1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion

M

MOTOCROSS1980

Junior Member
Hi All

I am on a very limited budget and looking to upgrade the front brake system on my ranch wagon to a disc brake setup.

Can anybody point out a complete kit to do the job for me without breaking the bank?

Any help would be much appreciated

Many Thanks
DAZ


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Another source is ECI (Engineered Components Inc) in Connecticut. Lot of brake conversion kits
 
I don't know what " break the bank " is either, but have you thought about just a good rebuild on the drums? IIRC, those Ford wagons had 11"x2.5 front drums, and they were pretty well up to the job. If your towing in heavy traffic at 70, maybe not so much, but for driving they're fine.

Decent lining and proper fitment (to the drum) makes a huge difference over poorly replaced drums/shoes. Finding someone to do that can be difficult, but including your location might help.

I've done more than one disc conversion that wasn't much of an improvement. Poor quality master cylinder, cheap brake pads, etc. Cheap all too often turned out to be not so cheap.

I know there are others here who can recommend specific parts, let's hope they chime in.
 
miker98038 said:
I don't know what " break the bank " is either, but have you thought about just a good rebuild on the drums? IIRC, those Ford wagons had 11"x2.5 front drums, and they were pretty well up to the job. If your towing in heavy traffic at 70, maybe not so much, but for driving they're fine.

Decent lining and proper fitment (to the drum) makes a huge difference over poorly replaced drums/shoes. Finding someone to do that can be difficult, but including your location might help.

I've done more than one disc conversion that wasn't much of an improvement. Poor quality master cylinder, cheap brake pads, etc. Cheap all too often turned out to be not so cheap.

I know there are others here who can recommend specific parts, let's hope they chime in.
Click to expand...
I'm not attracted to the disk conversions myself. The factory had HD parts and usually that just meant from a heavier car or police. I've driven from east coast to west and never felt the need for disks. Just an opinion but monies could be better spent on suspension and tires.
 
There is a company in Connecticut that installs linings on your shoes that provides better braking. Don't have the name right now.
 
Thanks to all you knowledgeable people out there who help people like me!

After reading everything, I am going to stick with the factory setup and make sure I have the factory setup perfect.

Regards
Daryn


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I changed my ElCamino over to front disc and it ended up being about $1,000 with new dot4 fluid and wheel cylinders.
Performance Suspension Technologies. Long-time hemmings advertiser.
 
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I used Granada spindles on my 56 wagon. All you need to do is ream out the bottom hole with a 6 degree reamer. End of story.:)
 
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