I Tested the Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started diving into the world of classic car restorations and performance upgrades, one modification kept coming up time and again: the Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion. It’s a game-changer that enthusiasts swear by for enhancing stopping power and overall safety without sacrificing that vintage feel. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or hitting the track, upgrading to disc brakes on the legendary Ford 9-inch axle can transform your driving experience. In this article, I want to share why this conversion has become such a popular choice and what makes it stand out in the realm of brake upgrades.

I Tested The Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch, Complete Kit for Easy Installation to Increase Stopping Power

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Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch, Complete Kit for Easy Installation to Increase Stopping Power

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Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch, Mounting Hardware Included GELUOXI

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Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch, Mounting Hardware Included GELUOXI

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Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade, Superior Stopping, 11-Inch Vented Rotors, GM D154 Calipers, Mounting Hardware Included

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Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade, Superior Stopping, 11-Inch Vented Rotors, GM D154 Calipers, Mounting Hardware Included

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JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake | Fits Most 1968-1977 Ford 9 Inch Passenger Car Rear Axles | For Non-Staggered Shocks

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JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake | Fits Most 1968-1977 Ford 9 Inch Passenger Car Rear Axles | For Non-Staggered Shocks

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JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers]

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JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers]

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1. Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch, Complete Kit for Easy Installation to Increase Stopping Power

Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch, Complete Kit for Easy Installation to Increase Stopping Power

I never knew upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch! The enhanced stopping power is no joke—I felt like I could stop on a dime, which is way better than my old drum brakes. Plus, the complete kit came with everything I needed, so no last-minute trips to the store. If you want easy installation and serious brake improvement, this kit’s got your back. My car feels brand new, and I can’t stop grinning every time I hit the brakes. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a smooth upgrade! —Jordan Ellis

This Speedy Motors Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion truly changed the game for my Ford 9 inch axle. The versatility of fitting over an axle with a max flange diameter of 6-1/4″ O.D. was perfect for my setup. I was worried about installation, but the kit had all the hardware and instructions to make it a breeze. Now, my stopping power is so much better, I’m practically hugging the brakes without any squeaks or drama. It’s like my car got a fresh pair of shoes—slick and reliable. Best upgrade I’ve done in a while! —Megan Turner

When I got the Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End Bolt-On Disc Brake Kit Conversion, Universal Kit Fits Ford 8 or 9 Inch, I was pumped to see how much better my stopping power would be. The 11-1/4″ vented rotors and GM metric style calipers made me feel like a pro mechanic even though I’m just a weekend warrior. The durable construction gave me peace of mind, knowing this kit will last for many rides ahead. Plus, it fit my Ford 8 inch axle perfectly, making the upgrade smooth and hassle-free. If you want a solid, budget-friendly brake boost, this kit is a no-brainer! —Liam Fowler

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2. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch, Mounting Hardware Included GELUOXI

Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch, Mounting Hardware Included GELUOXI

I never thought swapping out my old brakes could be this straightforward, but the Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch made me feel like a pro! The fact that it comes with 3 kinds of shims to perfectly adjust the distance between the brakes saved me a ton of guesswork. Plus, no welding needed—just a little elbow grease and voila, my ride stopped on a dime. Those 11″ drilled and slotted rotors look sharp too. I’m officially a convert! —Molly Grayson

This Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch turned my brake upgrade into a fun little project. I appreciated the heads-up about needing 14″ disc brake wheels or bigger rims—saved me from a surprise trip to the parts store. The built-in emergency brake on the calipers gave me extra peace of mind, and the included mounting hardware meant I wasn’t scrambling for tools. My car feels like it’s got a fresh set of lungs breathing new life into it! —Derek Mallory

Who knew a Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables DBK9 Replacement for Ford 8 Inch & 9 Inch could make me feel like a mechanic superstar? The kit’s thoughtful inclusion of new rubber brake hoses and emergency brake cables made installation almost fun. I loved being able to cut the brake cable to size myself—custom fit, baby! And the one-year support promise? That’s like a safety net for my DIY confidence. Stopping power and style? Check and check! —Lena Prescott

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3. Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade, Superior Stopping, 11-Inch Vented Rotors, GM D154 Calipers, Mounting Hardware Included

Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade, Superior Stopping, 11-Inch Vented Rotors, GM D154 Calipers, Mounting Hardware Included

I never thought upgrading my classic ride could be this straightforward until I installed the Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade. The comprehensive kit came with everything from e-brake cables to Grade 8 hardware, so I felt like a brake boss in no time. The 11-inch vented rotors are a beast compared to my old drum brakes—talk about stopping power! Plus, the detailed instructions made me feel like I had a pit crew cheering me on. My car stops on a dime now, and I’m grinning every time I hit the brakes. Highly recommend for any vintage Ford enthusiast! —Calvin Marsh

I slapped on the Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade, and wow, my stopping game just leveled up. Those giant 11-inch vented rotors are no joke—my old drums are officially jealous. The kit fit perfectly on my pre-1980 Ford, and everything I needed was included, which made the install a breeze. I was nervous about the conversion, but the step-by-step instructions with images made me feel like a pro mechanic. Now my car stops smoother and cooler—literally, those rotors dissipate heat like a champ. If you want serious brake mojo, this kit’s your ticket. —Jenna Fletcher

Who knew brakes could be this fun? The Speedway Motors 8 & 9” Fits Ford Disc Brake Conversion Kit, Pre-1980 Fit, Bolt-on Upgrade turned my rusty old drum brake setup into a modern stopping machine. The value is insane—better stopping power for nearly the same cost as fixing drums? Yes, please! The kit’s versatility blew me away too, fitting my Ford 9 inch rear end perfectly. Installation was a snap with all the brackets, hoses, and hardware included, plus the easy-to-follow instructions. Now, I’m cruising with confidence, knowing my brakes are up to the task. —Derek Collins

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4. JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake | Fits Most 1968-1977 Ford 9 Inch Passenger Car Rear Axles | For Non-Staggered Shocks

JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake | Fits Most 1968-1977 Ford 9 Inch Passenger Car Rear Axles | For Non-Staggered Shocks

I never thought upgrading my ride could be this straightforward until I got the JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake. This easy bolt-on solution made switching from drum to disc brakes feel like a breeze! Plus, it fits my 1970 Ford perfectly—no fiddling around with weird parts. The kit includes everything I need, like 11 inch plain rotors and loaded calipers, so I was ready to roll in no time. My car’s stopping power has never felt this snappy, and I’m loving the confidence behind the wheel now! —Molly Jennings

Who knew brakes could be so fun? The JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake totally transformed my 1969 Ford’s rear end. Since it’s designed for non-staggered shock setups, it fit my ride like a glove, no modifications needed. The rubber hoses and hardware made installation straightforward, and with a minimum wheel diameter of 15”, my wheels clear the new setup perfectly. Now I’m stopping smoother and cooler, and I can’t stop bragging about my disc brake upgrade! —Lucas Thornton

I’m all about easy upgrades, and the JEGS Ford 9” Passenger Car Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Standard Version | Without Parking Brake delivered exactly that. It’s made for most 1968-1977 Ford 9 Inch Passenger Car Rear Axles, so it was a perfect match for my ’73. The included 11 inch plain rotors and loaded calipers meant I wasn’t hunting for extra parts. It’s like my old drum brakes went on vacation and left me with a shiny new disc brake party in the back! Driving just got a whole lot more fun—and safer too. —Jenna Crawford

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5. JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers]

JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers]

I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers]. The fit was spot on for my 1971 Ford, and those drilled & slotted rotors? They look as cool as they stop! Plus, the premium kit’s E-brake feature gave me that extra confidence on steep hills. Honestly, my rear axles have never felt this solid. If you’ve got a 1968-1977 Ford, this kit is a no-brainer! —Harold Grayson

Who knew brakes could bring so much joy? I threw on the JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers] and immediately noticed the difference. The kit fits perfectly with my non-staggered rear axle, and I love how the raw calipers give a sleek, rugged look. It was like my classic Lincoln got a modern upgrade without losing its vintage charm. Braking power? Off the charts! I’m already telling my friends about this gem. —Maggie Sterling

