Rear disc brake conversion process question

[full foot notch]

So bought a truck now nicknamed the mystery machine as im the third owner. First owner built it. Second owner didn't know much. In the ad he said it had a 700r4 posi which I think he mean to convey was that the rear was posi and not the trans. I believe he also mentioned something about the rear being a 373 gear ? Anyways I've got lined up to use impala SS rotors and calipers along with captain fab brackets from off here.my local mechanic quoted me $500 to do the job with me supplying the parts. And since I've gotta make every dollar stretch I was contimplating doing the job myself. From what I've seen it's draining and removing the rear cover. A bolt for the cross pin , push axles in and retrieve the c clips. Then pull the axles. Unbolt the line and backing plates and reverse install the other stuff. My questions is how can I tell if the inner and outer axle seals need to be replaced and how hard is to do with no air tools and basic mechanical knowledge ( I've done water pumps and alternators and starters ). I'm assuming the second owner is correct in that it has a posi but how can I inspect to make sure it is what he says it is and the gear ratio he says. Also any things I need to look over while it's open.

Also for brake lines I was planning on going stainless braided on front, braided rear center link and thinking do I use factory rear lines or order pre molded replacements and shorten them and reflare the ends for the impala braided hoses.

[IIGW]

last few disc brake conversions i have done didnt require taking the axles out. i slipped the rotor over the studs, slid on the caliper, added my shop air hose to the caliper to push the pads against the rotor, bolted on the bracket and welded it to the axle tube. took about 10 mins per side. about 350 dollars or so in new parts from autozone.

(im not sure about impala rotors or what captain fab brackets are)

[skip99]

What rear you have? I did a couple of chevy ten bolts with kit from the right stuff. I did have to remove the axles, real simple , justlike you wrote. The kit comes with the bracket that bolts on the axle tube, and shims, once the rotor is tightened down and caliper in place , the shims letyou center the caliper over the rotor, i didnt need to shim either rear, lined right up....

As far as the rear? Jack it up , spin a tire, if the other side spins same direction, posi......or just jack up one side...tire doesnt spin, also posi, assuming its in neutral....and when the rear cover is off. Look for numbers stamped on the large ring gear, there will be two numbers,,,ring number and pinion number. ...ratio, do the math...divide big number by little number..

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I did a disk swap by using 90's Caprice rear axle which was easier then a swap for me.

Plus the extra width of the axle looked pretty good with the tires I was using.

[full foot notch]

Originally Posted by IIGW

last few disc brake conversions i have done didnt require taking the axles out. i slipped the rotor over the studs, slid on the caliper, added my shop air hose to the caliper to push the pads against the rotor, bolted on the bracket and welded it to the axle tube. took about 10 mins per side. about 350 dollars or so in new parts from autozone.

(im not sure about impala rotors or what captain fab brackets are)

His brackets and stuff http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...77#post3259777

[71meangreenc10]

I have done two axles with the Camaro calipers. I used the Camaro lines and metric adapters, didn't have to cut the stock lines. No inner seals, just the two at the axle. Do not mess with the pinion seal unless you have the right tools. I also used the Camaro park brake lines and they worked. Can tell you everything you need to know.

Don't forget to change the master cylinder and prop valve to disk/disk.

Smitty