Super Chevy – October 2019

48 SUPER CHEVY OCTOBER^2019

TECH UP SIZING

Following this great act is the

Wilwood D154 Pro-Series rear disc kit,

which provides a solid answer for stock

10- and 12-bolt Chevy rear axles that call

for a parking brake. The main reason for

a parking brake is to not only hold the

vehicle while parked, but also to bring

you to a safe stop should you experience

brake hydraulic failure cruising down the

road. You get Forged D154 dual-piston

calipers, 12.19-inch one-piece rotor/drum

combos, and high friction BP-10 pads

that provide optimized and balanced

braking for all kinds of driving, ranging

from pleasure cruising to racing. The

rear kit we ran on this ’66 may not fit all

15-inch wheels, but Wilwood does offer

a more compact caliper that will easily

clear. Our ’66 Chevelle is moving up

to a sweet set of vintage-styled 17-inch

rollers, wrapped in modern Falken

RT615K rubber, from Trans Am Race

Engineering, so we weren’t concerned

with the size of the rear calipers.

One cool thing about the D154

brake is the stealthy drum brake hidden

inside the rotor, which does a much

better job than earlier rear disc brakes

that used the caliper as a parking brake

and didn’t do it very well. The hidden

drum brake delivers superior static

holding power for parking. These guys

will go right on your GM axle with-

out modifications. As with the front

Wilwoods, optional caliper finishes and

rotor designs enable you to personalize

these brakes for your application.

Wilwood stresses the importance of

doing your homework before order-

ing a disc brake package. You must

first determine what system is right

for your application. Start by selecting

the applicable wheel size and look at

available brake options. Rotor/caliper

sizing has to fit within the wheel size

you’re proposing with plenty of clear-

ance. Particularly, pay close attention

to the wheel size you want and be sure

to review the installation instructions

when it’s time to install your Wilwood

brakes. Talk with a Wilwood technician

and glean all of the important informa-

tion you’re going to need. Also, every

Wilwood Disc Brake kit has a wheel

clearance diagram. Make sure you check

this diagram against the wheel you are

planning to use. They can be found on

Wilwood’s website before you purchase

your brake kits to ensure they will fit

inside your front and rear wheels.

Most classic Chevelles, Camaros, Novas, and Impalas were

fitted with drum brakes at all four corners. At best, they had

power assist that reduced brake pedal effort. Our objective

is to toss these old, heavy, ineffective drum brakes and opt

for a set of Wilwood Forged Dynalites fore and aft.

1

Inside, drum brakes consist of a hydraulic wheel cylinder, two

shoes, return springs and other hardware, and self-adjusters to

keep the shoes close to the drum. Wear eye and lung protection

while you’re popping springs.

3

Brake drums aren’t always easy to remove. Begin by backing

off the brake shoe adjustment in order to clear the drum.

Stubborn drums can be freed up with heat around the hub

and whacking the drum with a five-pound sledge hammer.

The vibration will jar the drum loose. Soak the hub with

a penetrating lubricant beforehand.

2

With the hub, shoes, and hardware removed all that’s left is the

drum brake backing plate. Remove the backing plate and clean

up the spindle and you’re ready for the Wilwoods.

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