Rear disk brake conversion

[youngcamarokid]

Just wondering how hard it would be to install it.

I'm looking at the package on http://www.tacreationsusa.com/suspensi.htm for $150, I want to know if this is something I'd be able to do myself.

thanks

[hockeyman]

Thats a good deal on the parts!
Follow these steps after getting the car jacked up, on stands, and wheels pulled.
Removal:
-Pull the rear differentail cover off to drain the fluid.
-Pull the drum brake hardware off both sides along with the emergency brake cables.
-Pull the backing plates behind the drum brakes (4 bolts each side, but you won't be able to totally remove the plates until the axles are pulled)
-Remove the center pin from the gears in the rear. There is a bolt that is about 5/16" that needs to come off, then the pin will slide out.
-Push the axles inward towards the center of the car, and there will be a "C" clip on each axle that will fall out, then remove the axles and backing plates.

Installation:
-Bolt on the new disk brake backing plates.
-Install the axles on each side ***AND remember to re-install the "C" clips!
-Push the axles outwards to lock the "C" clips into place, and re-install the center pin through the gears, and bolt it in.
-Install the differential cover with new gasket, and fill with gear oil.
-Bolt up the caliper hardware to the backing plates along with the rotors.
-Install the new emergency brake cables.
-Bleed the system, and you're ready to go...

It sounds tougher than it actually is, but it's really kinda easy.

Hope this helps.

-Marc

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]</p>

[hockeyman]

Forgot to mention the brake lines. The brake lines for the drum are different than the disk brake lines. You can either bend the lines to make them fit, or you can ask the guy you are buying the parts from if he can sell the brake lines to you. I recommend getting the original lines from the disk brake rear.

-Marc

[youngcamarokid]

Alright, thanks a ton!! I should be able to do that :D

So I don't need new axles, right? Just pull em out and then plop em back in?

I ask because I thought I heard someone say you need new axles...

[hockeyman]

no, you won't need new axles unless yours are bent. If you suspect your axles being bent, then replace them. If you haven't destroyed any rear suspension components by sliding sideways into any fixed objects, then yor axles should be just fine.
28-spline is what the 93+ V6's and V8's have now, and they should fit perfectly.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

-Marc

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]</p>

[naptown]

couldnt you just buy a z-28 rear end from a salvage yard?

[hockeyman]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by naptown:
couldnt you just buy a z-28 rear end from a salvage yard?<hr></blockquote>

Yes, but the S/H charges are astronomical because of the weight if it isn't a local deal.
I found a guy within 20 miles from me that had the 1993+ Z28 and T/A rear's on sale, so I went to pick it up myself. I paid $150.00 complete including the e-brake cables. Couldn't pass up that deal!
Before I found that rear, I had a local scrap yard quote a 1993 Z28 rear for me at $600.00, and that didn't include the installation or e-brake cables. [img]graemlins/omg.gif[/img]

-Marc

[Wheeler]

I can beat that one "Hockeyman".Up here in Newfoundland , Canada,The local salvage yard wants $1500.00 CDN for the rear out of a 1994 Z28.And thats with no brake hardware or cables!!

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by hockeyman:
Thats a good deal on the parts!
Follow these steps after getting the car jacked up, on stands, and wheels pulled.
Removal:
-Pull the rear differentail cover off to drain the fluid.
-Pull the drum brake hardware off both sides along with the emergency brake cables.
-Pull the backing plates behind the drum brakes (4 bolts each side, but you won't be able to totally remove the plates until the axles are pulled)
-Remove the center pin from the gears in the rear. There is a bolt that is about 5/16" that needs to come off, then the pin will slide out.
-Push the axles inward towards the center of the car, and there will be a "C" clip on each axle that will fall out, then remove the axles and backing plates.

Installation:
-Bolt on the new disk brake backing plates.
-Install the axles on each side ***AND remember to re-install the "C" clips!
-Push the axles outwards to lock the "C" clips into place, and re-install the center pin through the gears, and bolt it in.
-Install the differential cover with new gasket, and fill with gear oil.
-Bolt up the caliper hardware to the backing plates along with the rotors.
-Install the new emergency brake cables.
-Bleed the system, and you're ready to go...

It sounds tougher than it actually is, but it's really kinda easy.

Hope this helps.

-Marc<hr></blockquote>


Since I have done this upgrade, I know that the most important item is not here.

After the caliper bracket is installed and the axle re-installed, you MUST measure the distance from the inside of the bracket to the face of the axle. This must be 2.70" to 2.74". If greater, you must pull the axle out and install shim GM p/n 26034667 behind the bracket.

You must also ensure that you get the caliper line brackets to support the brake lines. They are NOT on a drum brake car.

E-mail me if you want more info.

[hockeyman]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by FirebirdGT:
[QB]


Since I have done this upgrade, I know that the most important item is not here.

After the caliper bracket is installed and the axle re-installed, you MUST measure the distance from the inside of the bracket to the face of the axle. This must be 2.70" to 2.74". If greater, you must pull the axle out and install shim GM p/n 26034667 behind the bracket.
QB]<hr></blockquote>

I didn't know about the shims. I bought a complete rear, and didn't upgrade my stock drum rear. They sound like a PITA to measure, but the insurance of knowing you installed it right is worth it.

-Marc

[youngcamarokid]

Thanks for all the great information guys, I'm going to print it all out and save it for this summer ;)

That clears up a bunch!

[Loochy88]

im doing this now also [img]smile.gif[/img] sooner or later. thanks for the website youngcamarokid!