Downey Rear Disc Brake Conversion

[PortFJ62]

Hello All,

I have an FJ62 with a FF rear and the Downey conversion kit from the previous owner. It is time for new rotors and pads. My question concerns the fact that Downey has closed shop as of 6 years ago and I am trying to source what rotors will work as well as confirming if the calipers are an Eldorado part for the sake of knowing which pads to get. Any info to solve this would be appreciated.

Thanks
-Matt

 

[Mace]

With or without a parking brake?

If there is not a parking brake provision, the calipers are likely small GM metric like these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-18-4071/overview/make/chevrolet/model/monte-carlo

 

[PortFJ62]

With or without a parking brake?

If there is not a parking brake provision, the calipers are likely small GM metric like these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-18-4071/overview/make/chevrolet/model/monte-carlo

I have an E-Brake built in. Might just be on the front. Those look correct though. Thank you.

 

[PortFJ62]

Any idea on the rotors?

 

[gregnash]

I have an E-Brake built in. Might just be on the front. Those look correct though. Thank you.

So your e-brake works with the rear conversion?

 

[PortFJ62]

I have not looked into how the previous owner wired that in, but it works. Like I mentioned above, it might just be the fronts engaging.

 

[Mace]

Here is a ton of info. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/rear-disc-brake-info.60607/

E brake should not be on the front. I have only seen them on the rear. And the ebrake calipers commonly used in this application are known as the "ElDorado" calipers.
79 to 85 Eldorado rear caliper should be the one you have.

Standard disc is from a GM 1500 2wd truck late 80's IIRC.

Here is a pic of a part # that works But you will probably have to hog the center bore out. You may be able to find a vendor that has a rotor that will work without machining.

 

[PortFJ62]

Here is a ton of info. Rear disc brake info

E brake should not be on the front. I have only seen them on the rear. And the ebrake calipers commonly used in this application are known as the "ElDorado" calipers.
79 to 85 Eldorado rear caliper should be the one you have.

Standard disc is from a GM 1500 2wd truck late 80's IIRC.

Here is a pic of a part # that works But you will probably have to hog the center bore out. You may be able to find a vendor that has a rotor that will work without machining.

Great! Exactly what I needed. Much appreciated!

 

[Tapage]

great info Mace ..

 

[DickM]

You could also PM @Downey

 

[gregnash]

Alright officially sub'd this thread as this is on my "eventual" list of things I want to do.

 

[Mace]

Just make sure you know why you are going to a rear disk brake. If it's for a daily driver, the reasons are not that good..

 

[Cruzerman]

Put disc on the back of my 40 many years ago. Only difference is that the caliper I used in that application did not have the ebrake since the 40 has the ebrake on the transfer case. Mace is totally correct that these discs are just GM 1/2 ton discs. And he is also correct in that the center will have to be machined larger. Also, the ebrake in this setup is marginal at best.

 

[gregnash]

Just make sure you know why you are going to a rear disk brake. If it's for a daily driver, the reasons are not that good..

Oh the reason is clear.... when I get to adjust the rear drums I absolutely LOATHE doing it... No real other reason. LOL

 

[Mace]

Use your parking brake, they are self adjusting...

 

[PortFJ62]

If these are not hub centric, can you just use a dremel to bore the center out or is it a significant amount that a shop will need to do?

 

[Mace]

I would think a Dremel would take way too long to do. But I have known people to do it with a grinder. Lathe at a shop shouldn't cost much..

 

[gregnash]

Use your parking brake, they are self adjusting...

So you are saying that when I am done with everything and put the drum back on don't worry about adjusting them like in the FSM? Just go out and pull on the handbrake some and they will adjust accordingly? Am I really that dumb and overthinking it?

 

[60Works]

So you are saying that when I am done with everything and put the drum back on don't worry about adjusting them like in the FSM? Just go out and pull on the handbrake some and they will adjust accordingly? Am I really that dumb and overthinking it?

Correct, Greg. There are a few caveats though. The adjusting arm and wheel must be functioning properly. Even something as simple as using too thin a horse shoe clip or low quality return springs will interfere with auto adjust. It either won't ever tighten or, worse, it will continually over tighten the shoes. I've never had one glitch with all Toyota parts. Also, depending on your initial adjustment, you have to cycle the park brake dozens upon dozens of times.

 

[gregnash]

Yeah that is what I thought... I normally just adjusted per the FSM (get brakes adjust to just tight enough that with the wheel on the wheel will spin one revolution freely) and then buckle everything up. My bellcranks were seized when I first got the truck and I was able to rehab them, probably something I should look at completely replacing/repairing in the future is all the e-brake hardware.