How much $$$ for disc brake conversion???

[Supreme70]

I'm wondering how much to convert to disc brake of my 14 bolt ff, drums need replacing so im wondering if its worth it to change over now.

 

[RootBreaker]

I bought the brackets and hose kit from azkickin
caddy calipers from car-parts.com
rotors, pads, etc from autozone, advanced auto
complete for $250 but havent put it all on yet.. waiting for the weather to break

 

[jekbrown]

GLO over on pirate has the brackets for $55 me thinks... then all you need are some D44 calipers (not exactly hard to find, or expensive) and some hoses...

j

 

[highrlr]

Do you need to install a different master cylinder at all? How about a proportioning valve?

 

[pvfjr]

You should be able to use the same MC. Some people get proportioning valves, some don't. I would though, after reading how uneven the braking was for some people after the swap.

 

[79Beast]

On an off road truck, I would't invest a single dollar in "dum" brakes. When I built my FF14 to replace my broken D70, I ditched the drum brakes right from the start. I think my parts list went like so:

Caliper brakets- about $80 from I forgot who on this board
included 1/2 NF grade 8 bolts and aluminum spacer.
78 Chevy 3/4 ton rotors- $25 each from Advanced Auto
79 Chevy 1/2 ton rotors- $13 each from Autozone (I had cores
from my original 10Bolt front..same as D44, but use 10mm
banjo bolt instead of 7/16")
Braided stainless hoses- $50 shipped from TSM...cheaper than
parts store replacement rubber lines, nice and short too.
Brake pads- at first I used the almost new ones from my old
front axle, about a year ago I replaced them...about $15
from Autozone.


I'm not running an adjustable proportioning valve, but the next time I have the brake system open, I'll add one. Also, I'll add one of those line locks that you use a key with...good parking brake and security measure.

 

[divorced]

I have about $220 in mine using new parts and new brake lines. I used front lines for a 1979 Chevette ($12.49 at O'Reillys) and steel line bent and cut/reflared to fit. I got my brakets from Kert at http://diy4x.com/brakes.htm He makes top quality brakets and is a great guy to deal with.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

Thanks for posting this, I was curious also. Ive been thinking about doing rear discs. Anyone have caddy calipers?

 

[Supreme70]

So will the calipers from my 10 bolt housing work or just use a set from a dana 44? Im thinking I will upgrade instead of screwing with the drums. Wow thanks for the info fella's, this board is such a life saver for stuff like this.

 

[RootBreaker]

Thanks for posting this, I was curious also. Ive been thinking about doing rear discs. Anyone have caddy calipers?

you can buy them new but be prepaired to pay..
$150 each with pads...

I got mine to the door for $45 from... www.car-parts.com

 

[jekquistk5]

I was just going to ask this same question because I started into the 14blt rebuild this weekend.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

you can buy them new but be prepaired to pay..
$150 each with pads...

I got mine to the door for $45 from... www.car-parts.com

How do they work, e brake wise? Have any pics? Thanks.

 

[screamer*145]

i can get remand calipers from a place we call dirty dave (was a junk yard but got shut done due to tire fire) but now he sales new part but believe it or not $12 a piece

 

[divorced]

So will the calipers from my 10 bolt housing work or just use a set from a dana 44? Im thinking I will upgrade instead of screwing with the drums. Wow thanks for the info fella's, this board is such a life saver for stuff like this.

Calipers from a front 10 bolt or a Dana 44 will both work just fine. The only difference is the banjo bolt size. I went with the 10 bolt calipers on mine because I also have 10 bolt calipers on my front D44, that way everything stays the same front to rear.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

i can get remand calipers from a place we call dirty dave (was a junk yard but got shut done due to tire fire) but now he sales new part but believe it or not $12 a piece

Regualar calipers or caddy calipers?

 

[Supreme70]

which rotors and bearings do I use for the conversion, years and makes please. Thats the last piece I need to know about.

 

[divorced]

which rotors and bearings do I use for the conversion, years and makes please. Thats the last piece I need to know about.

You use front rotors for an 8 lug Dana 44 or a 10 bolt. Just have the parts guy look them up for a 3/4 ton 4x4 truck (1973-1987). The bearings are the same ones you have now because you re-use the hub that's on the 14 bolt; the only difference is the drums get replaced with rotors. You can look up the bearings for a 3/4 ton truck too.

 

[cybrfire]

Thanks for the props Divorced.

Some changes to my brake brackets will be seen on the next bunch. From now on there will be 8 mounting holes on the main bracket. This is to facilitate the tipping of the caliper when using caddy calipers for the e brake cables to be placed correctly.

 

[Supreme70]

Thanks for all the help looks like I will ditch the heavy a** drums and go with the Disc brake set up. I sure am glad this forum is here. I called dynatrac and they wanted $1300.00 for the complete setup, There stuff must have gold plating or something lol. Sure as hell am glad I found out I can do it for $300.00 or less.

 

[Supreme70]

ttt