2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3500 wheel cylinder to 2500???

[TMills]

I am going to try to put the 3500 wheel cylinder on my 2500 rear drum brakes. I am not very experienced with changing brake pads and etc. so any help would appreciated. I have purchased the wheel cylinders and have a brake bleeder. What else do I need and while I am doing this what else do I need to do? If anyone has instructions they could send me I would also help me out alot.



Thanks,

Todd

 

[FourBarR]

just installed 0ne ton cylinders to my 98. 5. no problem to do. only takes about one hour. makes a big difference in braking power.

 

[MGloeckler]

You guys that are doing this swap, do you have 4wheel antilock or just rear wheel? I did this on my 96 2500 and the brakes are terrible if you get on the brakes the rear wheels start to slide and this kicks in the antilock and your truck will not stop!!!! I have 4wheel antilock... . I have noticed looking under the hood of a few other dodges that most only seem to have rear antilock. .



Lowell

 

[TMills]

I haven't actually done it yet, but I have a 2001 with 4 wheel abs I believe. Has anyone else had this problem???

 

[TMills]

Is there any way to do this without taking off the rear pads???

 

[FourBarR]

my truck has rear wheel abs only. did not remove rear shoes, remove springs as necessary to pull shoes out far enough to get cylinders off. if your not expierenced, do one side at a time. take care you dont damage the brake line. adjust and bleed and your done. good luck.

 

[SMorneau]

the shoes don't need to come off just the top springs and then separate them enough to get the new cylinders in. a brake pliers is very handy for manipulating the springs.



I like the 3500 wheel cylinders much better than the 2500. The only time I noticed locking as a problem was when the fronts weren't kept up properly. 4WABS is disconnected... biggest POS ABS system ever built.

 

[krs]

I just put in 1 1/16" cylinders, replacing 1" ones that were stock. Lots of 2500s already have the same cylinders as 3500s had and there's no way to tell until you can either measure yours or compare part numbers. There are four different sizes that can fit our trucks. You can't necessarily go by what your Napa guy has in his parts book. There are several old threads about this.



I think that the best thing to do is call Sam Peterson's shop in Olympia, WA at 360-357-4958. He's a member here and won't steer you wrong.



As said above, if you're not experienced with doing drum brakes DO NOT TAKE BOTH SIDES APART AT THE SAME TIME. You'll need one side assembled to show you how all them parts are 'sposed to go.