GMT400 Rear Disc Brake Conversion (Part 1)

[@Unicrom63]

"It's good to temper your tools by throwing them on the floor occasionally" I LOVE THAT!

[@Patrick94GSR]

Yep, it builds character (Calvin & Hobbes comic homage).

[@carminemurphy4836]

This guy is a great mechanic, extremely professional and competent. Follow him closely....

[@demetriusirby3394]

Ķ0oppoi000000

[@scottfeltner6066]

Along with several 4 letter words...

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Eric, the quality of your videos is the best I have seen. I learn so much from watching you work on your cars. Things like troubleshooting missing parts, things that dont fit as intended, tricks on how to line things up etc. Really thankfull to you.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! I really appreciate that comment.

[@Techtiqal]

You're super right, sometimes nobody knows what you're doing but we still cant stop watching!😂

[@TechTimeWithEric]

Lots of people have no idea what they're doing. But the talented ones can end up making it work.

[@camryle5590]

I am trying to imagine how much effort and time you put to make this video as it is. Thank you so much Eric.

[@ericthecarguy]

It was considerable. Thanks for noticing and commenting.

[@paytenvanlangendonck3141]

The most patient guy I’ve ever seen in my life I was cussing about the parking break and I wasn’t even installing it 😂

[@jason1351]

LOL! They must have changed out the calipers. My 95 kit came with 87' Turbo Coupe calipers. I couldn't believe it when I read the packing list. And mine came with stainles braided lines for all 4 corners. Wish I had your video 8yrs ago when I installed mine. Great video.

[@MrGarycharters]

Always remember you get what you pay for. Spend the money now, to save the stress later. Great choice for a upgrade. Edit: not summit's best work!!

[@bizbot1655]

In my experiences with aftermarket conversion kits, I've found these are usually the case- #1 They're expensive. #2 Instructions are usually incorrect in some way or another. You end up calling their tech line and they STILL scratch their heads and say "Hmmm. We've never run into that problem". #3 Modification is ALWAYS needed, despite what the incorrect instructions say. "Modify to fit" is ALWAYS the case. #4 Incorrect fasteners. Multiple trips to the hardware store are in order, especially for dealing with reason #3. #5 They're expensive....oh, I covered that for #1 reason, sorry.

[@mt1885]

Them fasteners in that kit LEAVE a lot to be desired and look Chinese....

[@bransonfleischman2233]

The only brake kit that hasn’t wound up as a complete pile of frustrating garbage in my experience is stuff made by wilwood. Was very prepared for a fight, and was pleasantly surprised.

[@mt1885]

@@bransonfleischman2233 I would agree, they have quality. We are awash today with quantity of basically chineese JUNK. Quality went out the window in the race to the bottom of garbage - yet they charge a quality price.

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@bransonfleischman2233 find my comment above.i did the whole thing,for 400,bolt on,no probs,willwood is for ferrari drivers.or bottom less pockets.it seems that chevy gear fits ford trucks better than chev conversions.weird,eh.???.maybe ford sold it to chev in the first place,so it dont fit...ha ha..

[@dyer2cycle]

..yes, the brakes usually suck on these trucks, but it's usually in the hydroboost and master cylinder..replace them with the later style, put on premium shoes, and adjust correctly...I really don't care for rear discs on a truck...son's '04 Tahoe(GMT 800) has them, and I am not impressed..plus, the parking brake on those really sucks..worse than on my 1990 GMT 400...also, these conversions often require larger diameter wheels and tires..I don't like/want larger diameter wheels, either...just upgrade the booster/cylinder, put on new QUALITY(yes, I know that is hard to find nowadays)front pads and rotors, calipers if needed, and rear drums and shoes..adjust shoes properly..you should now have good brakes..no rear discs needed....

[@alanbradford3130]

I watch you BECAUSE you film your mistakes. I make them too, but I don't know what to do when I make them. If everyone was honest (and they aren't) they would admit it too.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks.

[@cq4538r]

Eric: "tool failure is not an option at this point" Also Eric: "that explains it, my tools broken" Love your content Eric. Between you, Charles, and Jason I am always listening to someone who has more of a clue about mechanics than I do. Keep it up!

[@713goonz]

Finally someone makes a decent video about gmt 400 rear disc conversion thank you Mr.Eric Great Video

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks!

[@johnnypool2206]

Eric, maaaan you are awesome with this stuff! No one else does it better!!

