9" disc brake conversion - again
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
9" disc brake conversion - again
Greetings all!
I've searched this forum and the Trans, Diff, Axle forum for information on the disc brake conversion and didn't find what I'm looking for. I checked out the websites listed in the forums and found the kits to be REALLY expensive, and I'm more interested in doing it myself.
I talked to a guy this weekend who has his own axle & wheel business, and he showed me 9" disc brake setup he had there. He said to use a GM single piston caliper, rotors from a 78-83 MonteCarlo, and a $10 bracket from some company I forgot the name of.
Has anyone done this themselves? If so, any pointers?
Also, some folks say you should change the proportioning valve to an adjustible one. I understand why, but is it really necessary? Is the one on my 78 F150 already adjustible?
I plan to document my project and possibly do a tech article on it, so any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Kevin K.
I've searched this forum and the Trans, Diff, Axle forum for information on the disc brake conversion and didn't find what I'm looking for. I checked out the websites listed in the forums and found the kits to be REALLY expensive, and I'm more interested in doing it myself.
I talked to a guy this weekend who has his own axle & wheel business, and he showed me 9" disc brake setup he had there. He said to use a GM single piston caliper, rotors from a 78-83 MonteCarlo, and a $10 bracket from some company I forgot the name of.
Has anyone done this themselves? If so, any pointers?
Also, some folks say you should change the proportioning valve to an adjustible one. I understand why, but is it really necessary? Is the one on my 78 F150 already adjustible?
I plan to document my project and possibly do a tech article on it, so any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Kevin K.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,493
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From: Great NW
In the tech articles, there is a Bronco brake upgrade in which the author upgraded to rear discs. Check there first.
But he did mention disabling the stock proportioning valve to allow the discs to work properly...
But he did mention disabling the stock proportioning valve to allow the discs to work properly...
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
GeneStoner,
I read the article and all he says regarding the rear is:
"There are many rear disc brake conversion kits on the market that all I can say is pick one you like and install it. "
That's what I'm trying to avoid.
Thanks for the response.
Kevin K.
I read the article and all he says regarding the rear is:
"There are many rear disc brake conversion kits on the market that all I can say is pick one you like and install it. "
That's what I'm trying to avoid.
Thanks for the response.
Kevin K.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,493
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From: Great NW
Roger that.
It sounds like your buddy has an interesting setup, but will it allow the use of an Emergency-brake?
If not, you may need to install one of those inline brake proportioning units that allow you to hydraulicly (sp?) actuate the E-brake...
It sounds like your buddy has an interesting setup, but will it allow the use of an Emergency-brake?
If not, you may need to install one of those inline brake proportioning units that allow you to hydraulicly (sp?) actuate the E-brake...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
No, they don't allow for the e-brake. However, the calipers from a 79-85 El Dorado, Riviera, or Tornado will. But then you'd need all the hardware for them and you have to move the shock mounts (or so he says).
Kevin K.
Kevin K.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Backwoods of western Pa
What about a 70's Lincoln disk brake setup? They had 9" rears in them, although the bolt pattern on the rotors is off and may have to be redrilled. You still have to get an adjustable proportioning valve no matter what because of the different brake force demand that the disk brake setup needs.
Is there another low-buck setup that would be easier and work better?
Is there another low-buck setup that would be easier and work better?
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From: In the Middle
Originally Posted by KJKozak2
rotors from a 78-83 MonteCarlo,
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