I am building a '59 F250 to pull my BBQ trailer. I am lowering it by flipping the front and rear axles over the springs. My questions have to do with the front brakes. Has anyone ever tried to put disc brakes and spindles from a 69-79 F-series 2wd truck on the front of a straight axle? They both use king pins and have rear steer. I have not taken any measurements YET,just wanted to know if anyone else has attempted this? Thanks -Lance
are you runnin a split I beam on that truck? Or are you asking about the 59 front axle? Confused a bit here.
On my 65 ford Twin I beam it was a bolt on conversion from a newer ford E150 van. Can't help you on a 59 though.
I am still using the straight axle. I know that on the twin I beam axles its a bolt on deal. But I want to know if the whole spindle outward from a 69-79 will fit the '59? Basically remove king pins from both and swap. I will post up some pics later today.
If the king pins are the same diameter machining or bushings would make up for an difference at the end of the axle. Or a heavy bronze bushing could be used to make up for a small king pin.
Go into one of the online parts outfits and see if they give kingpin and bushing measurements. Also O'Reilly's site has the "compatibility" link that is pretty good at showing everything a particular part fits. This should show what years the kingpins fit http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...&model=F+Series&vi=1336890&pt=02856&ppt=C0106 You still may be able to run a later rotor and use a bolt on caliper bracket on your spindle though. Ford didn't get excited about changing things around as far as spindles and wheel bearings go so it should be fairly easy to find a rotor that fits your spindle.
they are getting a little more difficult to find but what about a cross ref. book or going to the dealship to cross ref. the parts.
I bought an entire aftermarket kit for mine. Had a choice of bolt pattern to. all of it bolted together. No issues.
doesn't your truck have self energising brakes already, i have a set of f250 backing plates for my Buick drums and there self energising, i just have to install a double acting wheel cylinder.
Self-energizing is a term that applies to the brake shoe being forced against the drum by the rotational forces when the brake is applied, which requires less pedal effort to get your truck or car stopped.
I think before you tear anything down and start measuring, you should LOOK at the later spindles on the Twin I-Beam. Your '59 is very much like my '53 and several years ago I was thinking the same thing. I think you'll find the the design of the spindle on the later one is nothing like what you have-it's more than just dimensional.
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