Brakes FAQ's revisited

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Anonymous

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UPPER CONTROL ARM SHAFT.

Tommy I've seen lately that there are upper control arm shafts that are offset for a better allignment af front tires. Does this mean that if I changrd the shaft that I would not have to dish out the extra big bucks for a whole new set of uppers. (78). Thats if I wanted to go with the drop spindels. Thanks. Tom.
 

Duts87ss

Amateur Racer
Apr 8, 2005
176
0
0
Ocean Springs, MS
Tom,
drop spindles require no other changes to the suspension. All they do is move the spindle up on the steering knuckle.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
I think that , that is true for 79 >87, but the 78 I was told and have read that the spindles are smaller and fatter.
 

Duts87ss

Amateur Racer
Apr 8, 2005
176
0
0
Ocean Springs, MS
I think the only difference is the bearing size and brake rotor; so, you may want to just get that stuff new when you do the swap. If you havent replaced rotors and bearings in a while, they could probably use it anyway.
 

LS6 Tommy

MalibuRacing Junkie
Thread starter
May 15, 2004
15,847
1
38
North Jersey
Re: UPPER CONTROL ARM SHAFT.

bambam said:
Tommy I've seen lately that there are upper control arm shafts that are offset for a better allignment af front tires. Does this mean that if I changrd the shaft that I would not have to dish out the extra big bucks for a whole new set of uppers. (78). Thats if I wanted to go with the drop spindels. Thanks. Tom.

If you mean to do the 1LE/B-body spindle, yes, you need the uppers. The offset shafts are only slightly offset. You'd still end up with a huge stack of shims. My GW uppers came with the offset shafts.

I reallly don't know whether the offset shafts would be any improvement with dropped spindles. Sorry. I'd guess that if the dropped spindles are made to use stock G-body uppers, the offset shafts may improve the geometry a bit, but the spindles may have the offset built-in, too. Your best bet would be to consult the spindle manufacturer.

Tommy
 
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Anonymous

Guest
I spoke to Wilwood brakes this morning and told them the set up I have (listed below) and they recommend that I remove the stock prop valve that is on the fram and just add an adjustable one for the rear brakes and set them up that way?? I am now thoroughly confused. I am not sure of what to change now and what to leave. Do I buy a different master? Should I go with the steel concepts conversion above? Should I go with one of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=260004298223&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT He's got more in stock, both power and manual.



I have a 78 Malibu, stock front disc brakes and when my rear end arrives, I will have a set of Wilwood rear disc brakes. http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=WIL%2D140%2D2118B&N=4294922533+400196+4294822018+4294900976+4294847526+115&autoview=sku


Last question, do manual brakes work as well as power brakes? Never driven a car with manual brakes, so not too sure? Any help would be appreciated.
 

LS6 Tommy

MalibuRacing Junkie
Thread starter
May 15, 2004
15,847
1
38
North Jersey
You've got way more rear brakes than the stock fronts can effectively work with. You'll have major rear lock-up problems. Unless you upgrade the front brakes, you're going to need to reduce the rear bias a LOT. You'll need an adjustable prop valve, even with the stock combo valve. You may not even be able to back the rears off enough with a prop valve.

Tommy
 
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Anonymous

Guest
I shouldn't have too many problems, I hope. I run just about the same set up on my Camaro, minus the stock prop valve and added a Bear prop for the rear. Car stops on a dime.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Tommy, I got a 89 Caprice M/C The vacuum pedal rod is too long. Does the M/C assemble to the firewall or do I need a specific part?
 
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Anonymous

Guest
i've been debating on how i want to go about converting my car over to manual brake also. from what i've been told from sevral people and steel concepts is w/ a disc / drum setup junk the factory power prop valve , run wilwood 10lb diversion valve in rear lines and call it a day?
 

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