drum to disc brake
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: SW Florida
Rear Discs
For the most part, a set of mid 70's 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC front rotors will fit on your hubs. The brackets are available precut or are pretty easy to cut yourself if you're so inclined (I used flat 1/4" plate on mine). Mount up a set of calipers for same GMC.
If you're trying to get fancy, I understand a set of Caddy calipers from an Eldorado have an e-brake setup that can be adapted, but I just went the simple route and leave it in gear when it's shut off!!
On my F350 with 44s, this was a dramatic improvement in the braking power - well worth it - once you get past having to use the brand X parts.
If you're trying to get fancy, I understand a set of Caddy calipers from an Eldorado have an e-brake setup that can be adapted, but I just went the simple route and leave it in gear when it's shut off!!
On my F350 with 44s, this was a dramatic improvement in the braking power - well worth it - once you get past having to use the brand X parts.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Central Oregon
I got my brackets from JKWOffroad.com and used the '76(?) ElDorado calipers and GM front rotors on mine, and very happy with them. The lug bolts didn't have to be changed, just pressed them out of the drums and into the rotors. The loaded calipers that I got were too snug to fit over the rotors, so had to shave the pads a little, and the re-builts don't come with the e-brake linkage arms, so had to do some scrounging to come up with those. And I went ahead and got some different custom cables made to adapt to the Caddie calipers for e-brake.
I haul around a slide-in camper on my '74 high-boy, and the improvement in braking is really reassuring.
I haul around a slide-in camper on my '74 high-boy, and the improvement in braking is really reassuring.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: SW Florida
Yep, like Steven is saying, you reuse your old studs. The Caddy caliper is probably made to fit a thinner rotor, because mine fit fine without shaving anything. If you buy the caliper brackets pre cut, everything else is a piece of cake.
As I mentioned, mine is on a 4X4, and another benefit of this swap is no more drums to get full of mud & cause chaos with brake shoes.
As I mentioned, mine is on a 4X4, and another benefit of this swap is no more drums to get full of mud & cause chaos with brake shoes.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
Ford products
any chance the same could be done with a Ford product? what is so distinct about the 1976 model Caddy?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: SW Florida
Well, anything can be done if you throw enough money at it......... the Ford calipers have the unique mounting system (either the two bolt system or the unit that uses the slide in pins), and are not as easy to mount up as the GM parts. Believe me, the GM parts are much simpler and cheaper.
As for the Caddy calipers, they are made with a lever to engage the pads for emergency brake purposes - that's the only difference.
As for the Caddy calipers, they are made with a lever to engage the pads for emergency brake purposes - that's the only difference.
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