rear disk brake conversion question
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
rear disk brake conversion question
Trying to order up the parts to do the rear disc brake conversion. I know that rear discs aren't as strong as our drums, but I just can't stand those ole drums. I bought rotors for a 99' E-350 rear axle and calipers for a 77' Cadillac Elderado, My question is about the calipers. Driver side and passenger side calipers on the Elderados were different. I believer because of the mechanical ebrake. Should I have bought two drivers sides instead of a driver side and a passenger side like I did? I'd like to have ebrakes on both sides for the extra security.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I've got to fab up my own brackets anyway. I just want to see if anyone has used two driver's side with the elderado calipers. I have a feeling it will work. As far as the ebrake cable I guess I'll have to mix and match different ones till I get the right length.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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you will need 1 from each side and the cable for each side as well. if you bought two of the same side one would mount with the ebrake line and fluid line pointing the wrong directions.
i reakky hope you dont tow or anything. the cadillac calipers dont work for crap as far as the ebrake. i used them on a 14bolt axle and after a while i ended up just throwing in a newer axle that came with discs. the cadillac calipers are darn near impossible to find the ebrake levers and cables for, and are super finicky. if they are adjusted just right (and they require constant upkeep to keep them adjusted).
not a big deal if you dont tow or park on flat land, but good luck gettin it to stay on a hill with a trailer behind it. do some reading about this setup and youll see im not the only one whose had that problem with them
i reakky hope you dont tow or anything. the cadillac calipers dont work for crap as far as the ebrake. i used them on a 14bolt axle and after a while i ended up just throwing in a newer axle that came with discs. the cadillac calipers are darn near impossible to find the ebrake levers and cables for, and are super finicky. if they are adjusted just right (and they require constant upkeep to keep them adjusted).
not a big deal if you dont tow or park on flat land, but good luck gettin it to stay on a hill with a trailer behind it. do some reading about this setup and youll see im not the only one whose had that problem with them
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I live near the ocean so it's really flat here- shouldn't be a prob. Anything is better than what I have now which is no brakes at all. I got the front fuel tank removed to find where my brake line was leaking. My frame started to flake up in long strips because of the leaking brake fluid. I didn't know how caustic? that stuff is. When I was trying to diconect one of the fittings in the line the line actually fell apart! Kinda scary stuff
As far as the calipers I think I ordered them the right way. One driver rear one passenger rear. As far as these ebrake cables- are there any other more available ones that will work or do they have to be specifically Eldereado cables.
As far as the calipers I think I ordered them the right way. One driver rear one passenger rear. As far as these ebrake cables- are there any other more available ones that will work or do they have to be specifically Eldereado cables.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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if im not mistaken i think theyre cadillac specific. there are 2 different style calipers from that era each one uses a different cable. if your crafty you can rig something up, but iirc theyre a little on the odd side
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I found some ebrake cables on Rockauto.com. The thing is I can't figure out how these things work. Instead of being 2 cables, one for each caliper, it looks like it's one continuous cable. In the discription it says it's for rear left and rear right calipers so it must go to both. Anyone have any clarification on this. I'd like to figure this out before I buy one. Part # is C93848.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Orrville, Ohio
Does that just mean that it is the same cable for both sides? I don't see how you could run booth sides off one cable...
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Senior User
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if you just bought the calipers new from a parts supplier than your going to have problems. your missing the whole lever assembly that goes on the rear of the caliper that the ebrake hooks up to. if i were you i would use calipers off of a 1979 eldorado they use the same mounting setup and use a standard ebrake cable and you dont have to go parts hunting for the assembly for the 77(theyre just about impossible to find)
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
towsrus- glad you said something. Went to pick up the calipers today and you were right. The 77's i ordered didn't have any ebrake parts on them. Thankfully they had some 79's in stock and swapped them out. Only problem with these is one of them didn't come with a spring. Hopefully I can find a spring somewhere.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I ordered mine at TSM MFG. CO., INC. and they have worked great for four or five years now. I got the ones with Ebrakes and they also works fine. I pull a 16K 5er and don't have any problems holding it. LOVE THEM!!
EDIT: Rolltide, what do you mean that disks aren't as strong as drums?
EDIT: Rolltide, what do you mean that disks aren't as strong as drums?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
For those of you hauling really heavy 5ers, have you ever considered putting disc brakes on the trailer instead of the truck? Electric drum brakes are pathetic. Going to disc brakes on the trailer will make a HUGE difference - most likely even more noticeable than any change you make on the truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I just did that about a month ago Joe and your right, what a difference!! I almost feel like I can drive normal and be able to stop. They are so good it will stop the pickup without the pickup braking. No more scarely trips down the mountain and stopping if some idiot pulls in front of you and stops!
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
oldbird- I had just looked at a couple of posts where people we're saying the stock drums are actually really strong and that they could lock up the rear wheels. I doubt I'll be able to lock up my rears with the 79' Elderado calipers. These pads are tiny. Look like they could go on Civic or something. The 77' pads and calipers were about 50% bigger than the 79's, but didn't come with any ebrake hardware. Oh well, I really want an ebrake, so I went with the smaller calipers/pads.
On a side note. I'm going to try to disassemble the hubs tomorrow. I have the special socket that will remove a Dana 60 locknut. Will it also remove the 10.25" locknut? Don't want to have to buy another one of these sockets.
On a side note. I'm going to try to disassemble the hubs tomorrow. I have the special socket that will remove a Dana 60 locknut. Will it also remove the 10.25" locknut? Don't want to have to buy another one of these sockets.