1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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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Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

Dont know what break the bank is but this is where I got my 56 conversion.


https://www.mpbrakes.com/

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

Another source is ECI (Engineered Components Inc) in Connecticut. Lot of brake conversion kits

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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.

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

Something that costs more than the person paying for it has, or can afford.

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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.

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

There is a company in Connecticut that installs linings on your shoes that provides better braking. Don't have the name right now.

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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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Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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.

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

To keep it all FORD and not to have to look for GM parts for future service, either the GRANADA swap or the the TORINO swap. Both require donor spindles. You simply use all components from the donor to the 58. No CHI-COM and no DIALING FOR DOLLARS ADJ PPV.

As for relining drum brakes - https://www.porterfield-brakes.com/m...akes/R4-S.html

Re: 1958 Ranch Wagon Front Disc Conversion
 

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.:)