GAnthony
Newbie
I like the simplicity of rear disks and I read about the improved function of the NBS master cylinder but I didn’t want the cost of buying a kit to bolt or weld on. So I decided to do my own thing. The subject truck is my 93 Yukon GT. I bought cheap-ish front calipers and rotors from Rock Auto for a k1500 along with Delco brake hoses and a Delco master cylinder for a 2001 Yukon XL 1500. I just used some simple measurements and geometry to start with and kinda winged it making a template for the caliper brackets out of card stock and trimmed until it seemed like it fit the caliper well.
I then traced that to some 3/8” plate I had and as steady as I could, plasma cut 2 pieces out by hand. After de-slagging and cleaning them up, I ended up with my rough cut.
I was generous with the material left so that I could trim it for proper fitment. After fine tuning was done, I fit it to the caliper so I could mark fastener hole locations. I then drilled and tapped the holes for the caliper bolts.
I anticipated welding them to the axle tubes but by dumb luck, the brackets lined up perfectly with the outer side of the mounting flange from the drum brake backing plates. I was able to clamp everything in place, mark, and drill holes in my brackets and use 2 of the backing plate holes for my new brackets. I did have to clearance my brackets around the axle tube to make room for a raised ridge/register on the original backing plate bracket which locates the backing plate properly. I sand blasted, hosed a coat of Steel-it on them, and the fit and finish turned out great. I welded some brake hose tabs on the axle tubes, cut and re-flared my steel lines and plumbed them up with banjo bolts that came with the new calipers. M10 if I remember right. I had to grind a small tab off the brake hoses for them to seat tightly on the calipers.
(Pic before painted)
I had previously removed the ABS modulator and made lines to work without it but I’m sure leaving it in place would have worked fine as well. I changed out the master cylinder for the 2001 Yukon XL unit as well as changing out the combination/proportioning valve for a cheap brass PV4 from Amazon.
The pedal feel great and the braking is seriously improved. I consider this a fantastic upgrade. Even though this truck is NOT a beauty queen and is more of a beater for me, I really love the way all of this worked out.
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I then traced that to some 3/8” plate I had and as steady as I could, plasma cut 2 pieces out by hand. After de-slagging and cleaning them up, I ended up with my rough cut.
You must be registered for see images attach
I was generous with the material left so that I could trim it for proper fitment. After fine tuning was done, I fit it to the caliper so I could mark fastener hole locations. I then drilled and tapped the holes for the caliper bolts.
You must be registered for see images attach
I anticipated welding them to the axle tubes but by dumb luck, the brackets lined up perfectly with the outer side of the mounting flange from the drum brake backing plates. I was able to clamp everything in place, mark, and drill holes in my brackets and use 2 of the backing plate holes for my new brackets. I did have to clearance my brackets around the axle tube to make room for a raised ridge/register on the original backing plate bracket which locates the backing plate properly. I sand blasted, hosed a coat of Steel-it on them, and the fit and finish turned out great. I welded some brake hose tabs on the axle tubes, cut and re-flared my steel lines and plumbed them up with banjo bolts that came with the new calipers. M10 if I remember right. I had to grind a small tab off the brake hoses for them to seat tightly on the calipers.
You must be registered for see images attach
(Pic before painted)
I had previously removed the ABS modulator and made lines to work without it but I’m sure leaving it in place would have worked fine as well. I changed out the master cylinder for the 2001 Yukon XL unit as well as changing out the combination/proportioning valve for a cheap brass PV4 from Amazon.
You must be registered for see images attach
The pedal feel great and the braking is seriously improved. I consider this a fantastic upgrade. Even though this truck is NOT a beauty queen and is more of a beater for me, I really love the way all of this worked out.
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