Dual Caliper Conversion Finally Done

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Supercharged111

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Twice the calipers, twice as many pistons.

Twice the fluid volume needed to move those pistons.

I guess part of this "upgrade" is to install a larger-bore master cylinder, and a more-powerful booster.

And then you need a couple more calipers up front.

But at least you got rid of that evil park brake.

The way I see it, his braking force remains largely unchanged, he just won't change rear pads before he sells the truck or dies.
 

454cid

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He needs twice the fluid volume to match what the calipers need..... but don't drums take more fluid to operate? If that's the case then he would likely have a surplus of volume with only one caliper per wheel since the truck originally had drums. I'm assuming he still has a stock master cylinder, of course.
 

90lsx

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Interesting. What's your front brake setup? What master cylinder and proportioning valve?

Would you consider installing a parking brake? You can get a pinion-mount small disc/caliper setup from hot rod suppliers. Parking brakes are a good thing. :D

Richard
Front is the drilled and slotted rotors from lsmfg.com

I would if it worked with what I had and if I hadn't ripped everything out already.
 

90lsx

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Twice the calipers, twice as many pistons.

Twice the fluid volume needed to move those pistons.

I guess part of this "upgrade" is to install a larger-bore master cylinder, and a more-powerful booster.

And then you need a couple more calipers up front.

But at least you got rid of that evil park brake.

I had already done the upgraded nbs MC when I did the single caliper conversion. abs and everything is all still there and functioning properly
 

90lsx

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He needs twice the fluid volume to match what the calipers need..... but don't drums take more fluid to operate? If that's the case then he would likely have a surplus of volume with only one caliper per wheel since the truck originally had drums. I'm assuming he still has a stock master cylinder, of course.

I had upgraded to the NBS MC when I did the single caliper conversion.
 

90lsx

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Twice the calipers, twice as many pistons.

Twice the fluid volume needed to move those pistons.

I guess part of this "upgrade" is to install a larger-bore master cylinder, and a more-powerful booster.

And then you need a couple more calipers up front.

But at least you got rid of that evil park brake.

Wasn't evil everything I had just wasn't working properly and truck wouldn't stop period. So I decided to change out the drum for discs. When I did the conversion I went for was something I could get parts for the truck from a parts house and not have to order from a company online. So that's how I ended up with what I have. Plus, my truck not like it's gonna be for sale any time soon.
 

GoToGuy

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Drums move much further to engage braking surface than disc. Remember drums and shoes have return springs and flex when actuated. Disc pads when pressure released slightly float away from rotor and are always near rotor so fluid travel takes less volume to move to contact.
 

mwyson

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Finally got around to finishing my conversion using the cunninghammachine.com brackets and man does this thing look sweet!!! No guys I did not retain my E Brake.

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I imagine you get a lot better stopping force with less pedal and less heat generation. I worry about no parking brake though. Going down a steep mountain road and busting a brake line scares me to death!
 
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