This doesn't look correct to me, rear calipers - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum

MPTech · 10-09-2012, 04:55 AM

When I bought these, I was told they were '95 T-Bird calipers, however, when I went to replace the Caliper bolt / guide pin, they weren't the same. So I'm not exactly sure what I do have.

So I'm in the market to buy pads and wanted to see how the emergency brake cables were going to work. This doesn't look correct AT ALL. The cable is going to run right next to the CV hub. And the halfshafts aren't snugged down yet, so I don't even think they'll clear. My understanding is that the cables should go in the opposite direction.

Any advice?

Nels Prario · 10-09-2012, 05:03 AM

Give Richard Oben a call. He can help get you straightened out.

Michael Everson · 10-09-2012, 09:22 AM

Pretty sure they are Tbird calipers. Most of the ford rear calipers are the same. I remember my last build having the cable that way as well. Pretty sure it clears once everything is buttoned up.
Mike

MikeKelly · 10-09-2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPTech

My understanding is that the cables should go in the opposite direction.

That is correct - what you have *look* a lot like Tbird calipers, but the ebrake stuff on Tbird calipers is made a little differently (for the cables to run the other direction).

I don't know what those calipers are out of.

Another thing to watch is rotor thickness. 89 to 92 Tbirds used a thicker rotor (89-92 = .925" rotor / D347 pad *** 93+ = .710" rotor / D599 pad), the calipers and pads fit but do not interchange (you can wear out the pads and have the pistons fall out of the calipers if you use the big calipers on the thin rotors). More info on all that and more here (lots of useful stuff):

Brake bias concern and a warning for safety

HTH,

Mike

MPTech · 10-09-2012, 03:02 PM

Mike,
Will these work for an IRS? I'm concerned about them rubbing on the half-shaft outer CV hub. I could see where they might work on a straight axle ok.

I think I need one with the e-brake cable coming out the top instead of the bottom.

This is what the '95 T-Bird is supposed to look like. With the cable attached at the top, not the bottom.

You can see where mine is different here. The cable capture is on the top and the cable sheath is on the bottom.

BigLeo69 · 10-09-2012, 04:23 PM

sort of remember that some actually put the brake calipers forward on the rotor and the cable became unrestricted. but i could be mistaken.
cable for e-brake looks correct, i didn't like the way mine fit around the straight axle so i cut some fatter hose around it where it was close to rubbing.

another route might work too with a longer or shorter cable

MikeKelly · 10-09-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPTech

Will these work for an IRS? I'm concerned about them rubbing on the half-shaft outer CV hub. I could see where they might work on a straight axle ok.

I don't you're going to be able to run the parking brake cable in that direction with IRS.

After further research, I think the ones you have are probably off a Taurus.

You *might* be able to slot the casting and bend the tab on the ebrake actuator to run the brake cable the other direction. Probably simpler to round up set of Tbird calipers.

And don't forget, keep an eye toward what thickness rotor the calipers were built for (that's way more important than making your ebrake work).

Mike

canuck1 · 10-09-2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeKelly

And don't forget, keep an eye toward what thickness rotor the calipers were built for (that's way more important than making your ebrake work).

Mike

Yes, please be certain the designed rotor thickness for those calipers (if you decide to keep them) matches the thickness of the rotors you are using or you will either have all sorts of trouble finding brake pads that fit or worse, they could wear and end up allowing the piston to extend beyond its bore causing a catastrophic brake failure!!

P.S. I don't have IRS so I know nothing about fit and clearance issues with that e-brake orientation but I'd be willing to bet a 94-95 Mustang cable would fit in that caliper perfectly...

Sean

MikeKelly · 10-09-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuck1

I don't have IRS so I know nothing about fit and clearance issues with that e-brake orientation but I'd be willing to bet a 94-95 Mustang cable would fit in that caliper perfectly...

The cable fits - it just needs to come in from the opposite direction.

The direction those calipers are made for aims the cable sheath directly toward the outer CV of the axle. Not much room to work with in that area...

MPTech · 10-09-2012, 08:40 PM

I think I'm going to turn them in as Cores and buy a rebuilt set from Autozone or NAPA.
Now I'm worried about the rotors that I bought from the same forum member.
This is what I bought:
> IRS T bird Brake calipers, used but in very, very good shape.
> IRS Rotors, already drilled for FFR one is new the other very slightly used (less than 1K miles).

I was told these parts came off of his roadster, so the parts worked together, but I'm missing a piece to this puzzle.

Thanks for your assistance.

rich grsc · 10-09-2012, 09:18 PM

Mark, the one shown with the cable in the opposite direction are from a Lincoln Mrk VIII. You should have just picked up the phone, are come over, I have zero issues with my lincoln calipers and cables.

Oh,probably see you at the meeting.

MPTech · 10-09-2012, 09:42 PM

Yup, I agree Rich. I didn't understand what you were talking about before and based on what the seller told me, thought I had what I needed. It wasn't until I tried to mock-up the e-brake cable last night, that I had a clear picture of the problem.

Just for grits-n-shins, I brought the caliper with me today, to study at tonights meeting, but I think I want to turn them in for cores and pick up a set of MKVIII's. (aren't they also a larger piston? or do I have them mixed up).

MikeKelly · 10-09-2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPTech

I think I'm going to turn them in as Cores and buy a rebuilt set from Autozone or NAPA.
Now I'm worried about the rotors that I bought from the same forum member.

Not much to worry about on the rotors, just stick with a 89-92 (Tbird) caliper for .925" rotor, 93+ (Tbird) caliper for a .710" rotor.

I do not know if the Mk VIII rotors and calipers changed, or when they changed. Maybe some one else can answer that question.

Cone Basher · 10-09-2012, 11:01 PM

I also recommend you contact Richard Oben at Northrace cars (forum vendor click advertisers link above). I run an IRS in my Coupe and got a brake upgrade from him that included a bracket that moves the brake caliper (94 Cobra unit if I remember corectly) . In looking at your pictures my caliper is rotated a bit higher due to Richards mounting brackets and my e-brake cables clear fine. Everything I got from him fit fine and works well. I did have to switch to Hawk HP+ pads for better rear braking since I run a manual set up with the Jeep master cylinder.
HTH
CB