Rear brake caliper mounts

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 03:37:46 PM

I am converting my Ford 7.5 rear diff to disks. I discovered today that the E-brake mechanism and spring hit the leaf spring. My questions: Is it OK to mount the left caliper on tthe right side (and vice versa) so the mechanism sits higher and over the leaf spring? I can't see why the caliper/brakes would have any negative impact just by mounting it upside down on each side?

Brad

mgb260 · November 23, 2012, 05:36:42 PM

Brad, You won' be able to bleed them that way. The bleeder has to be up. Your axle must be a little narrower than most. Try them in front of the axle. Or flip the mounts around. I've seen a picture of Graham Crestwick's Mustang brakes on this site or MGExperience .

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 06:10:48 PM

Thans Jim. I'll look at his.

Brad

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 06:15:25 PM

Don't see a pic of Graham's but I'll give it a shot.

Brad

ex-tyke · November 23, 2012, 07:12:07 PM

Brad, I have the 8.8 disc setup - not sure how that compares with the 7.5 but I don't recall having an interference condition with the leaf springs (prior to switching to the current 4-link). I also had 1" lowering blocks on the springs which would have helped.
Crappy photo of current attached.

left caliper.jpg

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 07:22:07 PM

I just bolted the calipers on with the bleeder screws facing up as described. I used a small hose clamp to compress the E-brake spring flat and this helped make the room to get the caliper to bolt up. The E-brake spring makes contact with the leaf spring and I fear there won't be the required floating action of the caliper that is required. Any ideas?

Brad
caliper cont 002.JPG

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 07:29:08 PM

Here's a few shots.
caliper cont 002.JPG

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 07:36:57 PM

Another

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 08:11:16 PM

What about rotating the bracket about 1/8th a turn and re-drilling the holes?

Brad

mgb260 · November 23, 2012, 08:22:36 PM

Would probably work. What would happen if you traded the brackets side to side? You should put the rotors on also to make sure the caliper is centered. Graham , 7.5 is identical to 8.8 except for ring and pinion and larger housing. Same axles and bearings.

denvermgb · November 23, 2012, 08:29:39 PM

My rotors are at the shop to be drilled. The guy took the week off, so I have to wait 'til next week.

I will try moving the brackets again, but it didn't look like an option when I looked at that earlier today.

I appreciate the input.

Brad

mgb260 · November 23, 2012, 08:57:58 PM

Brad, This link shows the brackets switched side for side,smooth side out. http://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-rear-disc-brake-conversion-stock-28-spline-ranger-rear-end-95557/

ex-tyke · November 23, 2012, 09:00:14 PM

I'll offer another option.......try lowering spacers to see if that gives sufficient caliper to spring clearance.
If that turns out OK and body height is not where you want it, then re-arched springs or RB springs should get chassis height back.

denvermgb · November 24, 2012, 01:18:16 AM

Jim,

That link is the same set of directions I used.

My car is a '75 so I have rubber bumber springs. I will look at the spacer option, too.

Brad

denvermgb · November 25, 2012, 07:07:10 PM

I did not want to mess with the ride height. We ended up rotating each bracket about an 1/8th turn and welding them on. This puts about an inch between the leaf spring and the bottom of the caliper.

I started tearing out the interior today (I can't finish the rear disk brake job until I get the rotors back from the shop and I build a mount for the Mustang E-brake lever on top of the tranny tunnnel). I am also welding in new floors. Next weekend, I will get the rotors on, do the brake line plumbing, take out the old floors/metal....

As always, thanks guys for your input.

Brad