Brake Proportioning Valve Differences

[willfordtruck]

Anyone know if the proportioning value used in a 1972 F250 7500 GVW front drum truck can be used with front disc brakes for the same truck? They have a different number of outlets (drum config has more, since one output line goes to each front brake versus disc brake which has one outlet that goes to the front that splits off a "valve" (bolted to the cross member above the I beams) to each wheel?

NOTE: by all appearances, the spindle used for this GVW (and 8100) are identical whether for drum or disc application.

Thanks,

Will

[flyboy2610]

As I understand it, trucks with drums all around do not have a proportioning valve. Rather they have a distribution block. This was touched upon in this thread. It may be helpful to you. Good luck.

http://www.fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=312

[FORDification]

flyboy is correct....the drum brake distribution block will not be adequate for use with disc brakes. It's basically nothing more than a "T" in the line. The valve you mentioned bolted to the front crossmember is the disc brake proportioning valve, and that IS what you need for disc brakes.

As for the spindles, appearances are deceiving....while they might look similar, they are completely different animals. Do yourself a HUGE favor, and when you decide to do a disc brake swap on your truck, find a'73-'79 F250 in a junkyard with the disc setup and grab the whole front system, including the I-beams, spindles, calipers (for the core charge), proportioning valve, lines, dust shields, and master cylinder/power booster. Replace the calipers ($15-$20/ea.), front flexible lines and bearings/seals.

Good luck!