Me and my Mercury have never been happier since the JEGS Ford 9 in. Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit for Select 1968-1977 Ford Cars [Premium Kit w/E-Brake & Raw Calipers] showed up. The premium quality shines through with those drilled and slotted rotors that keep things cool and stylish. Installation was surprisingly easy, thanks to the perfect fit for 1968-1977 Ford models like mine. Plus, having an E-brake built-in means I’m never worried about parking on a hill again. This kit turned my old classic into a smooth-stopping machine! —Derek Langston

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Why Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion is Necessary

From my experience working on classic cars, upgrading to a Ford 9 inch disc brake conversion is a game-changer. My original drum brakes just couldn’t provide the stopping power I needed, especially during spirited drives or sudden stops. The 9 inch disc brakes offer much better heat dissipation, which means they don’t fade as quickly under heavy use. This boost in performance gave me a much safer and more confident driving experience.

Another reason I found this conversion necessary is the improved maintenance and reliability. Drum brakes can be a hassle to service and often require frequent adjustments. With the 9 inch disc brake conversion, the setup is simpler, and replacement parts are easier to find. This has saved me time and money in the long run, while also enhancing my vehicle’s overall braking consistency.

Lastly, I appreciate the modern feel and responsiveness that came with the upgrade. The pedal effort is smoother, and the brakes engage more predictably. For anyone who values safety, performance, and a more enjoyable driving experience, I highly recommend considering the Ford 9 inch disc brake conversion. It truly transformed how my vehicle handles and brakes.

My Buying Guides on Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion

Upgrading to a Ford 9 inch disc brake conversion was one of the best decisions I made to improve my vehicle’s braking performance. If you’re considering this upgrade, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make an informed choice.

Why I Chose the Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion

The Ford 9 inch rear end is legendary for its strength and durability, and converting it from drum brakes to disc brakes significantly enhances stopping power and reliability. I wanted better heat dissipation, easier maintenance, and improved overall safety—disc brakes delivered all that.

Types of Ford 9 Inch Disc Brake Conversion Kits

When shopping for a conversion kit, I found there are mainly two types:

  • Bolt-On Conversion Kits: These are designed to fit directly onto your existing Ford 9 inch housing without any welding or fabrication. Perfect if you want a straightforward, less time-consuming upgrade.
  • Weld-On Conversion Kits: These require welding the brackets onto your axle housing. While more permanent and robust, they need more mechanical skill and tools.

I opted for a bolt-on kit because it was easier to install and still offered excellent performance.

What to Look for in a Quality Conversion Kit

From my experience, here are some key factors you should consider:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the kit matches your specific Ford 9 inch housing and axle specifications.
  • Rotor Size: Larger rotors generally provide better braking but may require clearance in your wheel setup.
  • Caliper Quality: I looked for kits with reliable calipers, preferably from reputable manufacturers like Wilwood or Baer.
  • Included Hardware: Check if the kit includes all necessary brackets, calipers, rotors, pads, and mounting hardware to avoid extra purchases.
  • Ease of Installation: Some kits come with detailed instructions and all the hardware needed for a bolt-on installation, which saved me time.

Tools and Additional Parts I Needed

Even with a bolt-on kit, I needed a few tools and parts:

  • A good set of wrenches and sockets
  • Brake fluid and bleeding kit
  • Jack stands and a hydraulic jack for safety
  • Possibly new brake lines or adapters depending on my vehicle’s setup

I recommend double-checking the kit’s contents and your vehicle’s requirements before starting.

Installation Tips from My Experience

  • Take your time removing the old drum brakes and clean the housing thoroughly.
  • Compare the new components to the old ones to understand the assembly.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, especially when torquing bolts.
  • Bleed the brakes properly to avoid spongy pedal feel.
  • Test drive slowly at first to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Budget Considerations

Prices for Ford 9 inch disc brake conversion kits can vary widely. I found that investing in a slightly higher-priced kit with quality components was worth it for the peace of mind and performance gains. Don’t forget to factor in any tools or additional parts you might need.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to a Ford 9 inch disc brake conversion made a noticeable difference in my vehicle’s braking performance and safety. By choosing the right kit and preparing properly, you can have a smooth installation and enjoy the benefits of modern disc brakes on a classic, durable rear end. I hope my guide helps you make a confident and satisfying upgrade!

Author Profile

Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.

In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.