72 stock brake swap to Wilwood D52

[Blazerowner]

has anyone swapped these in on a stock 72 Dana 44 disc brake front? I’m thinking of replacing my calipers with the D52s. Are they a direct bolt on?

[Blazerowner]

Anyone?

[hemi43]

Just wondering why you want to do this? Anything aftermarket will be inferior quality to OEM. Unless you want the "look", I wouldn't do it.
If you want better braking, use larger OEM calipers and matching master cylinder from a late model truck.
You can also try a different pad on your existing calipers for increased braking. I've had good luck with EBC redstuff. Higher friction, low dust and good on the streets.

[Blazerowner]

I guess it’s the look for the most part. I have read others say they have better grab with these but I’m not real concerned with that. You really think Wilwood is inferior to the OEM calipers? In my experience on other cars they are high quality. Any clue if they are a direct bolt in?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

I guess it’s the look for the most part. I have read others say they have better grab with these but I’m not real concerned with that. You really think Wilwood is inferior to the OEM calipers? In my experience on other cars they are high quality. Any clue if they are a direct bolt in?

Not saying they are bad quality, just saying that OEM parts have way more engineering and better build quality because of mass production.
I've only used Dynalites in the past so can't confirm if the D52s will bolt on.
Before you use these, make sure they are compatible with your master cylinder.
Double check the piston area on the Wilwoods are the same or close to your OEM calipers. Another thing to check is the pad surface area. I don't know about the D52's, but I know the Dynalites have way too small of a pad.
You don't want to have nice looking calipers that don't perform.

My truck had drums originally and I didn't want to use aftermarket brakes because I knew I would be towing and driving it a lot. I used all late model parts to get them to fit, but have to admit I did use a Wilwood master cylinder because the bore size of the original was not correct.
It was difficult getting everything to fit inside a 15" rim, but after 30000 miles I must say they work flawlessly.

[Blazerowner]

Maybe I’ll just keep the OEM. I was more or less looking for small upgrades to appearance. I’m considering 18” wheels in the future. These barely fit my 15” wheels. I had to have the weights put close to the center of the wheel so they wouldn’t drag.

[29od1]

I used Wilwood D52 Black Calipers - 1.25" Rotor Thickness, 2" dia pistons. I have 17" wheels and I don't think they'll fit 15" wheels.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 29od1

Attachment 2433089

I used Wilwood D52 Black Calipers - 1.25" Rotor Thickness, 2" dia pistons. I have 17" wheels and I don't think they'll fit 15" wheels.

What bore diameter master cylinder did you use? Did you keep the original rear drums?Curious.

[29od1]

I went with a 3/4 ton MC and also went with single piston disc calipers on the rear. I also have hydroboost instead of vacuum assist.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 29od1

I went with a 3/4 ton MC and also went with single piston disc calipers on the rear. I also have hydroboost instead of vacuum assist.

OK thanks.

[Blazerowner]

Did they bolt right up?

Originally Posted by 29od1

Attachment 2433089

I used Wilwood D52 Black Calipers - 1.25" Rotor Thickness, 2" dia pistons. I have 17" wheels and I don't think they'll fit 15" wheels.

[29od1]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

Did they bolt right up?

Yes

[Blazerowner]

Nice