Mini truck brake conversion

[Tools R Us]

I'm running disc brakes on a mini truck rear.Chevy 1/2 ton rotors and calipers,works well.Never used the drums so I cant say if there was an improvement,L/C drums cured me of ever wanting drums again but honestly most of the mini trucks I've seen with drums work fine.

I agree that early '40 drums are the debil, mainly from a maintenance view point. The later mini, '60, etc, drums are good stuff and the e-brake works well.

IMHO the reason to swap in an IFS axle is for big tire clearance. Not worth it for a brake upgrade alone, much more productive to improve the front by swapping later rotors and calipers.

 

[packetstormin]

Anyone have the sst to take apart the rear drums? I need to replace both bell house boots and a wheel cylinder and don't have the appropriate tools to do it. Also I have never worker on drum brakes so this is all new to me.

 

[packetstormin]

Looking for cheap brake shop that I can drop the brake assembly off at and have them put it back together.

Honestly drum brakes are way above my head. I have struggled for nearly 5 hours trying to get one assembly back together and its just a no go.

Any suggestions are appreciated...

 

[medtro]

I just did mine not too long ago. It will work if you follow all the steps in the FSM. I wasted some time too by not following the instructions. Do you have the Toyota FSM?

 

[bwesty]

Is it true your mini with 37's is up for sale? Link

Yes, it is for sale - '86 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Solid axle Rock crawler

 

[packetstormin]

I do have the fsm, though I feel it is kind of hard to follow and doesn't really explain certain things very well.

Is this typically a two person job because it seems like someone needs to hold certain parts while springs are being reattached.

 

[msahr]

I can't stress enough that proper brake repair tools are very much worth it especially when working on drum brakes. Go to Sears and buy a set, I believe they sell a drum brake tool kit all in one. The little screwdriver handle thingie with the end that pushes the brake spring retainer is a huge godsend as well as the proper funky looking pliers with the hook on one end... If you get these once you'll be set. Makes an enormous difference. Regular screwdrivers and pliers are not the way to go. Just my .02...

 

[medtro]

I do have the fsm, though I feel it is kind of hard to follow and doesn't really explain certain things very well.

Is this typically a two person job because it seems like someone needs to hold certain parts while springs are being reattached.

You need to invoke both hands for sure. I did it myself with regular pliers and screw drivers.

 

[hj60]

If you get stuck, you can bring it by the shop this weekend.
PM me for details.

 

[Tools R Us]

Looking for cheap brake shop that I can drop the brake assembly off at and have them put it back together.
...

Bring it over, I will show you the tricks.

 

[Tools R Us]

I can't stress enough that proper brake repair tools are very much worth it especially when working on drum brakes. ...

I have a full set of "proper drum brake" tools, somewhere, haven't used them in years. I can do it much faster/easier with pliers and vise grips.

 

[Sumitso]

You can have a parking brake with rear discs. There are a couple of options, the calipers from an old el dorado have the e-brake levers on them if I recall correctly. Another option is to try summit racing or jegs, or any of the parts warehouses and look for a brake line lock, some are a mechanical lever, some have electric solenoids. You will need to plumb your brake lines into the cab for the mechanical lever, so bear that in mind. And if you go the mechanical route you can install a proportioning valve in the cab to dial in your rear clampage and not rely on that failure of a design that's on there currently.

A couple more things to consider with rear discs, they are self cleaning, lower maintenance than drums, and a heck of a lot easier to do a quick visual inspection, rather than having to take the whole freaking wheel off, trying to pry the drum off, then remembering you left the parking brake on =p. Also with converting to rear discs, there is the issue of the possibility of needing a larger master cylinder as you will have increased the volume of fluid you need to move versus the movement of your pedal. The el dorado calipers as mentioned earlier will require a larger master cylinder. You might be able to use your current one with toyota calipers.

 

[msahr]

Yup ^^

Brake calipers with integrated e-brake