If you're going to install...
If you're going to install Force 10 disc brakes, do it in the front and rear, and make it a cohesive package designed for exceptional braking power.
When we photographed Chris Radcliffe's Raven Black '65 Mustang hardtop two years ago in San Diego, we were awed with his craftsmanship. Chris is a young man with limited auto-motive experience, yet he built a classic Mustang restomod in his spare time by asking questions, learning as he went, and using his natural talent.
We couldn't help but notice Chris' brake situation when we photographed his car. Through the American Torq-Thrust II spokes were four humble-looking drum brakes. We asked Chris if he'd like to try a set of Stainless Steel Brake Corporation's Force 10 disc brakes from Mustangs Plus. Considering Chris' car-building talent, we knew he could do the job himself.
The Stainless Steel Disc Brakes Force 10 system yields the performance you expect from one of the best names in the aftermarket disc-brake business. Force 10s can be installed on any of the classic Mustang spindles and axle flanges, except for '65-'66 six-cylinders. For Chris' hardtop, we opted for four-piston fronts and single-piston rears for the kind of driving he expects to do. His is the quintessential occasional driver and show car. The red calipers of the Force 10s tie in nicely with the car's black and red theme. Natural, black, and yellow are also available.
We went for slotted rotors, optional from Stainless Steel Brakes, to vent off gasses and heat during hard braking. Not only do they look sharp, they also provide fade-free braking.
1 Rear drum brakes work well...
1 Rear drum brakes work well with front discs. For optimum brake performance, however, they need to go on the shelf and saved for concours restorations. To get started, Chris removes the backing-plate nuts using a deep 5/8-inch socket. The brake line is disconnected using a 3/8-inch open-end wrench.
2 The axleshaft in Chris'...
2 The axleshaft in Chris' car removes easily, but in most cases, you will need an axle puller.
3 Brake-assembly removal...
3 Brake-assembly removal is next. Make sure brake fluid does not get on your Mustang's paint, as it's a natural paint remover.
4-a SSBC provides longer...
4-a SSBC provides longer studs to accommodate disc rotors and American Torq-Thrust wheels, so Chris drives out the old studs and installs new ones.
4-b He used a five-pound...
4-b He used a five-pound sledge hammer, but we suggest a hydraulic press available at your local machine shop. Chris draws in the new studs using lug nuts, washers, and white grease, working WD-40 into the mix for smooth installation.
5 It's a good idea to install...
5 It's a good idea to install new axle seals and lubricate them with wheel-bearing grease. We use a thin film of high-temp RTV silicone around the axle-bearing and seal perimeter to prevent leakage.
Many of us are guilty of installing a new master cylinder right out of the box. Did you know doing that runs the risk of having unwanted trapped air in the braking system? Air must be removed from the master cylinder prior to installation. All you have to do is locate the master cylinder in a bench vice, fill it with fluid, and slowly press the piston, as shown here. Watch the bubbles pass from the cylinder back into the reservoir. Once all air traffic is gone, the cylinder is bled and ready for installation, but install and secure the cap first.
6 SSBC provides spacers to...
6 SSBC provides spacers to be installed between the axle bearing and retainer plate as shown. Install them one at a time and check axleshaft endplay.
7 Caliper mounting plates...
7 Caliper mounting plates come in two halves. These plates support a secondary Force 10 caliper-mounting bracket.
8 Four spacers and bolts...
8 Four spacers and bolts are installed next, top and bottom, inboard of the SSBC axle plate.
9 This is the Force 10-specific...
9 This is the Force 10-specific caliper-mount bracket in black. It mounts to SSBC's basic axle plate, which is designed to work with all SSBC kits.
10 Chris torques all bolts...
10 Chris torques all bolts to SSBC specifications to ensure proper bolt stretch and retention.
11 We haven't installed the...
11 We haven't installed the slotted rotor yet, but this is how the Force 10 caliper mounts. Note SSBC's single-piston design and quality. We like the red powdercoating.
