'77 F150 4x4 brake upgrade

[ThunderTruck]

I came to a point with my truck where I had almost enough horsepower but not near enough brakes. I had seen a good article on upgrading late '70's trucks with one ton brake components. I started putting together the parts and finally last winter was able to get everything installed: I bought a rear disc brake kit from Blackbirds Next I picked up a set of Thunderbird front calipers which are a direct bolt on with a bigger piston. I painted the calipers and master cylinder. Decided to upgrade the front rotors also. Rear discs installed. I was going to use a 1 ton brake booster but decided on a hydroboost setup. The braided lines were not neccesary but do look good. I used stainless tubing for all hard lines and braided lines for all the flex lines. So was it worth it? That's a big YES!!!!!!! Not cheap (but could be done much cheaper). Braking feels as good as a new vehicle, before it took a strong push and hope you had lots of room, now it's a light touch and you're almost through the windshield.

[JSoko]

be sure to use heat proof paint on the calipers

[GREGGLF]

Hello Big Blue, I hoping you still out there. Nice photo's but no part numbers included. I sure could use them. Trying to upgrade the front disc Brakes on my 1999 E-150 4x4 van conversion. It uses the same Dana 44 as you had on your 77. Any thing you could do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gregglf

[GREGGLF]

Originally Posted by ThunderTruck I came to a point with my truck where I had almost enough horsepower but not near enough brakes. I had seen a good article on upgrading late '70's trucks with one ton brake components. I started putting together the parts and finally last winter was able to get everything installed: I bought a rear disc brake kit from Blackbirds Next I picked up a set of Thunderbird front calipers which are a direct bolt on with a bigger piston. I painted the calipers and master cylinder. Decided to upgrade the front rotors also. Rear discs installed. I was going to use a 1 ton brake booster but decided on a hydroboost setup. The braided lines were not neccesary but do look good. I used stainless tubing for all hard lines and braided lines for all the flex lines. So was it worth it? That's a big YES!!!!!!! Not cheap (but could be done much cheaper). Braking feels as good as a new vehicle, before it took a strong push and hope you had lots of room, now it's a light touch and you're almost through the windshield. Hello Thunder, I hoping you're still out there. Nice photo's but no part numbers included. I sure could use them. Trying to upgrade the front disc Brakes on my 1999 E-150 4x4 van conversion. It uses the same Dana 44 as you had on your 77. Any thing you could do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gregglf

[JSoko]

Originally Posted by GREGGLF Hello Big Blue, I hoping you still out there. Nice photo's but no part numbers included. I sure could use them. Trying to upgrade the front disc Brakes on my 1999 E-150 4x4 van conversion. It uses the same Dana 44 as you had on your 77. Any thing you could do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gregglf he ain't around much you may want to send him a PM