I have a 69 Cutlass with four wheel drums. My master cylinder is on it's way out and I was wondering if I could use one for a front disc/rear drum setup. The reason I ask is because I want to upgrade to front disc in the future because I cannot afford to right now. I don't want to have to get a new master just to have to get one AGAIN in a few months. What do you guys think?

 

No way, José.

- Eric

 

X2 - completely different, and for $50, why chance it?

 

It's your brakes -- it's your life... be ONLY perfect.......

Neither Master cylinder is pricey... if you want U S A made quality ---
call me --- Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935.....New York.....

 

Yeah, you SHOULDN'T use the disk M/C, HOWEVER...

This is a simple hydraulic system. The only thing the wheel cylinders know or care about is the diameter and stroke of the pistons in the M/C. ANY M/C with the same diameter and stroke will function exactly the same as far as braking is concerned. Unfortunately, that's the problem. The drum brake M/C uses a 1" bore. The manual disk brake M/C also uses a 1" bore. The power disk M/C uses a 1.125" bore. The larger the bore in the M/C, the higher the required pedal force for the same brake shoe pressure at the wheels. The power M/C can use a larger bore due to the power assist that lowers required pedal pressure.

 

I just installed a new AC-Delco 4-wheel drum master cylinder.

New shoes, springs, cylinders. The whole deal.

My brakes work great and stop on a dime. I dont know why everyone wants to change to disc brakes so badly.

 

+1.

I've had plenty of cars with drums all around. As long as they're maintained, they work great.

Though I do like discs a bit better, it's not worth the large amount of effort, time, and money it takes to change a car over.

- Eric

 

Amen Eric and Tony