Author Topic: Front disk brakes  (Read 964 times)

Offline A110235

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  • '71 Challenger JH23G1B
Front disk brakes
« on: August 11, 2011 - 12:13:54 AM »
My '71 Challenger came with power front disc brakes.  I am starting to look at prices to rebuild them.  I have also seen prices for the kit that is used to convert front drums to front disks, which has the whole new setup (spindles, calipers, disks) that uses larger 11.75".  Are the original e-body disks decent enough to keep, or is the conversion kit with the larger disks the way to go?  Also, it seems like the consensus is to go with manual brakes and ditch the booster.  Is that true?  And if I do use the conversion kit, is there one out there that is better than the others (Master Power, Right Stuff, etc.)? 

Thanks!

Kyle   



Nashville, TN         Member since October 09, 2004




Offline brads70

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Re: Front disk brakes
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2011 - 08:11:35 AM »
To use the bigger rotors you just need the caliper bracket , and either 73-74 spindles ( as they have the bigger innear bearing) or a bearing spacer kit.
 Good read here....

http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive/disc-main.html

Mine has manual brakes and they work just fine ...now.
Read my "handling upgrade" post below in my sig. I used C-Body spindles and Viper calipers.
« Last Edit: August 11, 2011 - 08:14:03 AM by brads70 »
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline cudazappa

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Re: Front disk brakes
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2011 - 10:21:49 AM »
I run my 11.75" rotors on my 71 spindles.  How? Dr. Diff's Bearing Spacer.  I even use the stock pin calipers with the early 'doba rotors (76-mid 78).  If you go to sliding calipers (much more common) you just need to source the appropriate hose.  I think the upgrade cost me $55 for the spacers, $70 for the adapters, and $120 for the rotors.  (I needed new rotors anyways...)

Can't comment on power brakes vs. non power though.  Even the cam in my 360 is mild enough to provide adequate vacuum.  I'll probably go manual when I upgrade to big 4 wheel disc though.

1971 Challenger - AutoX project
2015 Dart GT - Daily Driver