[@JohnSmith-gc8bo]

Great kit! I have this on my truck never had any issues. SSBC is the best in the business.

[@Mustangshow67]

Been over a year, but I noticed the left and right rotors are backwards. Bleeder goes up. Good job at the install.

[@MrTaxiRob]

he was following the instructions

[@1madrs637]

I did the disk brake swap for 400, rotors from a 96 impala, and the caliper brackets and universal calipers from speedway motors. There’s a write up online.

[@elnino3488]

Parts list ??

[@jayyoutube8790]

I listen to your videos in the am wile I get ready for work, then watch it at night when I go to bed. Love the videos, keep it up Eric good job

[@lupusdeum3894]

Thanks, Eric! I've never done a drum to disc brake conversion. I found your explanations & visuals very elucidating.

[@aserta]

Fix for moisture under snake on pipe. Get Vaseline (the thin kind) on the pipe, put a heat shrink over that, shrink it. Put Vaseline on the heat shrink, put the snake on. Done. Never had corrosion. Works for torsion bars too, fuel lines etc. IF and only IF you want to spend the extra buck, you can get the kind that glues itself on, it's a bit costly at those lengths, but it is worth it.

[@Brandon-q2r4h]

When you said one day we’ll watch and say wow he is a professional I damn near died then when you continued to say that we the audience say to ourselves that you have no clue what you’re doing I swear I was just thinking that no disrespect of course it just seems like you’re a novice but as you said we can’t look away😂 I watched til the end and you showed me a few new things so I thank you for that 🎉

[@Joeelectronicschematicsforauto]

I really appreciate the photography all your videos and the description of your videos and the hands-on

[@jaysonescoe5799]

Ridgid tubing cutters. Only one to use. Good video will do disc on the 95 bronco soon! Great video Eric

[@calebshonk5838]

I installed a disc brake kit on my 64 F100 and I had the same problem with the parking brake cable. I ended up installing the mounting bolts the way the instructions wanted but used some extra bolts and washers to move the bracket inboard some to clear the mounting bolts.

[@tiernanlmorgan]

We put an SSBC front disc conversion on my Grandma's 1967 Dodge Charger back in 1998ish and the master cylinder from '98 just failed last year. The brakes have been fantastic. Yes SSBC's kit is expensive but their product is pretty good and their customer service has been excellent to me.

[@JDeLaat]

That clock in the background at 2:23 has made my day.

[@lesliemclean4381]

Great rear drum brake to rear disk brake conversion kit video.Nice clean job improvising as you went along with the job.Damnskippy.

[@sebastiencharette6637]

Can't believe how clean the truck is under. I've worked on trucks about the same age here in northern canada and everything is rust, rusted off or rusted through, seized and rounded off. God i wish i had California weather and keep cars forever.

[@_DC5DEE]

This was awesome! You're an amazing mechanic/tech/car doctor Eric, keep up the great work! 💯 Can't wait for Part 2!

[@PowerUnit-mt7hn]

Man I love watching you work , Eric. You have a shit load a knowledge, and you are intuitive with the way you work and its clear that you have a lot of experience.

[@nauryzleyba6969]

You are a very useful man. the people they have American Truck in the Middle East they are suffering

[@1970chevelle396]

Your dad should be happy with that truck when your finished with it. My dad has had his truck for 49 years now.

[@UnlinealHand]

"Yeah don't forget to put your stuff on before you start." Good advice for many things in life. But for real, how many times have I forgot to put shrink tubing on a wire before crimping the butt connectors? Too many.

[@carminemurphy4836]

Yes, done that too. Funny since I have done stuff like that in radio & tv since way back...... Amateur radio too.....

[@CaptainNero]

I work exactly the same way and figure it out as I go. Great work!!!

[@jacobbell6123]

i had an issue with bleeding on my datsun truck when i converted the rear drums to disk. i had to mount my caliper upside down(at about 5 o clock) as well because of how low my truck was it was making contact with the frame when mounted on top. luckily the brackets were designed to be used upside down or right side up. i had to take the rotor and sit it on the ground, put the caliper on and hold it all together off the truck to get it bleed correctly as i did not have any special bleeders like you did. i used isuzu calipers and have yet to find a parking brake solution. was pretty envious seeing your backing plate bolted onto the axle, they pressed the backing plate on these little trucks and it was easier to use a dremel and cut it in half than pressing it off.

