Proportioning valve

[dave1972]

Does anyone know if I need to change proportioning valve when I go to disc brakes up front?

[basketcase0302]

"dave1972"Does anyone know if I need to change proportioning valve when I go to disc brakes up front?

Your username suggests, (why everyone puts their truck in their SIGNATURE) that you have a 72'?
Surprised it didn't have discs?

But yes if it had drum front brakes it will have a "distribution block" (which is not technically a proportioing valve) so yes you'llneed to change it out.
This tutorial in the tech section that Keith made will help out with a lot more questions:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/propvalve101.htm

[dave1972]

Your right mine is a '72. It's a 4wd though with closed knuckle d44. Swapped in a d44 open knuckle with disc brakes from a '76. Thank you.

[dave1972]

I guess I should have been more clear in my original description. Sorry about that! My pickup is a 1972 f250 4wd. It originally had a dana 44 with drum brakes and I swapped it for a dana 44 from a later year pickup that has front discs. I think I need a proportioning valve, is that correct? My understanding is the original valve is a "metering valve". Second question is where to get and if there are specs to use when searching for the unit?

[basketcase0302]

Nice choice on the front axle, (I ran a D-44 for over 30 years from my early Bronco).
You are correct in the description of the D-44 needing a true proportioning valve. I'm not real sure there are specs, (differences between the F-100/F-250/F-350 versions of the valve) or not to be honest. I will go ahead and say this...be prepared to do some fabrication of/on your existing brake lines, (almost 100% guaranteed as the "port" location on the new valve will almost never be the same as the old valve). Most of the time it'll be easier to bend and flare your own lines as getting any "OEM" fabricated pre bent line will be next to impossible to match the new valve with your truck, (that didn't come with factory disc brakes)

If getting the valve from the donor truck where the axle came from here is one source, (I love...NPD).

https://www.npdlink.com/1948-1979-ford- ... tion-block

[dave1972]

Thank you for the NPD link basketcase. I will plan on complete replacement of brake lines. This is a every nut and bolt restoration so those types of peices that have rust will be replaced.

[basketcase0302]