Advice Required - M47 Pickup Brake Conversion

[waynet]

Hi to you all.

I have just acquired a 1948 Mercury M47 pickup and I want to convert the standard front drum brakes to disc brakes.
1) Do I need a booster?
2) If a booster is required can I mount it in the engine compartment?

Thanks in advance guy's.

[rotorwrench]

You don't have to have a booster as far as I know. A change to a firewall mounted system would required braces and swing pedals so it gets more complex on that route but kits are available for that too. Some opt for just the basic conversion. A booster set up would likely need a proportioning valve as well.

[blucar]

Converting a stock '47 front end to disk brakes is not as simple as it may sound. There are several aftermarket vendors that offer kits for the actual disk brake conversion, however the conversion gets very complicated before it is done with peddle assemblies, etc. The smarter, safer way to modernize the brake system is to do it correctly with a complete front end assembly, steering, brakes, etc., I have used assemblies from TCI and Fatman that are engineered for the vehicle, and are very user friendly.
When it comes right down to it, stock drum brakes, well maintained, generally work well in modern urban driving.. High speed highway driving is another matter because the original suspension is not up to the task.

[old school rodder]

I converted my M47 to front disc brakes, it's simple. Speedway sells the complete kit. I bought an adapter to convert my master cylinder to a dual, new brake lines. I've done this conversion a bunch of times, it's easy and works great. You keep your stock spindle and all the front end geometry stays stock.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by old school rodder

I converted my M47 to front disc brakes, it's simple. Speedway sells the complete kit. I bought an adapter to convert my master cylinder to a dual, new brake lines. I've done this conversion a bunch of times, it's easy and works great. You keep your stock spindle and all the front end geometry stays stock.

Thanks Old School.
One question that I am not sure about and that is do the new disc brake calipers interfere with the standard wheel rims on a '48 M47?

[nickthebandit]

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IMO, ECI makes the best disc brake conversion available.

[old school rodder]

My steel rims fit just fine, they're 16".

[rotorwrench]

M47 stuff should be about the same as Ford F1 or Mercury M1. I think all the running gear is the same. Running 15" could be problematic though. Kits are available for 5 on 5.5" hubs so a person can keep it looking stock if they want.