• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Disk brake kit

Scott Engelhardt

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
11:55 AM
Joined
Jul 14, 2017
Messages
3,384
Reaction score
10,189
Location
Iowa
I have decided to upgrade to front disk brakes on my 65 Satellite. So many kits out there I am not sure what kit to buy. I am looking for suggestions and opinions of kits people her have used. Thanks in advance
 
There are basically 2 ways to go. Either swap the front drum brake spindles for disc brake spindles and use mopar parts or use your drum brake spindles with an adapter plate that allows you to mount non-mopar rotor and caliper. If you are doing front end work also, then swapping out to a disc brake spindle won't require additional work as you will have to disassemble the front end and get a wheel alignment anyhow. If you just want to do a fast swap with no front end work, use an adapter kit. In either case, you will have to get a new disc/drum master cylinder and install a proportioning valve so you don't get rear wheel lockup. There are multiple threads you can search the forum for which detail different members' swaps. I used an SSBC kit on my 70 Satellite. Everything fit perfectly on the drum spindle and no front end work/alignment needed. I used a Right Stuff 15/16" bore master cylinder from Summit. Car stops straight and fast, great pedal and not too hard for a manual brake car.
IMG_4991.JPG
IMG_5009.JPG
IMG_5050.JPG
 
Note where njrr mounted proportioning valve. Another option is under dash, a member did it that way. Buy a double flaring tool, it's a tool when you need it you really need it.
 
Note where njrr mounted proportioning valve. Another option is under dash, a member did it that way. Buy a double flaring tool, it's a tool when you need it you really need it.
Where I put it seemed the easiest. 2 short pre-made lines with only a couple of bends and loops to plumb it into the rear line coming off the distribution block. Mounted it in a very accessible spot using an existing hole in the fender. Under the dash seems like it would be harder to plumb and also if it leaks you get brake fluid inside your car. Maybe easier to adjust, but once it's set, I don't see a need for easy access. One reason would be to keep the engine compartment totally stock looking, but that wasn't a factor for me.
 
Right stuff manual disc kit here. Very simple install and works great in an often driven 440-equipped 68 Plymouth...good price too under $600 from summit
 
Thanks everyone. I drive this car often thats the reason for the disk brake upgrade. I like the looks of the DR. Diff and the front end rebuild kit. Looks like I could buy both kits for around 1100 and in a weekend have it completed. I like the idea of a kit that way I am not running around looking for pieces and parts.
 
Dr Diff brakes are the best bang for the buck. Had wilwood on my charger, and they were good, but Dr Diff is plug and play.
 
Thanks everyone. I drive this car often thats the reason for the disk brake upgrade. I like the looks of the DR. Diff and the front end rebuild kit. Looks like I could buy both kits for around 1100 and in a weekend have it completed. I like the idea of a kit that way I am not running around looking for pieces and parts.
Don't forget to get an alignment after you're done. Good luck !!
 
so after i get my front end done can i bring it over for the alignment i sure i will need tires by the time i get there. just kidding but having a shop to keep everything in line is nice. i don't know how your roads are but if you come to phoenix put on the 4x4 tires
 
The roads in Iowa are not always the best.
 
I hope you do not mind me sharing here as I still need help in this area. 70 Roadrunner with 440. I have the SSBC front disc brake kit, a new power booster from Dr. Diff and the disc brake mater cylinder from Summit. I still can't get my car to stop properly. I have good flow to all four wheels when bleeding, but stopping is another story. What am I missing? I did not change the proportioning valve. Could that be my problem? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I hope you do not mind me sharing here as I still need help in this area. 70 Roadrunner with 440. I have the SSBC front disc brake kit, a new power booster from Dr. Diff and the disc brake mater cylinder from Summit. I still can't get my car to stop properly. I have good flow to all four wheels when bleeding, but stopping is another story. What am I missing? I did not change the proportioning valve. Could that be my problem? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

You'll need a proportioning valve if you have front disc/rear drum, as discs require more fluid. The adjustable ones are nice, although you don't necessarily need one of those, a factory combination valve from a car that was equipped with discs in the front will work. On cars originally equipped with drums all the way around, the factory block provides equal pressure to all outlets( it's just a safety switch for your warning light, and a distribution point so that's a no-go with a disc/drum system). If you have rear drums you need to make sure they're adjusted properly(not too loose)very important. Also keep in mind that the size of your pedal push rod affects pedal feel... if that stuff is all good, make sure there's no vacuum leaks and that you have good vacuum for your booster.
 
Thank you beanhead. Can you recommend a brand and or part number that you know works well? Is it difficult adjusting them?
 
I hope you do not mind me sharing here as I still need help in this area. 70 Roadrunner with 440. I have the SSBC front disc brake kit, a new power booster from Dr. Diff and the disc brake mater cylinder from Summit. I still can't get my car to stop properly. I have good flow to all four wheels when bleeding, but stopping is another story. What am I missing? I did not change the proportioning valve. Could that be my problem? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

What bore master cylinder are you using from Summit? I have the SSBC kit also and used a new Right Stuff disc/drum 15/16" bore master cylinder and an adjustable prop valve from Summit. I also rebuilt the rear drums with new drums, shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware. My car stops very well, tremendous improvement from the old drum/drum setup.
 
Thank you beanhead. Can you recommend a brand and or part number that you know works well? Is it difficult adjusting them?
Adjusting the drums isn't a big deal, there are access plugs on the back of the drum plates. (a brake tool is preferable) but you can use a flat-blade screwdriver. Stick it in the slot until you feel the adjusting wheel and pry upwards(if you're looking at the car from the back, driver side wheel turns counter-clockwise to tighten, pass. side turns clockwise to tighten) I tighten them until the wheel just begins to drag and then back off just a little to let the wheel turn freely. Now, if you have too much trouble you can always pull the rear wheels and drums for easy access. As far as parts, if you're talking about the system components on a swap like this I like to use stuff from the same kit or supplier rather than mix & match...if you were asking about drum parts, I just get that stuff from my local parts store
 
I recall gospel runner's issues from another thread last year. Your troubleshooting was a vacuum problem, correct?
The proportioning block will add higher pressure to the front and change the cut in pressure on the rear.
As for poor braking do you have a good pedal, just bad distances?
I believe I have read that front disc requires 800psi, or more for proper braking. Can you measure pressure at the caliper?
 
I was having problems with vacuum, but I have a pump and that is resolved. I bought the Summit master cylinder that their tech suggested I use with the SSBC front disc brake kit. I do not remember the dimensions. I can call and find out? What device would you use to measure caliper pressure?
 
You do have m/c rear reservoir going to the front discs? Haven't seen this mentioned .
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top