For older, classic, and otherwise vintage vehicles with rear drum brakes, a conversion to a more modern rear disc brake setup can make a lot of sense—and that’s particularly true if you’re doing any sort of performance restomodding or autocrossing.
But as you’d imagine, there are quite a few things to consider before buying and installing a disc brake conversion kit. You can’t overlook critical details like how your parking brake will work and clearance between your axles and wheels (especially if you’re running an aftermarket combination).
You may also want to watch this video too: What’s the Difference Between Brake Metering, Combination & Proportioning Valves
The braking experts over at The Stop Shop know a thing or two about disc brake conversions, and they created a video to walk though some common questions they’ve received on their disc brake conversion kits. And though a lot of what is covered in this video is in the context of a Stop Shop kit, the same basic fitment and brake system principles apply to any disc conversion job.
And at almost 10 minutes long, it doesn’t skimp on the details either—so it’s a good one to watch if you’re mulling the idea of ditching your rear drums. Check it out:
I have desired to convert to a coil over suspension for my 69 Barracuda mopar A body with factory front disc brakes. The QA1 kit for 0 to 2 inch drop is listed as 52343-S400. This is made for Mopar small block engines. I understand the sway bar kit and the engine mount brackets are extra and I do not find it excessively priced. I also have power brakes and steering and am aware that the steering shaft will have to be cut and resized. Directions come with the kit. What I am concerned with is the factory Plymouth calipers mounting to the kit spindles. Why would QA1 use a Ford Pinto spindle on a Mopar kit? Can you verify that it is necessary to purchase a Willwood caliper kit and brake hose adapter at approximately $2000 to supplement the QA1 Mopar kit?
Hey Terry, sounds like a cool project. Our advice would be to reach out to our Summit Racing tech team here. They can connect you with one of their Mopar experts and they’ll be able to work with the QA1 folks to answer those questions directly–I wouldn’t be surprised at all to find a more cost-effective solution to ditching your original calipers.