ordered charlie akers kit

[chucky07]

Since my engine is at the machine shop, getting rebuilt...I decided to install new wiring and I just ordered the disc brake kit from charlie akers...

It seems to be the right kit for me..

I don't really want to send the parts out to be drilled and tapped.have any of you guys done it...if so can it be done on the truck or do i need to dismantle everything?

[Dennis_MN]

I'm interested in this project myself. As much as I drive my truck, I really want to improve the braking and this will be the project for next spring. I'm hoping that I can drill and tap the required holes with the front end still mounted on the truck.

Dennis

[Tony Cipponeri]

Hi Dennis, I got Charlies kit, and I drilled the holes out while still on the car. I was urged on by my nieghbor, so I let him drill them for me. Tony C

[Olddaddy]

The trick on drilling out the holes is to prevent the spindle from moving. I usually clamp a long steel tube onto the spindle and weight it with a heavy friend to keep it steady while I drill out the holes. Fortunately the amount of material removed from the holes is very small, so it is easy to do.

[Jim Roach]

I think you've made a wise decisions to use Charlie's brakes. I purchased a set a while ago and there are very easy to install. I had to do a little grinding on the back side of the calipers for clearence, but other than that they go together nice. I built mine on the bench so I haven't mounted them on the truck yet, but that's the easy part. Send us pictures when your done.

Jim Roach

[Jim Roach]

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Here are a few pictures of mine, Jim Roach

[Merle Coggins]

Will this setup work with the original style Master Cylinder, or is a newer dual chamber type recommended? I don't think there's room for a bigger M/C in the original mount location.

[Jim Roach]

Merle,

Check out Charlie Akers web site. He has a detailed picture of how he moved the steering box forward about one inch or so to make the clearance needed for a modern MC. There is also the option of using the drop down pedal set up with a new MC bolted to the firewall. I'm not sure which way I'm going to go yet. I've heard pros and cons to moving the steering box. I have my battery mounted on the firewall just above the MC now, so I would have to go back to the floor battery if I went with the drop down setup. Then there is the proportioning valve set up. I understand this allows you to use your original MC. You would install different gage valves in each line, one for the front brakes and one for the rear. This allows the single MC to apply different pressures to the front and rear at the same time. I guess I'll decide when I get closer to that point in time.

Jim Roach

[chucky07]

I built mine on the bench so I haven't mounted them on the truck yet, but that's the easy part. Send us pictures when your done.

Jim Roach

Sure I'll Send Pics..I hope it turns out as nice as yours...I sent the money for my kit..just waiting for a parts list..hope I get it soon..I'd sure like to have everything when I get the kit..I live in a small small town and I'll probably have to special order all of the rest of the stuff I'll need..

[blohmiller]

Merle,

Check out Charlie Akers web site.

Jim Roach

Whats the address of his web site???

Bryan

[Dennis_MN]

Whats the address of his web site???

Bryan

I believe our Forum friend Charlie Akers (aka Olddaddy) has kits for putting disc brakes on the front of our trucks. Check him out at http://www.rustyhope.com/

This was a post from the car side by Merle..... just took a while to find it

[Tony Cipponeri]

Hi Guys, I used the dual master cylinder and booster, that bolts on under the floor in the original position. I got it through Summit. Tony C

[chucky07]

got any part numbers or pics tony?

[Jim Roach]

Tony, Please don't tease us like that. Can you provide more information like part numbers and maybe some pictures of your project? This is an issue that is always comming up. Please help us all if you can. Thanks, Jim Roach

[Olddaddy]

The thing about master cylinders is that the orignal will work, but it lacks any failsafe backup system. If it fails you got NO brakes and you are headed for disaster, quick. I have installed a late model dual reservoir unit on a Pilothouse truck, but to clear the steering box you ahve to move it forward. This is very easily done, but it freaks people out to suggest they do it. You move the box ahead about 5/8" total. You also have to grind the mounting point on the bellhousing flat to fit the new MC. You drill out the bolt pattern for the new unit, adjust the rod on the pedal and you're done. I suspect there is a unit out there somewhere that will fit in the available space, but I have yet to find it. You can see a picture on my web page of the one I did, www.rustyhope.com.

[Tony_Urwin]

Charlie, I wonder if a smaller master cylinder like this one might fit without the modifications?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mopar-Hi-Po-Lightweight-Alum-Dual-Master-Cyl-Adapter_W0QQitemZ280171661602QQihZ018QQcategoryZ34199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

[Olddaddy]

I have one of those master cylinder's, but no truck to measure.......The problem is lenght as the distance from the mounting surface on the bell housign to the back of the steering box is really short. I suspect it could be done. If anyone has a truck sitting idle, emal me the dimension from point to point and I'll check the mc I have on the shelf.