12 Because slotted rotors...
12 Because slotted rotors are designed to fit a variety of hubs, SSBC provides this spacer for Ford axle hubs.
13 Although slotted rotors...
13 Although slotted rotors are designed to turn both ways, we suggest mounting them with slots rolling rearward in an aerodynamic direction. This carries gasses and heat away more effectively.
14 Chris bench-preps each...
14 Chris bench-preps each caliper prior to installation. Always install calipers with bleeders up for proper bleeding. Copper washers are installed on both sides of the hose fitting for proper sealing.
15 Brake pads are positioned...
15 Brake pads are positioned as shown. Although it looks as though the pads could fall out, caliper-retaining bolts keep them positioned.
16 Rear-disc-brake caliper-retaining...
16 Rear-disc-brake caliper-retaining bolts install like this. They then can be torqued to SSBC's specs, as found in your instructions. Make sure each caliper is properly centered with the provided shims. You need a minimum of 1/4-inch clearance between caliper and rotor- dead center on the rotor.
17 Parking-brake levers aren't...
17 Parking-brake levers aren't always positioned for your particular installation. Chris had to do some bench prep before calipers went on. Ensure the caliper piston is flush before making final adjustments.
18 Brake hoses tie into the...
18 Brake hoses tie into the factory brake lines, or you can order a custom set from Classic Tube. Check fitting-seat tapers and brake-line ends for damage and distortion before installation. Nicks will cause leaks, no matter how small.
19 Because SSBC front disc-brake...
19 Because SSBC front disc-brake dust shields are designed for several applications, they must be trimmed for Force 10 calipers.
20 Front drum-brake removal...
20 Front drum-brake removal is easy. Yank the drum, disconnect the brake hose, and remove four backing-plate nuts with a 5/8-inch deep socket.
21 Front disc-brake mounting...
21 Front disc-brake mounting brackets install with the caliper positioned toward the front.
22 Dust shields go the same...
22 Dust shields go the same way-toward the front. Chris torques all four bolts to SSBC specs located in the instructions.
23 Chris wears latex gloves...
23 Chris wears latex gloves to hand-pack wheel bearings and races. Here, he uses high-temp wheel-bearing grease designed for hot disc-brake use, and works it completely through each bearing.
24 Rotors and bearings are...
24 Rotors and bearings are installed. To properly seat bearings and ensure safe installation, Chris spins the rotors while torquing and seating bearings. If the rotor is hard to turn, the bearings are not seated properly. While turning the rotor, torque bearings to 15-20 ft-lb. Then back the nut to the next cotter-pin location in the castle nut.
25 We've seen a lot of brake...
25 We've seen a lot of brake jobs in 35 years. We've also seen cotter pins bent and twisted more ways than you can imagine. When it comes to securing wheel-bearing adjustment castle nuts and cages, Ford recommends one way: with both legs wrapped around the castle nut as shown. The best alternative is with one leg straight down at 6 o'clock and the other leg coming straight up the axle tip to 12 o'clock.
26 Force 10 brake pads install...
26 Force 10 brake pads install just like '65-'67 four-piston Kelsey-Hayes types. Pads drop in like this, secured with a flexible retainer. This makes future pad replacement a snap.
27 Front-brake hoses install...
27 Front-brake hoses install just like the rears with a copper washer positioned as shown. Copper washers "crush" better than any other metal, filling in irregularities and preventing leakage.
28 The front calipers are...
28 The front calipers are installed and torqued to SSBC specifications. Check caliper-to-rotor clearances, getting the caliper centered on the rotor. You want a minimum of 1/4-inch clearance because the rotor expands with heat.
29 SSBC has everything you...
29 SSBC has everything you need to get pressure to your new Force 10s. Shown here is a brake-pressure gauge, adjustable proportioning valve, and all the presealed fittings.
30 SSBC's power booster is...
30 SSBC's power booster is bench-assembled first, beginning with the adjustable pushrod, which is adjusted after installation.
31 Chris installs the power...
31 Chris installs the power booster, securing bolts at the firewall. SSBC shows you how to adjust the master cylinder rod in the instructions. The master cylinder pushrod should be adjusted to where it lays inside the master-cylinder piston cup-just touching the cup-without pressure.