Re; more brake (800) stuff

[Doug Rasmussen <76075.2276@domain.elided>]

Gregg wrote:
>got everything put together and i discovered that my new disks are
pulling the fluid from the small reservoir on my previously installed
scout2 master cylinder. problem?  i also noticed that the new disks
will not release properly and seem to remember someone saying
something about the proportioning valve having to come off of a disc
brake scout2 (sorry, deleted post).  i have one i am parting so that
is fine; i have one.  this is for an 800 closed knuckle front end, now
with 1978 blazer calipers and hoses and scout2 rotors.  am i missing
some issues? thanks<

I don't know why you're having the fluid problem with the master cylinder. 
I'm running my disks with the original 800 M/C.  No fluid problems.  I have
noticed as the pads wear the fluid level needs to be watched.  A little
normal wear on the pads equals quite a drop in fluid level in the
reservoir, but a check every  month or so is enough.

 Your disks will drag if you still have the residual pressure valve in the
M/C.  That's a little spring/rubber/ball valve thingie behind the big
fitting where your front line comes out of the M/C.  The purpose of the
residual pressure valve is to keep a little pressure on the brake line for
drum brakes so the shoes won't retract farther than necessary.  With disks
you can't have a residual pressure valve in that line.  My disks dragged on
my first test run around the block, as soon as I removed the valve, no more
drag !


  Using a proportioning valve out of the Scout II might not be a good idea,
that valve is designed for that vehicle.   You should only need to mess
with the proportioning valve if you're having problems.  The most common
problem would be the rear brakes locking up on hard stops.  If it feels
like your rears are tending to lock up then you're system isn't balanced
correctly,  60% front braking, 40% rear.  The easiest way to balance the
system is putting a flow restrictor in the rear line.  The speed shops sell
the flow restrictors, they call them adjustable proportioning valves.

   Did you change your rear brakes to Scout II drums ?  If you have a 
later 800 flanged axle rear end the Scout II rear drums are a direct bolt
on,  the early 800's with tapered axles are a little more of a hassle to
convert to the larger brakes.

Doug