Out of curiousity what kit are you useing and how much does it cost?
Rear Brake swap
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Rear Brake swap
I would like to swap out my rear drum brakes with some disc brakes, how hard would this be and can it even be done??? My rear drum brakes don't work, I might try to tear into them and change all the parts I can change and clean it all up and see if I can get them to work, but I don't know if they will or not and I don't have the money to take them to a brake shop.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Rear Brake swap
Gotta tell you man, If you can't afford to get the rear drums fixed by a shop, then you probly will not have the cash to do a conversion.
What is really wrong with them tho, drum brake parts are cheap as dirt, Whatever is wrong with them, you should be able to fix them cheap yourself.
What is really wrong with them tho, drum brake parts are cheap as dirt, Whatever is wrong with them, you should be able to fix them cheap yourself.
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Rear Brake swap
I was thinking of getting the rear disc brakes from a newer Bronco or pickup(junk yard) and putting them on my Bronco. Your proabably right, it is cheaper to just fix the drum brakes. They have never worked since I had the Bronco. Before I had the knowledge to work on Drum brakes my dad replaced the shoes about 2 years ago in hopes of fixing them, well they still have not worked. I really think that both wheel cylinders are shot and most of the parts are rusted. I used the park brake maybe 3 years ago and I guess they worked then(when winching a tree the Bronco did not move). It is just when it snows out it seems I only have front brakes and that makes for some real fun when trying to stop on slick roads, I have to use four wheel drive to be able to stop sometimes. Is there a way to meter the braking power to give more power to the rear brakes instead of the front?? The rear has anit lock the front does not, you lock up your front tires before the rear even seem to work at all.
I am going to do a tranny fluid and filter change tomorrow depending on how that goes, I will tear the drum brakes apart and look at them.
I am going to do a tranny fluid and filter change tomorrow depending on how that goes, I will tear the drum brakes apart and look at them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Rear Brake swap
You know, I just thought of something.
I helped my dad replace the right axle shaft on his 200 f-150 it uses an 8.8 salsbery.
A good friend of mine that rebuilds axles says that the axle shaft from my 83 bronco, that has the 8.8, will fit in my dad's axle. This was after he had bought a new one and installed it.
I'm thinking that you could get an 8.8 out of a newer model maybe 97-98 or later 1/2 ton truck and install it on your bronco. My dad's rear end uses disk brakes, and has small drums with shoes for the e-brake.
Just a thought.
I helped my dad replace the right axle shaft on his 200 f-150 it uses an 8.8 salsbery.
A good friend of mine that rebuilds axles says that the axle shaft from my 83 bronco, that has the 8.8, will fit in my dad's axle. This was after he had bought a new one and installed it.
I'm thinking that you could get an 8.8 out of a newer model maybe 97-98 or later 1/2 ton truck and install it on your bronco. My dad's rear end uses disk brakes, and has small drums with shoes for the e-brake.
Just a thought.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Rear Brake swap
Well I have decieded to scrap the brake swap idea, I will tear into the drum brakes and replace any parts that don't look good and clean the rest.
but I have another question.
Is there a way to divert more stopping power to your rear brakes instead of the front????
but I have another question.
Is there a way to divert more stopping power to your rear brakes instead of the front????
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: USA
Rear Brake swap
Well, if you have Properly adjusted REAR brakes your Front brakes shouldn't do all the work....
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: North Central Washington
I am thinking it is time to change ALL your old brake fluid. It's possible that you have moisture in your brake lines that is freezing in cold weather, and acts like a plug in your brake lines. Fresh fluid should eliminate that problem. If that does not fix it, look to see what is frozen (I mean seized) on your brake cylinders. they are really not that expensive usually around $25 or so each if you have to completely replace them.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I just got done replacing my rear brakes. The wheel cyl ran me $6.57 from autozone (each), the shoes were like $16.99 (all four), and all the springs and pins for both wheels came in one bag for $6.00. It's kind of a pain to put them back together, but I'd bet you can't do a conversion for less than $50, but it will get you all the stuff to make the drums work. Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Greensburg, PA
Do you know if you happen to have Rear ABS? The problem with the brakes not working is definately wheel cylinders, shoes, or springs, but the braking power can be affected by the rear ABS not working. I had a bad module (or whatever they call it) and had very poor rear braking. To check for it, watch the dash lights when you start the vehicle (look for the Rear ABS light) or check on the top of the rear end on the drivers side. If there's an electrical connection, you have ABS, and may need a new module. Good luck.
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The ABS is working, sometimes it will kick in if I have to smash the brakes to stop quickly, I think I am going to get the parts and replace all the springs, wheel cyl and shoes. Even in a brand new vehical I have noticed it's like the front brakes do most of the work, like 60/40 front/rear. I have rear ABS and I would like my rear brakes to do most of the work so I can actually benefit from the ABS.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
For those who may still be interested in a rear disc conversion for the Ford 8.8" or 9" rear axle. http://tsmmfg.com/2530.htm This kit runs $279.00 for the basic hardware setup with rotors. The caliphers w/parking brakes along with the necessary brake cable extensions and braided brake fluid lines are another $350.00 IF you buy them from TSM. Otherwise you can most likely find the caliphers and brake lines locally for less. Haven't priced the caliphers locally yet, but I intend to.
