Calipers Cross compatible?

[StumpPuller454]

Just bought a 95 3500HD with the 19.5 wheels and discs all the way around. Single piston calipers on all four corners.

Are these specialty calipers or the same as a standard 3500?

Having a hard time finding a straight answer.

Thanks!

 

[someotherguy]

They're definitely unique to the 3500HD. You can find the info by looking up your truck on a parts site like Rockauto, and the calipers will be noted as "3500HD" or "15K GVW"

Note there are also 2-piston calipers that were optional on the 3500HD. Typically referred to as the "wrecker package" calipers.

Richard

 

[someotherguy]

And by the way, we love pics, especially from the less-often seen 3500HD's!

Richard

 

[Schurkey]

I don't know about two-piston calipers. That's not in my '97 service manual.

What IS in my '97 manual is that the 3500HD (JF9 option code brakes) use Bendix calipers which are totally different from the Delco calipers all the other 1500/2500/3500 GMT400s use. They're the same style (but perhaps larger) than the calipers Ford used decades ago. Held to the steering knuckle with a keyway and leaf-spring, and the keyway is retained by a big-headed/small shank bolt. High-friction dry (no lube) "sliding" calipers compared to the Delco greased-O-ring "floating" calipers.

 

[someotherguy]

And don't chuck those keyways if you replace calipers as some people have found the replacement keyways don't fit properly. Try your original parts instead.

@Schurkey here's those 2 piston calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=522160&cc=1303490&pt=1704&jsn=582 https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2039602&cc=1303490&pt=1704&jsn=586

Richard