[@ryanmckee2089]

I’d be scared to death of work hardening those lines from bending them so much and then they snap or crack in spots. My luck. That truck is coming together nicely. Excellent work. 👌🏻

[@PeteyG708]

Dang... It seems no one makes a direct bolt on kit for the GMT400. I wouldnt be able to do this job on my GMT without having to buy a brake line flare tool. Great work so far. Part 2 is next.

[@oyesimon8112]

I like your work, I'm not a mechanic but I have learned from a good friend of ours who's a mechanic and teacher and I'm glad that I have learned to love mechanic's and the work, I watch different video's and most of yah are similar keep up the good work 👍

[@AnglLopz]

being a mechanic is like a doctors practice you have to be like Dr. house, know the Environment to Diagnose the Car. Dr. EricTheCarGuy

[@steveafanador6441]

Damn. Having a lift is so much better than working on a driveway. Some day I'll have one

[@ericthecarguy]

Took me 20 years. Worth the wait. Good luck.

[@steveafanador6441]

@@ericthecarguy thanks man I appreciate the comment😀

[@antonior3893]

I need one bad as well

[@ragtopcat70]

I used a 99-02 NBS master cylinder on our 98 and its a big time improvement.

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Good vid Eric, that kit is a rip off at $1000. But your work is excellent.

[@mt1885]

@Michael Madden Sure looks like it the fasteners from the farm co-op NOT impressed....

[@bizbot1655]

@@cive666xx by the amount Eric paid for that kit, I was expecting stainless steel.

[@EyebelieveTheNarrative]

The problem was created by using cheap shit in the design process. Sometimes you have to pay to play kid.

[@Arbitrageur_]

Yeah. For a cool grand it should have a much newer design of caliper

[@johnle231]

Oh thanks. Just saved me from watching this video.

[@georgebonney90]

We're all just learning as we go, collecting knowledge along the way.thank u etcg

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric always enjoy your videos from South Africa

[@bradjohnston3400]

Just a wondering, hard to see from the instructions.... but if you flipped the calipers left to right, the oem bleeders would be on top. The ebrake cable could go under the axle tubes easily enough. Gives you a second option for rubber line orientation as well. What dya think, would that be doable? Great video.

[@MrTaxiRob]

I thought the same thing . The e-brake cable was originally mounted down low, so I don't see that being a problem unless there's less slack in it now.

[@GibsonGarage]

I have those exact same Russell Brand brake lines on my 94 C1500 and that took care of all the squishiness I still have the original master cylinder but with ceramic pads in the front. My brakes are awesome

[@ericthecarguy]

Honestly, I believe that is the best upgrade of this series.

[@TimeToBeKind]

Thank you for sharing, brother. I think I’ll be doing the same thing, except I’ll put the shorter brake line on the right, and only need to cut the one on the left. I’m guessing that by the length I saw you cut.

[@ryanmacewen511]

Great video Eric. I'd use some 3M VHB to reattach your flaring tools indicator plate. It has some give, but sticks like mad. The give will help it stay on. Great video! :)

[@timschottner9158]

Great Video Eric, always a pleasure to watch

[@jamesguralski5156]

Great job Eric! I see you got a good amount of healthy subscribers! Awesome. Thx for all the repairs n updates!

[@aserta]

That bolt ain't engaging the lock nut's plastic lock after snip snip.:)) (i know you fixed it) Man, this kit is hacky as hell. Seems like something someone threw together to meet a spec sheet.

[@aytonbob]

aserta it seems the wrong sort of lock nut , I would not use nylock nuts on brakes.

[@CheezyDee]

@@aytonbob Agreed... a little heat, squishy nylon, no more locking function. I'm no expert, but I think brakes tend to get hot.

[@MegaDysart]

@@CheezyDee Nylock nuts are super annoying, especially when someone threads them onto a super long bolt or stud and you can't spin it out by hand once it's loose. Gotta follow it all the way up with the wrench or socket you're using.

[@still1887]

Change the front brake lines to the caliper and the spongy feel more than likely goes away. Old lines expand with pressure causing the "spongy" pedal

[@trirycheman]

Yeah, those flat top master cylinders ALWAYS feel mushy. I swapped it out on my 1996 Express with a late model unit off a 2002 Suburban, and what a difference! No other changes, so yes, you can just change the master cylinder.

[@benzmansl65amg]

Same on my 96 tahoe.

[@wobblysauce]

A lot of work for mainly rear disks, the front is the one that does most of the work, rear is only there to keep you in line or park brake.

