Rear disc brake conversion

[85lebaront2]

I figured I would give an update. While the end result may be nice, I am not sure I would recommend EGR Performance Brakes as far as customer service.

Timeline currently
Thursday 8/15 new rotors were in the shop being machined to be hopefully shipped that day
Friday 8/16, I called to see where they were shipped, Glen was gone, would be back Tuesday.
Tuesday 8/20, called, Glen was out, would be back and they would have him call, never happened.
Wednesday 8/21 we were gone most of the day.
Thursday 8/22 (today) finally got ahold of Glen, rotors were shipped UPS to John's address in York County, approximately 75 miles from me by road. John received notice that they are "out for delivery".

Problems seem to be, (a) Glen does not delegate anything (b) does not let anyone know what he has done and (c) does not seem to be able to get organized.

[Gary Lewis]

I sure hope the view is worth the climb. It is enough hassle having to massage the frame on Big Blue, but if I couldn’t get ahold of Erik or if he didn’t return my call I wouldn’t be happy.

[85lebaront2]

At least he is (a) accessible and (b) willing to work with you for a solution and getting the end result.

Current status, enroute, address successfully changed. Means probably Monday or Tuesday due to shipping delays in Kentucky. Why the latter affects this I have no idea since they are in Statesville NC.

[ArdWrknTrk]

In a word; hubs.

There was a time if I were to send a FedEx package from Stamford to Norwalk (about 10 miles) it would go to Tennessee overnight.

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, Erik is both accessible and willing to work with me.  Actually, he wants to work with me as this kit is very new and they've only installed it on one Bullnose truck - and that required modification of the kit as well as twisting and bending things like I'm doing.

Apparently the original design for that front bracket/spring hanger had it too far forward for the SuperDuty springs.  And now, with my discovery yesterday, he's afraid they moved it too far back.

He said they've sold the kit to a few "others", but I got the implication that they were kids that would modify them to fit, regardless.  So he's very happy to work with someone who will consult with him when the problems arise and collectively figure out what needs to be done to resolve it.  In the end he wants the kit to be "right".

[Dorsai]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

In a word; hubs.

There was a time if I were to send a FedEx package from Stamford to Norwalk (about 10 miles) it would go to Tennessee overnight.

I don't know if it's still true, but at one time Memphis was the busiest airport in the world - after dark.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I don't doubt that at all.

UPS used to be headquartered here in Greenwich.
I was in their old office park yesterday.

Aren't they down by you now?

Anyway, it's pretty crazy how far a package goes on a buck.

[85lebaront2]

Got the first of the two replacement rotors in (the one that was re-routed to me), funny thing, this time it fit and everything lined up. Nice thing, runout at initial assembly was .002".

[Gary Lewis]

Cool!  Progress is good.

But, isn't being a pioneer fun?  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Holy cow!    
That's one DEEP rotor.

[Gary Lewis]

Yep.  And I wonder how easy it will be to get one at O'Reilly's.  

[85lebaront2]

Supposedly it is for an E350 dually.

[85lebaront2]

Gary Lewis wrote

Cool!  Progress is good.

But, isn't being a pioneer fun?  

If they pay me for helping re-engineer it it would be nice. As far as being a pioneer, I am pretty used to it.

[85lebaront2]

Well, today unearthed or peeled whichever you prefer a new issue. The left side wheel bearings sat with a bit of water in them, so the cups and rollers, and probably the cones are pitted and need to be replaced.

John wants me to pull the cover off and inspect the differential for possible water damage since we are this far into it.

Other than Ford, NAPA looks like the best bet for decent quality parts, but for reference they have the Scotseals, but at nearly twice what Ford wants for them. Amazon has the Motorcraft seals at $24.79.

[Gary Lewis]

Isn't that par for the course?  If you take something apart you'll find other issues while in there.

Or, to put it another way, it is hard to concentrate on draining the swamp when the alligators are after you.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Once you have a cross referenceable number (Like National, Gates, Timken, or the manufacturer) you can almost always find it faster and cheaper than driving to the auto parts.

[85lebaront2]

Well, the onion peeling went well, but, when I pulled the cover off, and rotated the gears, I found this:


So now the question comes, who is a good source for gears, it is a 1995 F350 10.25" Ford/Sterling rear, currently with 4.10 gears. This is a 4.10 limited slip unit which is why it is being set up with the disc brakes.

[Gary Lewis]

Oh no!  I'm sure it'll buff out.  NOT!  

So, what's the plan, Stan?

[85lebaront2]

Recommendations for a source for R&P and shim kit. At least I have a press now and do have the tool kit.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Good thing he insisted you check.  😕

4,10 Sterling's used to be a dime a dozen.
I could get them for close to scrap price from Brookfield.