Topic: Running without front disk brake rotor covers/shield on an 86.

[4RunnerChevy]

Pros and cons about running front disks without the deflector/shield/whatever you call it.  I run rear disks and no shield and have never had a problem.  This is a drive to trail and wheel vehicle only.    I think its a non issue, and I am getting tired of them.

[brainlessfool]

don't see why not. they do help with air flow on the road.

[93tonkatoy]

I am running without the front dust shields on my 93, and have had no bad effects. Daily driven, rain or shine. The disk sits just about even with the inside edge of the rim, so airflow is not a problem. With 35" and 36" tires, have had no wet brake problems or any brake fade from heat.
I am also running rear disks, with no shields.

[sweetmeat]

I dont use dust shields either. Never had any issues. In fact i had to take my rears off when i did my rear disk conversion. I know a few people that run the same setup i do and none ever had any problems. Your good

[4RunnerChevy [OP]]

This all good to hear, cause I am gonna dump them after  do a little cutting.

[Toymin8r]

I've used my rock catchers for the last several year since I installed them after rebuilding the axle.  I plan on chuckin' them after the current rebuild.  I have never heard of any reason to keep them on a trail truck.

[4RunnerChevy [OP]]

Yeah it looks like the center bolt circle is used as a spacer.  I may have to cut the spacer/bolt cicle out, or machine an aluminum spacer.

[Jordan7118]

Yeah it looks like the center bolt circle is used as a spacer.  I may have to cut the spacer/bolt cicle out, or machine an aluminum spacer.

SKY makes that plate if you really wanna buy something.

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new/detaproduct.php?id=81

I just cut out the center and used it. You'll want to tack weld the brake line mount where it connects to the backing plate so they are in the same relationship when you cut the backing plate apart. This allows you to have a factory mount for the brake line that uses the two caliper bolt mounts. now you can take off the calipers without having to re-bleed the system. Hope that all makes sense.

[RABIDYOTA]

i cut mine  but kept the mount for my brake line

[Plekto]

As near as I can tell, they're used to keep brake dust down on the wheels(cosmetics more than any real function).

[4RunnerChevy [OP]]

I cut the shields its a done deal.  I'll put the junk back together this weekend.

[sweetmeat]

Marlin sells a spacer to put back in to fill the gap by removing the sheilds. Thats what i did. Not sure if they still sell them or not but its worth checkin out. I got mine probably a year ago

[4RunnerChevy [OP]]

I cut out the centers  today and turned them round so its all good.

[95yotakid]

thats good then sounds like im probably gonna do it too

[Beast2588]

ive taken  mine off and added the spacers. and never had a problem.
 maybe a stupid question but what kind of problems would it cause if
you took them off and ran without the spacers?