Disc vs Drum (power be danged!)

[Ronnie1972]

Ok this falls squarely into the noob category, and I did read the drum to disc conversion tutorial, but I have a question about power brakes.

It seems like everyone is thinking about switching Drum to Disc brakes. Can you have power brakes while still having Drum brakes? Is there a reason not to do this? Sorry for the assumedly dumb question, so I'll just roll my eyes on this one so no one has to.

thanks guys (and gals)

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Ronnie1972..

Yes, you can have power (vaccum assist) drum brakes...
I just did that up-grade on my '68 CS... no disk brakes
It's a really simple proceedure...

1. Undo the bolt that attaches the plunger rod to the brake pedal.
2. Remove the bolts that hold the master cylinder to the firewall.
gently pull the master cylinder forward until the actuating rod clears (being careful not to kink the brake lines)
3. You will need to remove the rod sticking out of the master cylinder...
you might have to pull and twist, it might be really stubborn, but it will come out.
4. Then you mount the vaccum booster to the firewall and attach the actuating rod to the pedal.
5. You will need to insert the power brake plunger into the master cylinder, then mount the master cylinder to the booster.
6. All that's left is to do is attach the vaccum hose to a good vaccum source on your engine...
You shouldn't need to bleed or adjust your brakes, unless they needed it before. You may have to adjust the pedal travel so it engages at the proper level...
Seriously, if I can do it anyone can...

Good luck...
KaptnKA S

[Ronnie1972]

Thanks Kaptn! Besides not knowing what most of those things are, that does sound "fairly" easy. But that's what google & books are for (that pesky identification). Looks like I'll add this to the project list. And as far as "if I can do it anyone can", you didn't see my carb rebuild.
Thx for the help!

[seattle67]

Hey Ronnie,
The kaptn pretty much said it all in his post, but I wanted to "second the motion" that its an easy modification.

Here is a post I did after I installed a booster on my 67 http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... ght=master

[SteveC]

im planing on doing this to my 67 this Friday hopefully. I try to remember the camera to take a few pictures.

[seattle67]

That would be cool Steve. So many people have asked about this, now I really regret not taking pictures each step of the way.

[SteveC]

ya ill do my best to get good pictures...im adding the booster and the changing the master cylinder to the new one that came with the booster

[Ronnie1972]

There appears to be a dual diaphram vs a single diaphram. And 7 in vs 8 in. Any suggestions about which booster type? Was looking at something like this:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku

[fordman]

the smaller boosters were used to clear the valve covers for larger engines such as the 460 in the dentsides. the smaller booster also seemed to come out on the early model truck too for some reason. in 72 you could go either way i think. but the smaller booster could be the way to go.

[Ronnie1972]

Anything to the single vs dual diaphram option? Thanks for the advice.

[Supermike]

I asked this question once before as well, Ronnie... because I was considering the booster from Master Power, and theirs are dual diaphragm.

The answer I got (it's buried somewhere in the parts wanted section) is that a dual diaphragm should (in theory) produce more braking power for a smaller booster than the classic single-diaphragm versions that were originally on our trucks (and are available at the supply places now). The DD booster may be easier to operate and give you better pedal feel and braking response.

Historically, the DD boosters were used in the bigger trucks (such as F350) to provide more braking power while using a smaller booster. I think kilog55 and Hawkrod have them on their trucks, so you might hit them up with any questions.

As for me, the single diaphragm booster seems to be working just fine. There is a DEFINITE difference between non-power and powered brakes, though!

[kilog55]

yeah i went with the DD like supermike said on my 72 with drums all around and you really have to be easy on the brakes or they will lock up havent had it happen on pavement but on dirt it will lock em.

for the small difference in price i went with the DD booster not sure on my plans for this truck as far as motor goes so if i drop a big block in i may not have a clearance problem but can still stop on a dime.

the upgrade is easy to do as long as you mount the brackets up right the first time i did not and it was a pain.