Do I need shims on rear brake conversion

[climber8483]

I am finally gettign around to doing the rear brake conversion i got one i bought the rig from the PO. The box only had 1 crescent moon looking shim. The kit is used as the brake pads have a little wear and you can tell where the shims were previously mounted. They are only about 1/16" thick. If i need them can I use washers instead of the chim or do I need to see if I can get some fabbed up? Being that I am doing the work in a parking lot I would rather know if I need them before I pull it all apart.

Thanks,
Brittain

 

[Poser]

You will need the shim/spacer to properly locate the caliper/bracket to the rotor.

You have PM.

 

[climber8483]

Thanks Steve, looking forward to installing the rear brakes now!

Brittain

 

[PhilC64]

I got my brackets from Proffitt's and they included cut down washers. The shim/washer closest to the caliper opening on the bracket interfered with the caliper so I cut that down with my Dremel.

Edit: One little trick I used to keep the shim /washer in place on the axle was to put a dab of grease on it to hold it in place. I was having a hard time installing them with the cut side properly down on the axle lip.

 

[climber8483]

What size bolt shoult I use? The ones that came with the kit seem a little small. Thanks again.

 

[PhilC64]

I can't recall offhand what sized bolt I used. (Maybe 12 x 1.25 and @ an inch and a 1/4 long.) I picked them up at my local hardware store that carries the metric sizes. Make sure to use a locking washer and some red locktite on it.

Be sure to read up on the disc conversion in the FAQ. I overlooked the fact that the GM Monte Carlo calipers I used had to have the tabs ground down to fit right.

 

[Rodeo]

To bolt the brackets on, I used 3/8" x 1.25" x 24 grade 8 bolts and nuts

 

[PhilC64]

Rodeo I just saw you post and am linking it here for him. Nice work by the way!

This is a pretty decent reference for you Climber.

IH8MUD Forums - View Single Post - 1972 FJ40 Project in Oregon

 

[Downey]

This is what our little laser cut shim plates look like. My guess is yall could use them with anybody's brackets??? Little kidney shapped shims are laying ontop the brackets.

 

[climber8483]

That's what I have. I only had one in my box of stuff for the conversion kit from the PO. Poser rocks and sent me some more shims. I'll read up on that write up from rodeo. Thanks everyone!

Brittain