Master Power Dual Master Cylinder and Rear Main Seal Replacement


http://209.208.111.198/Topic58209.aspx 		Print Topic | Close Window

By Danny - 14 Years Ago
My original master cylinder needs replacement. I have decided to retain the manual front and rear drum brakes and install a dual master cylinder on my 1956 Fairlane/292/Fordomatic. Master Power makes a dual master cylinder for a 1956 Ford full size car -MC11488M. Has anyone intalled one of these? What if any modifications had to be done other than fabricatiing and installing new brake lines?

I will be bringing my 1956 Ford to a transmission shop to find and seal leaks which there seem to be a few and to install a new rear main seal. I have read many nightmarish stories on various forums dealing with the replacement of the rear main seal on a yblock with less than stellar results. From your experience and knowledge what brand and type material (rope, rubber, neoprene) of the rear main seal will give the best chance of being successful? Where do I get the best quality seals for the small case Fordomatic transmission?

Thanks,

Danny

By 314 - 14 Years Ago
is the transmisson shop going to replace your rear seal?
By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
For a rear main seal the consensus seems to be made by "Best".Neoprene.If you go to the site "Eatonbalancing.com there is an article you can print off with explicit directions on replacing it correctly.If you have a Fordomatic there are several places to check for leaks including the front pump seal which entails pulling the transmision.If you are going to replace the rear main seal you should round up a couple of items in advance.Rear main seal kit,oil pan gasket and the rubber seal that goes on the oil feed tube where it goes into the pump.If you are going to replace the master cylinder with a dual you might consider buying one of the "power brake" conversions that come with booster and master cylinder as well as booster mounting bracket.About $170.00 plus shipping.There is a fellow on Ebay that several of us have bought from.I did my buddies with 4 wheel drum brakes and the difference is amazing.Its not a  lot more work to install the power brakes than just doing the master alone.I will check Ebay and find the listing # if you want to check it out.Ebay item is 330555032342.Dave is the sellers name.If you want one call him direct.Phone # on his "store" info.He will usually give a little better price if you buy direct.He also accepts credit cards.
By Danny - 14 Years Ago
Yes, they will be replacing the rear main seal. They are an automotive repair shop specializing in power train repairs. Their transmission guy has 40 years experience in rebuilding transmissions and is presently rebuilding a 1956 Fordomatic. Hopefully on mine, he will only be replacing the seals.
By Danny - 14 Years Ago
oldcarmark,

Were there any modifications needed to install the ebay setup other than fabricating and installing new brake lines?

By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
Not really.The setup comes with a mounting bracket.I had to trim it a little so it would sit flat against the firewall.Uses same mounting holes as original.Because I have front disc brakes I mounted an adjustable proportioning valve on the frame under the steering box where the line from the rear ends(where the original junction block was).I ran a line from the master down to it.Made up a new line to feed the front brakes.Same as you will do when going to dual master.On my buddies 55 we did not use a prop valve because he has all drums.He is happy with it.If you want its not a bad idea to use and adjustable valve and you can fine tune rear brake activation.Dave also sells those adjustable valves.If you do a search using the box at top of page there is a post showing the setup mounted in Yellowings 56.Maybe he will see this and post a link to his post with those pics.On that conversion kit the pushrod angles downward because of the mounting angle.You can use the original hole in the pedal but I found it an awkward  angle.I drilled a second hole in the pedal where the pushrod meets the pedal.About 2 inchs lower than original hole.works fine-no problem.
By tarheel - 13 Years Ago
Oldcarmark: Where did you get the kit to convert to front discs? I want to convert my 56 and have been reading the reviews about different available kits, and some of the reviewers say some of the kits are not too good (called them chinese junk) and said that they had to replace some kit components. I'd like to avoid that hassle if I could, so I'd like to hear your opinion/advice.



Larry
By oldcarmark - 13 Years Ago
I used the spindles from a 75-80 Ford Granada.The rest of the hardware and rotors are for the same vehicle.I had to have the rotor hub turned down enough to fiit through the hole in the centre of the stock rims.There was no interference between the stock 15 inch wheels and the calipers.I used 74 Pinto/Mustang 2 brake hoses and a couple of universal brackets on the frame ahead of the wheels.Hoses come out the front of the calipers.The stock drum brakes hose goes towards the rear so you must put brackets forwards.The stock tie rod ends and upper ball joint fit as is.You must get the lower hole in the spindle reamed larger to fit the lower ball joint.Its a tapered fit so you will need to either borrow a reamer or find a machine shop who have tapered reamers.You have to remake 2 brake lines to work with the new master.I used an adjustable prop valve on the frame inline to the rear brakes.Others have used a factory type prop valve plumbed into the lines near the master.There are several topics with pics if you do a search using the "search" box at top of page.I see there is a couple of conversion kits on Ebay using the stock spindles.i have no experience with those but they look pretty good. Also be aware the Granada spindles will lower the car about 2-3 inches.I had to put lowering blocks in the rear to level it.One more mod I did was install self-adjusters in the rear brakes.Very important to keep the rears  properly adjusted. If you decide you want to go this way I can try and anser any questions.i also used a power booster/dual master from a fellow who by the name "oldirishmans auto" on Ebay.He will sell direct with credit card at lower price if you phone him.Several of us have purchased from him.I bought 2 for myself and my buddy and another friend bought one also.Good guy to deal with.With this new setup the difference in braking is amazing.I can do a "panic stop" from high speed with hands OFF the sttering wheel and it stops dead straight and "right now".Try that with standard manual drum brakes!