Got my 14BFF!!!!!!!

[Chaddy]

Only reason I don't want to convert to disc is, I want to use 15" wheels because I just got new tires. Also, I have heard it is a PITA because of the master cylinder/brakelines etc.. not having enough pedal because of proportioning valve issues or whatever it was.

I didnt change the master or valve. You can use 15's with a little grinding.

 

[franco802]

You may want to consider replacing the shock mounts now while the axle is out of the truck... certainly would be easier.

Why would I want to change these, they look like they are fine where they are.

 

[Chaddy]

I forgot to mention that it's a lot easier to shave the lip off while its out as well................just a thought..

 

[franco802]

I appreciate the help and advice given, really.

Another question I had was, when going to the parts store to buy new drums, what year do I tell them I need the drums for? Did these 14bff's have the same drums from 73-80? Should I just bring one of these monster drums with me? I was told my axle came out of a 73-80 GMC 3/4 ton camper special 2wd truck.

 

[mechted]

Why would I want to change these, they look like they are fine where they are.

See how far they hang down? that means you need longer travel shocks to accomplish the same flex, and you have 2 more points to hang up your rig.

big $ compared to just changing the shock mounts (provided you have a welder/friend with a welder) I got new shock tabs from DIY4X for $16... just need to figure out the welder part still

 

[franco802]

Well I priced out new drums/wheel cylinders/shoes/brake hardware and it came out to a little over 220.00!!!

I found this on ebay, which I know most of you have been telling me to do this instead http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/14-BOLT-DISK-BRAKE-CONVERSION-KIT-COMPLETE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42605QQihZ002QQitemZ120069292806QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[JEBSR]

That is the kit I bought. Same seller, kit fit well with no mods neccesary. Works great. Can't beat the price either...


Pretty sure I paid 325.00 for mine. I say go for it.

 

[franco802]

So, if I do a disc brake conversion on this thing, will 15"s wheels still fit over it like the stock drums??

 

[fabjunkie]

15" will still fit. You'll have to grind the backing plate on the front axle a little, but no biggie. That ebay link looks like a decent deal since it includes everything. I did mine for about $225, but already had calipers for cores and stainless brake hoses.

Check the classifieds here for your front axle parts.

 

[MaxPF]

The only prob with that disk conversion is the lack of provision for an e-brake.

 

[franco802]

I am still contemplating on the swap or just replacing one of the drum. I AM on a budget, so I will pull those drums off tomorrow and see what they look like. I know the passenger side one will have to be replaced for sure, as it has a huge chip missing from it. Not sure what the other looks like yet.

I have a feeling pulling these drums off will not be easy, especially after sitting outside for 15 years

 

[muddybuddy]

im running 15's with 3" BS and have zero problems, no grinding was necessary

 

[JEBSR]

I use a mechanical line lock with mine. That way I can use the cheap calipers and have safe Ebrake without draining the batteries like an electric one will.

 

[franco802]

I just got back from Ramona,CA about one hour ago. I haven't cracked it open yet because I am about to watch the UFC 66.

Only thing that worries me is, I just noticed the wheels on it are 16.5x6.5 I hope my 15x8 rallys fit on here because i just got new tires a week ago.

Here are some pics. It came out of a 3/4 ton camper special 74-80 GMC truck.

The numbers in the pics you see are 3977323 and on top of that it says 157.

Kinda hard to tell, but those look like 13" drums to you guys. They gotta be. I know for a fact they can't be 11 1/2" drums I wonder why the 11 1/2" drums cost so much more.

 

[franco802]

I use a mechanical line lock with mine. That way I can use the cheap calipers and have safe Ebrake without draining the batteries like an electric one will.

That's a pretty damn good idea!!

 

[MaxPF]

Franco, can you post a pic of the drum with the chunk missing?

 

[u2slow]

Drums are 13", shoes appear to be 2.5" wide because of the 'flat' backing plates. (3.5" shoes use a backing plate with a more depressed center.)

 

[beater_k20]

I use a mechanical line lock with mine. That way I can use the cheap calipers and have safe Ebrake without draining the batteries like an electric one will.

details please...

 

[franco802]

Franco, can you post a pic of the drum with the chunk missing?

Here ya go!!

 

[franco802]

Wow, just noticed you got to pull the damn axles to take off these drums What a PITA!