Golden Jubilee
Posts: 630
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:04 pm
Disc brakes on the stock axle and hubs
Here is a copy of my thread from OLDIHC, it tells a bit more in detail how I did it.
I found a fairly simple way to put disc brakes on a KB-2 stock front axle. I got almost all the parts from Speedway Motors. I used a set of Wilwood rotor hats and 11.75" rotors that bolt together. I pressed the studs out of the hub and removed the drums. then I installed longer studs from NAPA. The rotor hat then slides right on to the hub. I used the 1.41" offset hats to clear the kingpin boss. The rotors bolt on to the hats with 8 bolts. I used Speedway's laser cut GM metric caliper brackets, with a little trimming and an extra tab welded od they bolt to the outboard side of the spindle ears. I got metric calipers for an 85 Monte Carlo and pads at the local parts store. The braided stainless 19" brake hoses with a 90 on one end. The rotors are held on by the wheels like a front wheel drive car. Be sure to use a 2lb residual valve in the line between the master cylinder and the front brakes to keep a slight pressure on the calipers. It helps keep the fluid from draining back to the master cylinder. What a difference stopping. WOW!
F.Y.I. here are the part numbers from Speedway.
rotor hats - 835-1700764
rotors GM .81"x11.75" - 910-31906
rotor/hat bolts - 835-2300233
19" brake line - 910-31892-3
3/8"-24 fem. to AN-3 fitting for frame - 617-4129
metic banjo bolt kit - 617-2950
metric caliper braket, flat - 916-41009
caliper slide bolts - 835-2300542
No I'm not a sales man for them, their parts work well. I put the brakes on for around $350.00. The exspensive part was the hats at 145.90 a pair, but those are what made it easy. The hats have 3 bolt patterns for 4.5", 4.75" and 5" on 5. I thought this might help someone trying to do this.
Bill
This Photo shows what I cut off and the extra tab welded on.
Retired Lineman, mechanic, fabricator, retired motorcycle racer.
South Amherst, Ohio