[@DarkLinkAD]

My 3500 dually (rear drums) has a very firm feel with performance oriented pads.. It was so intense, I swapped to ceramics in the front, which was a dramatic change in braking force.

[@SnuffySmith01]

The underside of that truck looks great is that just paint or some kind of undercoating?

[@agreatscapeinc.2456]

Eric, whenever I am looking up something wrong with one of my trucks, and when I see you have a video, I immediately click on your solution. What I really want to know, is what is the impact you are using. I think it is something I need to have.

[@silasmarner7586]

Cameraman Brian is doing a great job as are you.

[@knowledgeseekerr]

Wow! Eric, Just simply amazing, thanks for sharing :)

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

you are a good instructor ; this is the truck i own and want to do same conversion ; the grand for the kit holding me back ;but soon

[@lynvallaing8448]

Eric at 13:52 the brake bleeder supposed to be on top so to correct that switch the caliper to the other side

[@robs1852]

That conversion kit is a PITA! This is why: Bolts so long they protrude out the backside and forced you to cut them so emergency brake cable doesn't rub and become frayed. No shims for pads, will rattle and make noise. The hard brake lines were too long. Good thing you have a nice flare tool. They could've figured out a way to install a small bracket where the hard line connects to the hose. That's pretty lousy for an expensive, "custom" kit. You did a good job making it work

[@PBMS123]

8:42 is that a mixture of metric and imperial? Do you mean M17? or M20? Because that doesn't look like 17mm on that diameter. Unless you're talking about the head size? That looks like maybe 14mm? Thread pitch in metric is measured by the distance covered by one thread, rather than threads per inch, it's mm per thread. There are standard metric thread pitches, although you can generally have whatever you want, it just has to be made.

[@85jmccoy]

Fake it till ya make it brother,thats my motto.... we never know what were doing untill we gave done it at least once lol

[@dstich1164]

Enjoyed your video on disc brake conversion really detailed and informative thx!!

[@garyharms276]

Nice work Eric , I typical "kit" , at least they gave you enough to make it custom ...from 1 builder to another , did you expect a bolt on ...lol

[@ericthecarguy]

No, no I did not, but that's entertainment as they say.

[@patrickhall782]

My concern with the shortened bolt is it is too short to engage the nylon locking collar. Edit didn't wait a minute lol.

[@benlee2765]

The worst thing that can happen is your cable will be flopping about.

[@loganator78r]

Eric!! I got a great tip for you! Get rid of the factory master cylinder and get on for a later 2000+ master cylinder. It will get rid of that squishy feeling. I can give u part numbers

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Calipers on on the wrong sides? Bleeder should be on the top, ebrake cable on the bottom? Stock cables will be short, what did you use?

[@jackbrookshire431]

Don't really need the shims. Notice those springs on the pads? What do you think those do?

[@DRWebster93]

It looks like the part number for the rear caliper brake hardware kit is H5739 at Autozone.

[@brandinsgarage]

Wouldn’t it work if you flipped the bolt around for the parking brake bracket? So you have the short head going by the cable, and the not on the outside? If there was room for that

[@michaelblacktree]

@8:43 I think you mean 17x20x1.25mm? Although, that doesn't look like a 17mm diameter bolt.

[@christophersustayta5974]

Awesome video putting the same disc rear kit on my Dodge Dart A body

[@kennethflood2771]

I buy only tools that have extra gravity built in that way I can spend more time picking them off the floor! lol I learned from your quick tidbit on the brake shoe seating in the groove. I have "the Right Stuff rear disc conversion and was bleeding them. the second side the shoe fell to the floor... By the time I got it picked up and figured where the spring clip went on the caliper extended all the way out??? now I can't find how it goes back in. screw or push? not sure and don't want to break it...

[@gitplayer55]

Plug'n Pray parts. :D

[@manwithnoname4716]

Thank you Eric for all your videos!! I like the car repair and/or car build stuff, but also your sense of humor... Stay dirty ;-)

[@dave_n8pu]

I also have a GMT400, 1998 GMC pick up and also don't like the 'squishy' breaks. Shortly after I got it, used several years ago I ask a mechanic to adjust the brakes because they felt soft, he told me that there was a couple of years that GM made these trucks that was an issue, not dangerous just not something that didn't fell right. Mine are still that way. Edit: I just got to the part about the parking brake cable, mine hasn't worked since before I got it. I live in Michigan so there isn't a state inspection every year, we don't have one at all. Just send them our money $$$ and get your tabs for the next year.

