My brother picked up an '83 parts car last year, originally a V6 per the VIN but it had a 305/TH700 in it when he got it. He's cleaning out the yard and offered me the rear from it.

I've never dealt with rear discs before so this is new territory for me. The axle code is 4PY, which indicates a 3.08 posi (a slight upgrade from my current 2.93 posi), assuming that's what still in there. The posi was verified by action, but I haven't pulled the cover yet to verify the ratio.

At any rate, the whole thing is pretty rusty, so I'm looking at taking all of the brake parts apart and cleaning/rebuilding. The axle was cut out of the car after arrival at the junk yard, so the rear hose was just ripped off at the T-block (I'm assuming that's the same thing as my current setup), and the park brake cables are toast. I'm also assuming I need to get a new combo (proportioning) valve, which I don't think will be a problem from MPB. But, I am wondering about those park brake cables. Any suggested sources for them?

Also, did they really put rear discs in V6 cars?

 

you can get parking brake cables at NAPA for about $22 each, also i have never seen a v-6 come with rear disc, except for 98+ years

 

A new NAPA store opened up last month a couple of blocks from my house. I'm looking for excuses to patronize them, so I'll check them out. Thanks for the tip.

 

Over the years, many have bitterly complained about the Delco Moraine rear calipers, though I used them for several years without incident. I'd think that most of the remains today would include the rebuild, but I'm unsure.

Product safety campaign 86C28 rear disc cone clutch park brake adjuster.

1982-86 Chevy Camaros with rear disc brakes (RPO J65) and manual transmissions.

Down the road, here's something to consider:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/show...hreadid=246768

JamesC

 

For now, rebuilding the stock will be the course. This summer 14" slicks will be mounted on certain Friday evenings, so the larger brakes probably wouldn't be compatible with the 14" rims.

I pulled the cover and confirmed the posi & gears. No pinion leakage, the unit seems tight & quiet. The gear lube was probably the original '83 fill, but no excessive wear is evident.

I've located caliper rebuild kits & pads, a lot of work ahead before it's ready to install.

 

You can still get the recall kit from GM Parts Direct which is essentially a rebuild kit. About $40 shipped and you're sure you're getting the upgraded pistons. I did mine over the holidays last December when I swapped in a 3.27. If you'd like the part number I can hunt it, unless you're already committed or got a better deal on another kit.

 

I haven't purchased anything yet, so yes, the p/n would be helpful.

 

Part Number: 18019028 from GM Parts Direct, listed as "Actuator" and included parts for both rear calipers, pistons, springs, seals, etc.

Good luck with the rear end swap. I did a one for one once in less than six hours, then later that night my buddy came up with the idea of using a creeper to maneuver the rears around.

 

I used my tranny jack the last time I switched it out. Took about 4 hours.

for the p/n.

 

Four hours is pretty good, but was the one you swapped in still attached to the back end of a camaro?

 

Oh, well, I ate dinner within that 4 hours as well. . .

 

Poseurs. I did it in three hours--and I cooked dinner, washed the clothes and walked the kids 10 miles to school barefoot, uphill both ways.

JamesC

 

Classic Industries lists their cables for '83-'87 as "LH Rear w/ Disc First Design" and "RH Rear w/ Disc 2nd Design".

What are "first design" and "2nd design"?

 

I checked here and didn't see a design difference, in an 85, at least--In later models, 89-92, the difference seemed to be in length:

http://www.rockauto.com/

JamesC

 

WAGNER Part # F123943
Rear; RH; w/Rear Disc (2nd Design) {Parking Brake Cable}

WAGNER Part # F108757
Rear; RH; w/Rear Disc (1st Design) {Parking Brake Cable}

WAGNER Part # F123942
Rear; LH; w/Rear Disc {Parking Brake Cable}

First blush I'd say it has something to do with the rotor diameter. But, looks like I'd better get it figured out before ordering.

 

82-88 the rotors were all 10.5. 89-92 some (the PBR's) were 11.7, IIRC. Here's info I located on the Camaro Parts and Illustration cat: Bracket, Prk Brk (1983-84) 1st design--7.25mm diameter attaching hole, (1984-90) 2nd design with a 7.01 attaching hole.

JamesC

 

Thanks. That helps clarify things.

It's frustrating when year-specific differences are lumped together on a parts system that asks up front for the year.

 

Wow, I just check Master Power Brakes for the combination valve - $100!

Hopefully someone has one (SAE threads) that they can part with.