Dana brake question

[7.3shrk]

I am sick of the crappy stopping of my truck. Is there way to adapt the whole disc brake set up off a late model E-350 with a Dana to my Sterling 10.25? It looks like there are 6 bolts holding it to the axle, instead of the 4.

Also, if that does not work, If I found a later model Sterling, would it just be a bolt in, or do perches need to be changed? I was going to try to use my hubs to keep the same bolt pattern if possible. I am trying to see my options, and would still like a parking brake.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[hesutton]

I don't know if that will work, but a member here by the name "Jaybee" has added rear disks off an E-series. I don't know the details, but maybe you can shoot him a PM.

You can buy a kit from TSM, but I'm sure it would be cheaper to find the parts and do it yourself.

Heath

 

[7.3shrk]

I looked at the TSM kit, and it used Cadillac calipers. I had the Cadillac calipers on another truck, and hated them. They never worked right. I took them off, and put on 3/4 ton calipers. It now stops great, and I just use a wheel chalk as my parking brake. I wanted to go a little more civilized on this one, since it is my DD.

 

[u2slow]

Here's whats involved in swapping the E-van brakes:
http://www.fordmann.com/F350.rear_disc_brakes.htm

The hubs can't be swapped over... the hub is a different length and the spindle is shorter.

 

[7.3shrk]

Thank you. Crap - that looks like one hell of a lot of work and I do not trust my welds on something as important as brakes. I was just curious because there is a guy selling one locally for $100. Is there any other option for a parking brake without using a line lock?

 

[7.3shrk]

Looks like I should just start saving for the TSM kit, or figure out how to upgrade my drums.

 

[BigRigTech]

What is so bad with your brakes? I did my brakes over on the Sterling and D60, I'm rather impressed at how well my 7000+lb truck stops empty or loaded. I keep an eye on my rear brake adjustment just to keep everything working as it should.

 

[Ironman03R]

Yeah, Keep the rears adjusted and they stop great. I have replaced every part on my brake system except the hoses and the RABS vavle since I've had my truck and the only other thing that I may do in the future is upgrade to a hydro-boost setup.

 

[WildWest]

There are many places that offer a universal weld on disc brake conversion bracket maybe diy4x.com im sure its like any other conversion use a 4x4 front rotor and 3/4 ton calipers

You can get a line lock type valve from jc whitney thats manual not electric it would resemble something in a tow truck that would make a good park brake.

 

[WildWest]

Figure out what diameter the axle tubes are they have them up to 3.5" http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/disc-brake-adapters-c-9.html?page=2&sort=2a
'

 

[7.3shrk]

I might have to revisit the rear disc set up after seeing that site. I was very interested in the duat calipers, but could find nothing for it in Ford or Chevy.

The drums are okay, but I am not that impressed with them. I liked the drums on my GMC 3/4 ton better, and they felt right. These are not quite up to *****, no matter how much I adjust them.

 

[WildWest]

I bet you could contact diy4x and have him build you a set of brackets for use with any caliper wilwood offers several calipers that are dual piston.

I dont know about the F250 brakes i had a 89F150 the caliper was held in by some metal plates with rubber sandwiched between them

I know my 86F250 i just got has dual piston but if there like the F150 i used to have as far as the retention wont do you any good for a rear disc conversion.

But if they are held on by bolts thats an idea for a dual piston caliper.

 

[Agnem]

I didn't see it, but why didn't the guy use the whole axle as is? Most of us don't have a lathe that big.

 

[u2slow]

I didn't see it, but why didn't the guy use the whole axle as is? Most of us don't have a lathe that big.

Probably because its only a Dana 60... 9.75" ring gear with smaller shafts.

 

[cleithau]

I would love to get rid of the drums on my F-250, yeah they work if I keep them adjusted but I would rather not have the hastle. Disks are superior, they stop better, are quicker to change and don't need adjustment. Pretty much better in every aspect other than the price to convert them.