I can't get my disc brakes back together. Are these pads to blame?

[BrentBTK]

I am in the process of replacing control arms and spindles, and the rotors were shot so I'm replacing them and the pads as well. It's been a nonstop struggle. Multiple trips to the parts store, wrong bearings, missing seals, brake lines are too short now, all the problems. The one I can't figure out is getting these new pads loaded into the calipers and getting the calipers mounted. With the new pads in, I simply CAN NOT get the holes to line up for the caliper bolts. So, I started comparing pads, and I see 2 "rivets?" on the back of the new pad that are preventing it from sitting flush in the caliper. I tried filing the rivets down flush, and I'm definitely closer, I can get the bolt in the hole, but it's canted against the rotor. It seems like the caliper is just twisted a bit with the pad in. Is it these "premium" O'rielly Auto Parts pads? It's day 3 and I am beginning to lose my good humor Pics below of the pad and the bolts not lining up...

[BrentBTK]

While I'm at it, I've been searching for extended brake lines. Is there a difference between 2WD and 4WD front brake lines? Rough Country has extended braided lines, but I don't know if 4WD is different... I've also read on here that mid 70s c20 lines will work and are longer? Is this true? Thanks!

[jaros44sr]

Are your pistons collapsed all the way, first thing that comes to mind.....

[BrentBTK]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Are your pistons collapsed all the way, first thing that comes to mind.....

Yes sir. I've disconnected the too short brake line, completely collapsed the pistons, and drove the sockets the nuts go through out flush again. The old pads didn't have those rivets on the backs. It's super frustrating. Semper fi btw, 92-96 here.

[King16]

I would say the pads are wrong. They are not designed to sit on the rivets. should sit up against the pistons and flat against the caliper. Do both pads have the rivets? If not, the riveted pad maybe for the piston side where there is clearance for them

[LockDoc]

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Rotors too thick maybe? I am not a brake guru but I think there are two different thickness' of rotors.....

LockDoc

[72c20customcamper]

Dont remember rivits on the pads . Quick lookup up 71 c10

[BrentBTK]

Thanks guys. It's gotta be the pads. The rotors are the same size and the old pads didn't have the rivets. I'm so over O'Rielly Auto Parts. First, they insisted the new rotors were complete assemblies with the bearings. Nope, had to go back and get them. Then, I failed to get the inner seals. Another trip back. My fault, but a good counter person would have mentioned them. Returned with the seals, and the inner bearings were too small. They were an A6 and apparently I needed an A5. Back for the 3rd time in 2 hours. Finally get the bearings in and the rotors on to discover this issue with the pads. I've had to order new extended brake lines, so the truck is stuck on jack stands for the next week. I'll just order another set of pads from somewhere else and hope that's it.

[BrentBTK]

I said heck with it and just ordered the Wilwood dual piston caliper kit from Summit. Fingers crossed.

[AllGoNoShow]

Had similar issue with Power Stop rotors and their ceramic pads….they were just a hair too thick to the point I couldn’t fit the caliper over the rotor. I gave up and just bought a different set of pads which were 1/10 of an inch (collectively) thinner and it went together fine.
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[BrentBTK]

Summit Racing came through with next day delivery on the new Wilwood pads and calipers. They went on like a dream . Now, I'm just waiting for the extended brake lines to show up so I can get em bled and tested.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by BrentBTK

Summit Racing came through with next day delivery on the new Wilwood pads and calipers. They went on like a dream .

I installed Wilwood 4 piston calipers, 11.75" rotors, and BP-10 pads on a 55 Chevy car. Along with their very nice 7/8" bore master cylinder, the car stopped very well with just a little more effort than power brakes.

[AllGoNoShow]

Which Wilwood calipers are those? Stock replacement that you can just throw on the original discs?
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[mr.mud1]

Originally Posted by BrentBTK

While I'm at it, I've been searching for extended brake lines. Is there a difference between 2WD and 4WD front brake lines? Rough Country has extended braided lines, but I don't know if 4WD is different... I've also read on here that mid 70s c20 lines will work and are longer? Is this true? Thanks!

hi,there are countless reports from fella's here with brake hoses for the disc brake trucks.all being too short.i'm one of them.i ordered hoses from Rock Auto,3 times for my 72 C-20 2WD,too short,one set for a C-10 in case they'd work,same hose.i then tryed locally at the Napa and Carquest stores,same hose.the last time i looked,Rock Auto didn't have a listing at all for the brake hoses,then i called a guy at Brake Hoses Unlimited in Michigan.as soon as i explained my problem,he knew what i needed.he said the hoses for my truck should be,i think he said 14 inches.what i had was less than 12.he made them,mailed them to me and they are going to work fine.i have the motor and trans out of the truck so haven't yet installed them but i know they're fine.

[kev2809]

for short brake hose problems can't you go with 73 brake hose? they are longer than the 67-72

[BrentBTK]

Originally Posted by AllGoNoShow

Which Wilwood calipers are those? Stock replacement that you can just throw on the original discs?
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That is correct.

[BrentBTK]

I ordered these brake hoses. They arrived in just a few days and fit perfect:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334246285728