1989 Ford F-250 Disc Brakes - Tech Stopping The Sterling

We followed TSM's instructions for installing the hardware, but discovered that we needed to change the way a few bolts went into the brackets. Originally, we inserted the bracket bolts from the back, but discovered that the nuts rubbed on the hub seal, so we later turned them around.

The instructions give you an idea of how to mount the caliper brackets depending on which calipers you are using. Basically, you need to mount the calipers with the bleeder screws pointing straight upwards.

With the caliper brackets situated, we reinstalled the hub to the spindle, then slid the rotor over the lug studs. We used two lug nuts to hold the rotor tight against the hub while we attached the TSM-supplied loaded calipers.

If you are using parking-brake-equipped calipers like we were, you'll need to cut off the spring retainer with a pair of dikes and remove the spring from the cable end. It sounds easier than it is, so be patient.

With the calipers mounted on the rotor, the e-brake lever must be actuated (a small click is heard) with a small prybar several times until the pads are firmly seated to the rotor. With the cable springs removed, the e-brake cables can be threaded through the short cable holders, then through the caliper lever springs. The cable ends can then be inserted into the e-brake cable lever.

The final step is to shorten or bend the hard line on the axle and connect the new flexible rubber line from the caliper. We gravity-bled the brakes starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, then the other. It helps to give the calipers a few gentle taps with a dead-blow hammer to dislodge any air bubbles.