Front Disc Brake question - Dana 44

[msgross]

So I picked two reman calipers and ceramic brakes at AutoZone last night ($60 w/cores). Since I am using an 1982 Dana44 with 1976 backing plates and hubs I looked up both years $17.99 for the '76 and $13.99 for the '82 calipers (converting from closed knuckle Dana44 to newer w/disc).

I could only see a small difference but noticed that the brake lines are different bolt sizes at the calipers (didn't they switch to metric?). Since I am replacing the brake lines will this matter? Even though the caliper end of the brake line is different, is the hard line end as well? I plan to get brake lines for an 82 so I will be sure they fit. I also noticed that it had 1/2 rubber and 1/2 metal for the brake line vs the 76 was all rubber. Anyone have an 82 with a pic installed?

[Zoomad75]

Get the hose for the year of caliper you bought. They did change the type of fitting used on the later (79 and up I think) to a different size at the caliper. The fitting to the hard line should be the same though.

When you look up extended length braided steel brake lines for lifted trucks they show the year breakpoint for the different sizes.

[msgross]

thanks...I thought that someone had talked about the size change.

Why would the 82 style have metal/rubber lines and the 76 have all rubber though? Is one better than the other? i will try to find pics...

Mike

[Huck]

At some point, GM changed over to metric connections so be aware. Not only is the bolt/thred pattern different, but the "V" of the pressure connections are at a different angle so that trying to use AS and Met on the same system, will require a unique connector.

[msgross]

so both ends will be different, I plan on making my own hard lines so will it matter...