The manual says "DO NOT under any circumstances ..." split the caliper halves.
Is this really a killer move or can it actually be done safely?
I'm asking as I went and split them before I read the manual.
Yeah, I know . . . . .

 

It depends, I think, on whether or not you have the square section seals in your rebuild kit. Some have them, some don't. The kits I got from Rock Auto do include these seals. In my particular case, I split the calipers and then decided they were too far gone to rebuild myself, so I got some remans. But don't put them back together with the old seal, that's just asking for trouble.

 

On Rock the core charge is almost greater than the actual part. They are an important bit. I would just get new or reman.

 

I've decided to just get some reman calipers from NAPA.
They're black coated and "Semi-Loaded" for $72. Not too bad.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SEBS...=brake+caliper

 

I have split XJS and similar calipers several times. I never had a problem afterwards.

 

New rotors, calipers and pads installed. No more pedal bouncing! Pretty easy job.
Thumbs up to the NAPA calipers. 20% off plus free shipping. Good deal.
The "weather-proof black coating" is a real plus for me (unless you want a color other than black).
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SEBS...=brake+caliper

 

i use an aftermarket frt calipers WILLWOOD, red color , light weight aluminum, EBC slot rotors!
work fine been years , altho i rarely need hard use, but they feel good, its time to bleed the system and replace fluids!
i also use an aluminum master cylinder, Ford truck!
i can also change pads , without removing the calipers, center bolt holds pads(remove one bolt slide pad out ,slip new one in,bedone)?