Mustang SSBC Standard Rear Disc Brake Kit (1965-1973) Installation Instructions

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1965-1973 Mustang SSBC Rear Disc Brake Kit

This Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit from SSBC will fit 1965-1973 Mustangs.

If you want much better stopping power in your 1965-1973 Mustang, convert to rear disc brakes with this kit from SSBC. It only fits classic Mustangs with an 8"/9" small bearing rear axle, but the additional stopping power will be noticed! It can also be upgraded to SSBC's slotted and plated rotors, or the Big Bite rotors for even more stopping power.

This Install Also Applies To:

• Mustang SSBC Standard Rear Disc Brake Kit 9" Big Bearing Rear Axle 1965-1973
• Mustang SSBC Standard Rear Disc Brake Kit 9" T-Flange Rear Axle 1964-1973

Tools Required:

• Jack & Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Socket Set
• 9/16", 11/16" & 3/4" (2) Combination Wrenches
• Lug Wrench
• Torque Wrench
• Penetrating Oil
• Axle Puller
• Brake Cleaner
• Brake Line Wrench
• Cut-Off Wheel
• Mallet

Install Difficulty:

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• Difficult Project

1. Start the installation of your new Mustang SSBC Rear Disc Brake Kit by spraying all of the existing bolts with penetrating oil 2 or 3 days before you plan to start the job. This will help loosen up the rusted hardware.

2. Next, block the front wheels using wheel chocks.

3. Loosen the Mustang lug nuts on both rear wheels. Do not remove them yet.

4. Jack up the rear of the car until the tires are off the ground. Use a floor jack, then put jack stands in place.

5. Remove both rear Mustang wheels at this time.

6. Lower the car back down so it rests on the jack stands.

7. Remove the Mustang brake drums from the axle and discard them.

8. Remove the brake shoes and all of the associated brake hardware and discard them.

9. Remove the Mustang parking brake cables. Compress the retaining clip and pull the cable through backing plate.

10. Using a brake line wrench, remove the brake line from the back side of the wheel cylinder.

11. Cap the Mustang rear brake lines with a rubber cap to prevent the brake system from draining out.

12. Spray penetrating oil on the backing plate nuts.

13. Spin the axle so that the hole in the plate lines up with the backing plate nuts. Insert a socket wrench through the hole and remove the four nuts and bolts that secure the Mustang drum brake backing plate to the axle flange.

14. Using an axle puller, remove the axle from the rear end. Once loose, slowly pull the Mustang axle shafts out. If you are not installing new bearings and seals, be careful not to damage the bearings or seals.

15. Remove the backing plate and discard it.

16. Using a hammer and vise, remove the old lugs from the Mustang axles and discard them. Note: With the axle removed, it is the ideal time to replace the axle bearings and seals.

17. Using a cut-off wheel, slice through the axle bearing and retainer ring, and remove them from the shaft.

18. If you removed the axle bearings, now is the time to install new ones. Slide the Mustang rear retainer plate and gasket over the axle shaft. Slide the new bearing onto shaft and seat it. Please note that this is usually accomplished at a machine shop with a press. I accomplished it by sliding a piece of pipe over the axle and knocking it into place with a hammer. Make sure that the pipe rests on the inner bearing race to prevent damage to the bearing.

19. The bearing retainer ring is installed in the same way as the bearing.

20. Remove all of the new SSBC Brakes parts from the box, lay them out and check against the packing list to insure you have all of the parts before assembly.

21. Locate the 10 lug studs and install them in the axle hub using a hammer and vise. Please note that the studs can also be pressed into place by a machine shop.

22. Being very careful, slide the axle shaft approximately three quarters of the way back into the rear end housing.

23. Test fit one of the mounting plates on the axle, between the bearing and the gasket bearing retainer plate. There is a circular depression on the back of the plate. This should face the Mustang wheel bearing and will become the new bearing retainer.

24. If the bearings do not fit tightly in this depression, you will need to install one of the large split ring shims into the depression. The shim should be placed between the new bearing retainer plate and the bearing itself. Install shims as needed to ensure proper end play in the axle.

25. Install both mounting plates from the Mustang rear disc brake conversion kit. Note: The mounting plates are marked "L' for the drivers side or "R" for the passenger side.

26. Slide the axle shaft the rest of the way back, against the axle housing. The mounting plates are located between the end of the axle tube and the original bearing retainer plate and Mustang backing plate gasket.

27. Spin the axle so that the hole in the plate lines up with the backing plate nuts. Using a socket wrench and combo wrench, tighten the plates in place with the four 3/8-24 x 1-1/4" bolts and 3/8-24" stop nuts supplied with the kit.

28. Torque these bolts to 40 ft/lbs.

29. Insert the 7/16"-20 x 2" bolts through the holes in each mounting plate. These bolts should be inserted from the outside in.

30. Slide each of the spacers over each of the bolts.

31. Install the caliper mounting brackets on the four mounting bolts. The longer strap goes on the bottom of the plate and the shorter straps will go on top. The brackets are installed so as to point towards the rear of the car, while the ends should point in towards each other.

32. Install the Mustang parking brake cable bracket on the lower rear bolt (front side) and install the 7/16" x 2" stop nuts on each of the bolts.

33. Using a torque wrench and a combo wrench, torque the bolts to 35-40 ft/lbs.

34. At this point, we are ready to install the rotors. They will need to be cleaned with brake cleaner to remove the protective coating.

35. Slide the rotor onto the axle shaft and install one lug nut to hold it in place.

36. If the axle hub is smaller than the center of the Mustang brake rotor. Insert a bushing to center the rotor on the axle.

37. The new calipers are marked with an "L” for the left side and an “R” for right side. Take care to insure you install them on the correct sides. Note: The brake bleeding screw will be on the top if the caliber are on the correct side.

38. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the Mustang brake caliper piston housing from the caliper carrier bracket.

39. Using a 3/4” socket, install the caliber carrier bracket to the to the caliper mounting brackets, but do not tighten yet.

40. Inspect the spacing between the caliber carrier bracket and the rotor. The spacing should be equal on both sides of the rotors.

41. If the spacing is not equal, remove the bolts and insert washers and spacers as required to evenly space the bracket.

42. Torque these bolts to 80-110 ft/lbs.

43. Install the Mustang brake pads on the carrier bracket.

44. Using a 14mm wrench, install the caliber piston onto the carrier bracket and tighten the bolts.

45. Install the threaded end of the rubber brake hose into the existing brass blocks.

46. Place the brass washers on each side of the square end of the brake hose and insert the brass screw. Position the Mustang brake hoses so that they point toward the axle. Avoid any sharp bends. These bolts should be torqued to 20-30 ft/lbs to avoid leaks.

47. Insert the parking brake cables through the L-bracket and lock the spring clip onto the bracket.

48. While compressing the spring, insert the end of the cable into the slot of the parking brake lever on the caliper.

49. Reinstall the wheels. Slowly turn the wheel to insure that it spins freely and does not interfere with anything.

50. If required, remove the wheel and install a Mustang wheel spacer to fix any interference problems. Reinstall the wheels and recheck the clearance.

51. Bleed the brake system to remove all air from the system.

52. Check Mustang parking brakes for proper operation.

53. Check over the entire Mustang rear disc brake conversion kit installation for any leaks and loose connections.

54. Take car for test run to ensure the new Mustang SSBC Rear Disc Brake Kit is working properly.