Check list to convert to front disc brakes

[tdskip]

Hi guys - just trying to get a budget together for the front disc conversion.

Here is the list I have so far

Rotors (well, yeah, duh. LOL)
Rebuild calipers
Later style rear rear drums
Re-bored Master Cylinder
Later brake lines?

What would you guys suggestion on sourcing the later rear brakes? Just order from Moss (or similar) or find a rebuildable set on eBay?

The suspension will need to be rebuilt but I'm not counting that since it needs to be done anyway.

Thanks!

 

[drooartz]

For the rears, you just need the later backing plates and slave cylinders -- the drums themselves are the same. The hard lines can all be reused, though the ones for the rear backing plates will need to be tweaked a bit to fit.

You'll also need to resize your parking brake rods, as the location of the lever is a bit different.

I sourced all the raw bits I needed off of a later parts car.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks Drew.

 

[spritenut]

You must also change the king pins to the later disc brake set up.
The lower shank is wider. Disc brake will slip right on the drum king pins and appear fine but the lower hole of the swivel axle is wider and this will cause a front end nightmare.

 

[nomad]

Yes to what spritenut said and you can count this as being the trickiest part of the conversion since the kingpin and spring pan are usually permanatly married by rust!!
KA.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks guys - important to know and I wasn't aware of that.

 

[erstearns]

Sorry to restart this thread but seemed easier than starting anew.

When converting to front disc brakes is it necessary to change the rear backing plate and cylinders? The originals won't work or just not as good?

Thanks, Eric

 

[racingenglishcars]

#2

 

[Billm]

Since the fronts do about 80% of the stopping work I have never changed the back when I did the switch. Granted there will be some improvement but I never felt the need relative to the expense and was very impressed with the increased braking power of the front change.
Many people here feel that it is a significant improvement to do front and rear but I just never felt the need.
My 2 cents worth.
BillM

 

[twas_brillig]

Has anyone upgraded their rear drums per Stapleton's comments in his book, where he mentions changing the rear drums to Lockheed Wolseley 1500 8 inch drums and Wolsely/Lockheed ¾ inch slave cylinders?

I'm focussed on the BEs, which have 7 inch drums; I'd heard years ago that something like this was a relatively 'standard' upgrade back when the BE was young.

Doug