are the calipers from a 73 Scout II Dana 44 compatible to GM? All my hardware on my current caliper are just toast maybe if I could get a bleeder screw or sumtin?
Sorry for all the incorrect bullshit thrown around here by one of our most recent signups!
There were two distinct variations of disc brake systems used on Scout II in the beginning, and yours "might" be one of the oddballs, just no way to tell without pics and casting numbers off the calipers. In addition to being slightly different in external appearance, they also have different piston diameters and use different pads that don't interchange. Many of the aftermarket parts lookups do not differentiate between the two systems so if you are working with an oddball, then it's near impossible to get the right parts without some heavy-duty research!
And none of the brake systems were manufactured by "Ford", "chevrolet", "chrysler", etc. That stuff was/is all supplied by outside vendors such as bendix, kelsey hayes, lockheed, delco moraine, etc. And manufactured to a specification supplied by the oem vehicle manufacturer for a particular platform.
But...there is much interchangeability amongst some parts and peripheral hardware. An example would be the bleeder screws you mention which are certainly interchangeable if attention is paid to the same size/length/pattern, etc. Same for hoses, etc.
If all ya need is some fresh bleeder screws, then take a sample to your local full-service parts house and they will have an assortment of items to choose from.
Normally when dealing with disc brake calipers, we simply don't waste any time trying to "service" 'em. We replace with either new ones (if available) or quality remanufactured semi-loaded or loaded calipers and just bolt 'em on!
"semi-loaded" means a rebuilt caliper with no pads, you install your choice of pad sets for the application at hand. A "loaded" caliper means complete with generic friction material pads suitable for most all street/highway use.