[@chrisbridges5975]

Watching this. I’m returning mine and just rebuilding the drums lol

[@melindaortiz9741]

My rear brake line rusted away 15 year's ago on my Silverado, am used to the slow stopping

[@MotorScotti]

Anytime I do a brake job I always have a bottle of water with a spray head nearby to neutralize the corrosive effect of the brake fluid.

[@leemer1]

Since Lincoln didnt have many models in 88 to 91 I'm gonna say the brakes are from a continental , mark 8 or town car.

[@SaberToothLawnTigers]

Mark 7

[@Connor4x4]

Switch to a gmt800 master cylinder. It has bigger valves and is a common upgrade. It makes a world of difference

[@jonoatrades2722]

I think most people these days don’t know what they’re doing and just go with the flow 😂😂

[@jonoatrades2722]

Great video btw 😁

[@mws3779]

When I don't have screws or anything to fasten the disc on the Hub assembly to keep it from moving. I use an old appropriately-sized box wrench on the lug and then I put the lug nut onto the lug to hold things on and then adjust things that way

[@67buick]

Not sure if you could solve the bolt pattern problem, but the best/cheapest rear disc kit for gm is to just use 98-02 f body parts. They bolt right up. Might need a spacer for the backing plate. Same brakes came on v8 and v6 cars so most yards will have one.

[@wolvenar]

I replaced the vac boost with a hydroboost from a Chevy Astro van in my K1500. It makes a pretty big difference. I had to make a modded rod from the brake peddle to the booster, but otherwise it just basically works

[@BuriousBorge]

I recommend you use the 99-07 classic Silverado master cylinder, or suburban MC works

[@sberryscake]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!

[@qmac10]

What did you paint the rear axel with? Did you sand blast everything first? THanks

[@amfinc2]

Thanks Eric, I'd like to do this to my 1990 k1500 4x4 4.3L 5 spd. I have 6 lug wheels and I do not have ABS. Do you know what kit will work? I see a couple different variations. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Glad you got your motor fixed!

[@wittycynicism0]

Not sure if someone already asked this but, could those bolts have been flipped around so the nuts were facing the rotors instead? It looked like they wouldn't have interfered with rotor as they would have been inside the rotor hat. This is assuming that the bolt heads aren't as wide as the nuts, allowing for more clearance with the brake cables. In any case, loving the truck build videos! Can't wait to see what's in store next. Cheers! :)

[@bdo9114]

looks good, works good, and it is nice install clean!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great job eric

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks!

[@CheezyDee]

My best guess as to what Lincoln those calipers are from would be Continental. They look identical to newer Taurus/Sable rear calipers, and the Town Car uses the drum in hat style like my old Crown Vic did.

[@jacobdeem8187]

That kit is kinda pricy for what you get

[@phantomwalker8251]

chevy front rotors,$75,pair,new,eldorado e brake calipers,$300,pair.brake lines,s/s,$60..fitted to [d60] 83 bronco,75 f250,.ditch the p/valve.fit a disc disc master..2 days.done.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice conversion for the brakes

[@hawkie333]

Great vid, I’ll be careful with my brake lines if I go this route!

[@GOD719]

How does this affect the rear ABS only on the older trucks? Is there a sensor back there or is up near the brake booster? I debated doing this. Just wondered if i would lose my ABS lol

[@donwiley8110]

Good afternoon. I really enjoyed your video on this conversion. I have an 88 Chevy C1500 that I bought new off of the showroom floor years ago. I have been wanting to upgrade the rear brakes and this really helps out. I called Summit concerning the conversion kit and the don't carry SSBS kits anymore. They had concerns about SSBS ability to stay aflot. Have you had any issues with the kit and the ability to get new parts? Thanks again.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Eric, $1,000 isnt that bad. I once replaced my O2 sensor on my corolla and I broke off one of the monting bolts. So, I called the dealership and they sold them in sets of 4 only. The cost was $60 for the set of 4. In other words, 4 FRIGGIN bolts cost me a fortune.

[@rabbibacongrease88]

I just took a Dana 60 out of a 99 Ford E350 Van and it was practically a straight bolt in. No more squishy pedal and I got the original master cylinder. The emergency brake even works very well on a steep Hill and the whole rear end only cost a couple 100 bucks.

[@MrTaxiRob]

and now you have two different bolt patterns on your rims F/R?

[@rabbibacongrease88]

@@MrTaxiRob same bolt pattern. 99 E350 doesn't use the metric pattern.