These brake calipers, according to the ID numbers on the side, come from a 1979 F250. “DAYTON DE 69710382 2 9 1979)
Kind of hard to believe that was the condition of the axle just a few weeks ago. Kind of a big transformation.
I rebuilt the calipers in the hopes that I can reuse these motorcraft OEM ones. Hate to have to buy something new. Not that they aren’t hard to find, just would rather make these work.
The hoses on the donor brake system were pretty much trash. I only kept them on so that it would keep shit from getting into the brake caliper.
The old Econoline brakes where tied up on the side of the wheel well for the time being, so that the brake system wouldn’t get breached with water.
They actually looked very similar. Both have double cylinders per caliper, and both slide on with dumb retaining parts. Would have been smarter and easier to just have bolts, but what do I know, I’m not an engineer or anything.
I pre-cleaned and pre-penetrant the oil brake hose connections, because most of these don’t come off after ten years, let alone 40 years. I’m lucky to live in California, so my rust problem is nonexistent. If I’m lucky and patient, I should be able to disconnect this line without breaking anything.
I bought some decent brake hoses back in January in preparation of this job, and now I’m passed the return window, so these better work.
- Brake Hose. DORMAN H36805 (Economy) Info. Front Left; 4WD; Standard Cab Pickup; To Serial No. Y40001
- Brake Hose. DORMAN H36810 (Economy) Info. Front Right; 4WD; Standard Cab Pickup; To Serial No. Y40001
Of course they don’t work. This is crappy. These hoses have a stupid 90 degree bend that puts the hose directly into the coil. I tried to use my pipe bender to make it straight, but this is strong steel. I would end up breaking it if I try to bend it back further.
I started researching all my Quadravan pictures, parts lists, and emails with other Pathfinder owners to find any part numbers, and there aren’t any. I went back to the drawing board and starting comparing other brake lines to the shape of the ratty ones on the donor caliper.
I did end up finding some promising photos of the BH80976 and BH80977 from BrakeBest that looked nearly the same as my old ones. Lucky for me, the Redondo O’Reilly’s had two in stock. Probably the only two left in California.
The BH80977 fit on the passenger side. I should have put a picture of the old and new side-by-side. They aren’t the same, but they are close enough.
Acting quick, I was able to disconnect the old hose from the lines without issue and keep most of my brake fluid within the system. Driver’s side leaked faster, but probably because it’s closer to the reservoir… less resistance.
Fits nice. The flange is on the wrong side, but I’m hoping it won’t matter.
The big question is, will it rub on the tire? Had to toss on a spare tire to see.
SUCCESS!
The next morning I used my Mityvac to bleed the lines and get most of the gunky brake fluid from my system. It’s been probably 10 years since a full flush. Time to replace the bad stuff now. Mityvac made it really easy.
