This is my opinion on the rear disc conversion.
IMHO the Eldorado caliper is not meant for a 7,000 lb truck. They were marginally good for a 1976 Eldorado. I'll explain (this is my opinion on this subject).....
I bought the BlackBird rear disc kit. The kit was cheaper than the TSM kit due to the re-man calipers. The TSM kit comes with new calipers. When I installed the rear disc kit, I saved the drum brake parts.
After the install, the truck stopped but something was not right. So I decided to do the hydroboost conversion using all Ford parts. My friend had a 95 OBS F-Super Duty and I scoped it out. The OBS F-SuperDuty had hydroboost and rear discs. I even drove it. So I ordered a hydroboost, master and high pressure hoses for hydroboost conversion. The bore on the master is larger with 4 wheel disc
After the install, the brake pedal was hard, felt like manual brakes. The truck stopped but the pedal needed alot of effort. I did not like the high pedal effort. Forget about towing a trailer, the trailer was pushing the truck while braking. I had my gf drive my truck while at the track and she even commented on the high brake effort.
After I did the rear disc kit, the hub seals started leaking until I figured out how to get them to stop leaking. I trashed a set of rear disc brake pads due to them getting coated with gear oil. As I was turning in the pistons, the caliper seals started leaking. I ordered re-man calipers from the local auto parts store and they looked like crap. So I ordered new brake calipers from TSM. Still no difference with brake pedal effort.
Now I'm starting to analyze the rear caliper pressure strength. I even thought about install dual rear calipers. Leaving the Eldorado calipers for the E-brake and adding a set of non-E-brake calipers. I spoke with BlackBird about my idea and he said go for it. Then we got on the subject of the Eldorado caliper. He said if I find something better with an intergral E-brake, to let him know. At this point, I'm thinking about putting my drums back on.
I even installed stainless brake lines from CT Performance and a new RABS valve all with no change in brake pedal feel.
I tried cheap semi-metalic pads and modified a set of Performance Friction pads to be used the Eldorado calipers. The brake pad for rear caliper has a "tit" on it to to keep the piston properly adjusted.
The Eldorado calipers adjusted themselves when the E-brake was applied. I use my E-brake everytime I park.
When I was bleeding the rear calipers, there was a heavy flow of brake fluid, the volume was there.
While at the PRI show, I was speaking with owner of Wilwood. I was explaining my hard brake pedal issue with him. Then he mentioned to me what my truck weighs. I tell him 7K and he stated to put the drums back on and keep the hydroboost. He further stated that the Eldorado calipers are not meant for a truck and no less towing a trailer. They are calipers for cars not trucks.
About 2 weeks ago, I put the drums back on. I almost went through the windshield when I hit the brakes. I couldn't be happier. I think the brakes work too good
There is a thread on TDS with a another guy with the same problem.
Flame suit on
oke:
For reference:
'85-'98 Ford Sterling
Ford Rear Disc Brake Kits for 9", Dana 60, Dana 70 and Sterling (scroll down)
Hydroboost install done!! I guess I'll try a Parachute!! - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com
www.obspowerstroke.com
Billy T.
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