Super Chevy – October 2019

(Barré) #1
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.

4

Free download pdf