Project Dark Horse, Part 5 - Big Brake Install

Here is the new hub assembly Wilwood manufactures. It comes with the wheel bearings installed and the ABS components ready to go. Not only will you get all of the benefits of the larger rotors and calipers, but you will also have a functioning factory ABS system. That's much better than having your check engine light on as a reward for a brake upgrade.

The hub slides right over the spindle spud, and the nut gets torqued just like they did at the factory.

The stock hardware was used for the caliper mount. A few drops of Loctite are added to the threads to prevent this bolt from backing out.

Per the instructions, two small washers are slid over the bolts to line up the caliper dead center on the rotor for this application and something easily missed if you don't read the directions.

Now the mount can be tightened up to 85-95 lb-ft.

The new mount converts the bolt arrangement from horizontal to vertical, making brake servicing (pad changes) much easier. These are the proper spacers to set the distance and dictate where the pads will ride on the rotor. But, not to worry, Wilwood has figured it all out for you. Also, this brake system now mounts on two plains, instead of one, allowing Wilwood to get everything lined up for the best performance these components can muster, which is a whole lot.

Now for the rotors, these things are massive and stuffed full of 29 years of brake knowledge. The only thing to be aware of is this little arrow stamped on the surface; this will point in the direction the rotor needs to go in order for the cooling veins, cross-drilled holes, and slots to work properly.

Once the rotor was on, the six-piston caliper was slid over the hardened studs.

Then, it was torqued to 47 lb-ft. It may be hard to tell, but the pads are not in the caliper. This is why it is easier to service this setup because you don't have to remove the caliper to get the pads in and out.

Speaking of pads, these are the proper compound of materials needed for a street application. Make sure you let the folks at Wilwood know what you are doing, so they can give you the proper set.

This is the pad retention setup that holds the pads in place.

Here is a closer look at the spring and hardware arrangement.

Now, Wilwood is not going to make you hook up your bitchen new binders with the stock rubber hose-oh no, Wilwood also gives you pre-fabbed steel braided lines and all the fittings to hook it up.

Look at that-you can't sit there reading this article and tell us that isn't cool.

Moving to the rear, all we will be doing is installing a new set of rotors and pads. To do that, the calipers must be removed and hung out of the way.