I have a 1993 Ford XLT F 350 4X4, crew cab, that has drum brakes on the rear and was trying to find out how to change this over to disc brakes. Has anyone done this and how expensive would it be? Thanks, Tom.

 

You'd pretty much have to fab everything up yourself, for practically no increase (if any) in stability or stopping power. Lots of labor, lots of trial and error and probably a healthy expense.

The vast majority of the braking in these trucks is handled up front. Upgrading those to larger discs and calipers might be a better use of money if you really want to spend on brakes.

Properly installed and adjusted rear drums are very effective. If you're having trouble with them, you might want to get them checked out.

 

Maybe look for a complete disk rear end from a newer truck to swap in.

I'm not a fan of the drum brakes on these trucks either.. they never stay properly adjusted for very long and the additional rear brake power that disks provide is benificial when towing or carrying a heavy load.

 

^^^ What he said.

 

do a search.

covered every few months and all come to same conclusion: leave well enough alone.

 

I was having problems with my rear brakes not staying adjusted and then I changed out the self adjusting cable. I was surprised- even tho the old cable seemed tight, a new cable made a big difference. But that's on my 91 F150- and I don't do a lot of towing/hauling with it.

 

Like everyone else said, its a waste of time and cash. There will be little to no gain.

 

I'd go with getting drilled and slotted rotors and a good set of pads for the front... It's the most effective upgrade you can do!

 

TexasGuy is probably right, but every time I go to the salvage yard and walk past a newer super duty with rear discs and the same gears as my truck, I think to myself, "I wonder what he wants for that axle..."

 

Drilled and slotted rotors won't provide more braking force under normal use unless they are larger than what you started with with better calipers.

 

sorry I thought better calipers and larger than stock rotors was obvious... I'll be more clear next time.

 

Less surface area... so actually LESS braking power under normal conditions.

 

...but it keeps the pads and calipers cool during operation, so less chance of brake fluid heating up and failing.

 

Yes but they vent the gas, dust, and heat out so the pads are more effective... And you have better "bite" on the rotor with your pads and the slots and drilled holes constantly sand off a little of your pads so they are fresh when you use them... IE: Not having a bunch of road dust and break pad debris built up in them... come on guy

 

Typically there are 5 upgrades to breaks...
1.) better pads for a better bite on the disk
2.) better disks to keep pads clean and cool for better operation
3.) better calipers to help force the pads down harder on the disk
4.) better break lines
5.) power multiplier that adds extra force to when you put your foot down