, 2:26 pm
by LM14
marcfridge wrote:I have a front disc setup I am selling that is a bolt on kit. It is listed under the "parts for sale" section. Only a couple hundred miles on them.
Isn't yours for a beam axle? He has twins which are totally different.

SPark

Re: 1966 F100 Drum to Disc conversion

Posted: March 9, 2014, 5:56 pm
by marcfridge
you are correct. I was hoping someone else might want them!