Is it possible to convert the front drum brakes on a 66-69 toronado to a disc brake set up. I know this can be done with a rear wheeldrive car but can it be done a this front wheel drive set up? I am doing research before getting my dream car. I am looking for a solid old toronado. Thanks for your help and advise. Greg

 

Yes. 67-70 were available with front disc brakes. 67-68 used four-piston calipers (great brakes but PITA to equalize) and 69-70 used 2-piston units.

You'll need spindles, master cylinder, proportioning valve from a 67-72 Toronado or Eldorado disc brake car. You can also use the same components from a 73-78 car but you'll have to use outer tie rod ends for those year cars. The 73-78 swap is a little easier simply because the earlier years hub bearings are almost nonexistent.

Not that any are easy to find anymore. The wear parts (pads, rotors, hoses) are still avaialble thru most parts chains.

 

Thanks for the good info. You speak of the hub bearings wearing out. Should I find a low mileage car would it be good for me to pull the bearings and grease them as soon as I get it? Also taking a look at the brakes at the same time of course.

 

Get ahold of the factory service manual and peruse the Toronado section.

FREE at wildaboutcars.com.
Free to join, takes but a few minutes.

Or you can get a paper copy from epay, etc.
Or a CD version pdf

Therein you will see that the front bearings are sealed units, and you do not take them apart to inspect or grease... if bad, you get a new one. They are probably very hard to find. You will want to access the PART NUMBER manual also at WAC.com, then you will at least know exactly what PN you need, do the interweb search, set up a epay search to notify you, etc.

 

My 67 still has the original drums. Doesnt stop as great as a disk car, but not bad either. More than decent for weekend driving around.
Also have the original OEM shoes. That made a LOT of difference. New shoes arent as good as the old ones, if you can find them.