Early Bronco Front Disc Brake Kits

Early Bronco Disc Brake Conversion: One of the Best Upgrades You Can Make

Installing a front disc brake kit on your 66-75 Ford Bronco is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make. Not only does a front disc brake conversion improve overall braking performance, it also eliminates several safety concerns associated with the factory drum brake system used on Early Broncos.

For drivers who regularly use their Bronco on the street, trail, or in changing weather conditions, converting to disc brakes provides more consistent stopping power and better control.

Improved Stopping Performance with Front Disc Brakes

Upgrading to a front disc brake conversion results in noticeably improved stopping performance compared to factory drum brakes. Disc brake systems operate with tighter tolerances, allowing the brake pads to sit closer to the rotor. This means the pads don’t have to travel as far when the brakes are applied, resulting in quicker response and better pedal feel.

Tighter tolerances also allow greater clamping force at the brake pads, increasing stopping power. The end result is a braking system that responds faster and provides more predictable control when slowing or stopping your Early Bronco.

Disc Brakes Offer Safer Braking for a 66-77 Ford Bronco

One of the biggest shortcomings of drum brakes is how they react in wet or extreme conditions. Moisture can collect inside the drum, creating a slick surface that reduces braking effectiveness. In severe cases, this can lead to brake fade or momentary loss of braking control.

Disc brakes function differently. The caliper clamps brake pads directly onto an exposed rotor, allowing moisture and debris to shed quickly. This design helps keep the braking surface dry, making disc brakes far more reliable in rain, snow, mud, or icy conditions—an important advantage for any Early Bronco that sees real-world use.

What Makes Up an Early Bronco Front Disc Brake Conversion?

An Early Bronco front disc brake conversion kit uses the same core components found on many classic vehicles equipped with disc brakes. Below is a breakdown of the primary parts involved when upgrading a 66-77 Ford Bronco to front disc brakes. All of these components are included when purchasing a WILD HORSES Early Bronco front disc brake conversion kit.

Disc Brake Spindles

When converting from drum to disc brakes, everything from the front wheels down to the spindles is removed. The new disc brake spindles serve as the foundation of the upgraded braking system and provide the mounting points for the remaining disc brake components.

Caliper Support Backing Plates

Once the spindles are installed, caliper support backing plates are mounted to the steering knuckles. These plates secure the disc brake calipers in the correct position and also help shield the braking components from mud and trail debris.

Disc Brake Hub & Rotor Assembly

In place of the factory drum and hub assembly, a new hub and rotor assembly is installed. This setup mirrors the factory front disc brakes used on 76-77 Ford Broncos. The hub and rotor assembly uses the same wheel bearings and locking hubs as the original drum brake setup, though replacing worn bearings and hubs during installation is generally recommended.

Disc Brake Calipers

With the hub and rotor installed, the disc brake calipers are mounted to the caliper support plates. The calipers and pads apply clamping force to the rotor, creating the friction needed to stop the vehicle. The calipers connect to the hydraulic brake system using new outer brake hoses included with the conversion kit.

Final Notes on Early Bronco Disc Brake Conversions

While this is not an exhaustive list of every component involved, these are the primary parts that make up a front disc brake conversion for an Early Bronco. If you have questions about compatibility, installation, or selecting the correct parts, the WILD HORSES sales and customer service team is available to help guide you through your project.

WILD HORSES Early Bronco front disc brake conversion kits work with both Dana 30 and Dana 44 front axles, the two factory front-end options used on first-generation Broncos. All kits use all-new components, not rebuilt or used parts. Converting to front disc brakes also helps eliminate the pulling commonly experienced with drum brakes and provides more reliable braking in wet or icy conditions.

If you need help choosing the right 66-77 Ford Bronco disc brake conversion, give us a call—we’re happy to help.