So as the title states what's with calipers getting so hard to get these days.

 

I think there are rebuild kits available. And while I’ve not done it., I don’t think it’s hard to do or requires any special tools. Try a search in the tech section for any threads.

 

All the 5 lug cores have dried up and major reman companies can't provide rebuilt calipers if they have no inventory. Unfortunately, large auto parts stores (O'reilly, Autozone, etc.) still list calipers on their websites, despite being unable to get them. As @Sgtblue mentioned, you can rebuild them yourself with varying levels of success. You'll just need a rebuild kit (mazdatrix, atkins, or wherever) and a few different specialty tools (snap ring pliers, picks). There's a very good youtube video for FD caliper rebuilds, which are basically identical to FC's minus one or two parts.

 

I recently did this rebuilding of the calipers and it's not to bad to do as I had pulled my front calipers apart for the roger mandeville big brake set up that ronin speed works sells. Make sure you don't have crazy pitting on the pistons and calipers. Funny that you mentioned the big box stores being empty on inventory cause I think I might've bought the last remanufactured right side lol.