Disc brakes to replace drums...

[Greg]

I have a Tacoma rear axle under my 4Runner, but it has mangled backing plates & no drums. I was thinking that for about the same hassle & perhaps a little more cost, I could put discs on the back.

I'm just curious about what calipers to use (perfer something w/emergency brakes), don't certian year Caddy El Dorado calipers have that provision?

It's a 6 lug pattern, so I can use rotors from a GM truck or perhaps a Toy frontend. GM might be cheaper, I just don't know which ones to use.

Once I have those 2 things covered, I need to worry about the bracket that attached the caliper to the axle and then a proportioning valve.

Any suggestions on what parts to use?

 

[camicaztoy]

it was some caddy's and i beleive buick regals as well. i am getting ready to do this same conversion on my toy. i'm going with 88 and newer chev front rotors becuase they are already a slip on style rotor. you might need to change to a longer stud though.

 

[I Lean]

Easy way is to use GM 1/2 ton front rotors (D44, 10-bolt front ends, and I think even the IFS years....). You can use calipers from the same application, or Monte Carlo/Eldorado calipers. Those two are the same basic thing, but the Eldo has the partially-funcioning E-brake built in. The main difference between both of them and the 1/2 ton front caliper is the mounting bolt spacing.

Pay attention to the thickness of the rotor--they come in 1" and 1.25" thick. Match the caliper to the rotor and you're good.

You'll probably need to machine the I.D. of the hole in the rotor "hat" to fit over the Toy axle pilot.

Brackets can be made either bolt-on or weld-on, or you can purchase prefabbed ones from a few different vendors, Sky Manufacturing is one that comes to mind.

You'll need to adapt the metric brake lines you have now, or you might be able to find the correct soft line to go from the banjo fitting on the caliper to the metric hard line. You can also have soft lines custom-made, so you'd have the correct ends already. Of course, you could always cut the metric end off the hard line, and re-flare the end with a different "nut" on it.

That about it? Might want an adjustable proportioning valve in there somewhere..........

 

[anvil]

I have a pair of Eldorado calipers with E-brake that I'd sell. If your interested I'll try to find them tonight.

 

[mongruljeep]

Cam PM you for me

I have two sets I reallyt need to get sold. I removed them off a Lincoln Continental and they accept vented rotors up to 1.25"s thick. I have the mounting brackets and hardware for them as well. I researched the rebuild kits($12.00 Each) and core charges($80.00 Each) and new purchase($80.00-$100 new) of these perticular calipers and I found that they are worth having around. They stop a big heavy lincoln so they would diffenitly stop your Toyota.

Two sets of calipers with mounting brackets for $60.00

I pulled them and paid more that what I'm asking. let me know if these interest you

 

[Fade2Black]

Here's a few links for Taco rear disc info:

Thread about it: http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7748&highlight=rear+disc+brakes

Bracket source: http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/suspension2.htm (scroll down to rear disc brackets)

Kit for Tundras and X-Runners, might work for Tacos: http://www.sosperf.com/prod01.htm

Full floater and disc kit for most Toys: http://www.frontrangeoffroadfab.com/floater.htm

 

[Greg]

Ok, thanks for the info all. I have a set of calipers & brackets on the way, now to work on the discs.