Re: FW: Aftermarket Rear Brakes Kit

From: Bob Mankin (bob@cadpros.com)
Date: Sat Aug 12 2000 - 14:07:00 EDT


"Bernd D. Ratsch" wrote:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: jdharmon@earthlink.net [mailto:jdharmon@earthlink.net]
> Subject: Aftermarket Rear Brakes Kit
>
> Just a short note. Pass this on to the DML and the DOC forum!
>
> We attempted to install the new Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. rear disc
> conversion kit on my 97 Dakota today. While the kit looked very well
> thought out and put together, the installation was a mess! First, the
> bleeder valves were duplicated on each caliper. Problem with the
> original bleeder valves being placed incorrectly on the bottom of the
> caliper. Next was the brake lines. They sent the wrong ones. We had
> to custom our own. The directions were very bad and descriptions
> vague. The changing of the proportioning valve spring was very vague.
> Now here is the real problem! The new rotors fit over the stock axle,
> but the studs were not supposed to be replaced. This took 1/2" off the
> available length of the studs. in other words - the stock studs were
> too short!!! This was never mentioned in the instructions. This could
> be a very dangerous combination!
>
> i would not recommend this kit to anyone and warn you against purchasing
> it! I am not sure who used their Dakota for a test mule, but obviously
> they forgot to mention or include a few things! Very poor kit!!!
>
> Jim Harmon
> Dakota-less in Los Angeles

Ouch!

I have this kit sitting on the shelf. Haven't had the time to tackle it
yet, but sure don't like the feedback from Jim. Bleeder screw position
and brake line issue is lousy quality control.

The one thing I don't understand is the wheel stud issue. Thickness of
the rotor face should be close enough to the thickness of the stock
brake drum. How does one lose 1/2 the threads on the studs? Jim, are you
reading this one?

Looks like I need to pull that kit out, look it over closely and perhaps
get some replacement lines on the way. New wheel studs too?

Bob



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