Attention Keith: 73-79 for brake swap?

[1968flareside]

From reading your tech articles, my understanding is this, correct me if I'm wrong.....

1) As long as I can get the entire assembly, I should be fine.

2) Can I use my power brake booster and master cylinder from the 68?

3) Can I use the same year (the new one) for drop springs? Note: I've noticed that the later model years have 4" drops available versus the earlier model years only having a 2" drop available.

I'm sure I'll think of other questions, but I want to start gathering the parts for my work on the frame and chassis.

[FORDification]

Actually, it all depends on which radius arm you use. While the '67-'72 radius arm and the '73-'79 radius arm are interchangable, they are constructed differently. The coil spring sits on a pad which in turn sits on top of the radius arm. Since the radius arms are slightly different on top (and the spring pigtail is a different size), they require a different pad. And each generations pad only fits that same generation's coil spring.

Confused? Just remember that the radius arm, spring pad and spring have to stay together. You can either use the early or the late style, but you can't mix parts between the two without modification. (I didn't notice the difference when I was getting my older springs powdercoated to use with the newer front end, so I ended up modifying the older pads to fit with the newer radius arm and spring.)

Since the whole '73-up front end bolts up as an assembly, just use everything....and order any drop beams or coils for that front end.

The power booster will work just fine. If your old truck has drum brakes on the front, then you'll have to upgrade to a disc brake master cylinder, but you can still use your old booster.

[1968flareside]

That answers my questions for now. The hunt begins for a donor truck!