Disc Brake Kit for a Ford Nine-Inch Rear End
Undoubtedly, the Ford Nine-Inch is the most popular rear end out there. Whether it’s for circle track, drag racing, off-roading, a nice street rod, or your daily driver, the Ford Nine-Inch has been adapted to be used in almost every application. When it comes to aftermarket brake kits for the Ford Nine-Inch, there are several to choose from. I chose to use this Weld-On Rear Disc Brake Kit when setting up the rear brakes on mine.
I chose this kit for several reasons, first being the cost. Like most car enthusiasts, price heavily impacts our decision on whether we will buy a part. I also wanted something with cost-effective, individually sold replacement parts available. So that, for example, if I heat up and warp a rotor, I can replace just the rotor. I also wanted something that was weld on so I could fine-tune the location of the brake calipers and run my brake line where I want them to go. Since I have a 1972 Chevy Nova that is back halved, this was crucial for me to clear all the components under the rear of my car.
The next reason I chose this kit is the durability of the parts. The Brake Calipers in this kit are IMCA approved and are used in circle track applications which are known for taking a beating continuously. To go along with the durability of this kit, I liked the design of the brake caliper brackets that get welded to the rear axle housing. They have additional support braces that are bent 90 degrees to the bracket for more support as compared to just flat plate brackets.
The hat for the rotor also attracted me to this kit. It has 3 different bolt patterns, so it can be used for almost any application. I did come to find that with some Wheel Studs like mine. They have a slight cone shape to them where the rotor hat sits. I solved this by taking a Stepper Drill Bit and running it on the backside of the hat at a very slow speed to get that conical shape. I did this one at a time until I was pleased with the rotor hat sitting flush against the axle flange.
Lastly, I want to talk about the brake pads, since this kit uses the 1978-1988 GM brake calipers, the pads are obtainable in several different pad types for many different applications. The Brake Pads are supplied with the kit but other compounds like these Soft Street Brake Pads, which is a soft street compound, are available.
Overall, installation was a breeze with the given instructions. Don’t forget to add stainless brake lines, such as these Braided Stainless Brake Hoses, which work on these calipers.
