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Brake Upgrades and Rear disc brake conversions

K

KeyBlazer

1/2 ton status
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Jul 18, 2007
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Location
Irvine, California
Looking at the braking system, on my Restoration Project , a '73 K10, and wondering what everyone is doing these days.
I'm running 6 lug 15s and 35" tires so any areas for improvement would be welcome.
All the stuff needs replacing, restoring, so I need to plan ahead,
Can I get opinions on Upgrades for the front end, and also what people think about, and are doing for rear disc conversions?
Stock Dana 44 front, and 12 bolt rear.

Thanks in advance!
 
Ive been looking into this as well, found this company that look to make some nice bolt on kits, with different options. They arent cheap, but are complete and bolt on. Rear disc may work with 15’s depending on specific wheels, so thats something to consider. Their big brake kits look sweet, and would certainly get it closer to stopping power of modern pickup/suvs

Search by Vehicle - Chevy/GMC - K5/K10 - Little Shop Mfg

www.littleshopmfg.com www.littleshopmfg.com
 
I have been looking for years about ways to put rear disc on my M009’s and my 3/4 ton Suburban. It always seems to come back to those Cadillac calipers which seem a bit above junk quality wise but not by much, no parking brake at all or putting 2000 or newer rear axles on with the top hat parking brakes.

I have just left the rear drums fully serviced and adjusted. Then added Hawk performance pads to the fronts. Much better stopping, but not as good as disc all all 4 corners.
 
The trick with the Cadillac calipers is to get good ones like those from lugnut 4x4, a lot of the remans are junk, they aren’t a super parking brake but they do work….I can count on on hand how many times I’ve even set my parking brake….
 
Wildwood makes an auxiliary cable operated parking brake caliper.
Saw it at the KOH desplay.

IMG_20230209_141649.jpg
 
Cadillac calipers work great when they have the brake cable attached and you set the parking brake EVERY time you park it. i have a perfectly working set on the rear and have 2006 Hummer front four piston calipers.
 
frankin5 said:
Cadillac calipers work great when they have the brake cable attached and you set the parking brake EVERY time you park it. i have a perfectly working set on the rear and have 2006 Hummer front four piston calipers.
Click to expand...
What other mods were needed to fit the hummer calipers.

The cadi calipers are on the smallish size. If you get a good set, (iirc they haven't been made for 30 years) and keep them adjusted, I think you will get reasonable service on 35s and smaller, depending truck weight.
 
If you have to re-gear at all, I would consider a whole new axle for the rear. Modern 1/2 or 3/4 ton axle with e-brake in hat style disc brakes from the factory. 15" wheels might be an issue, not sure. Only makes sense to do if you are playing with the differential anyway, probably not worth the hassle of an axle swap just for brakes.

Also really need to ask yourself about going to rear disc brakes. Properly rebuild factory drums "should" be fine for a K5 that is just driving around (not towing).
 
Wes Harden said:
What other mods were needed to fit the hummer calipers.
Click to expand...
Brackets were from Thor parts. You have to turn hubs a small amount to use 1988 Silverado 1/2 ton rotors as they slip on the hubs. 2006 -2010 Hummer 3 front rotors . You can buy new Cadillac rotors large and small.

THORparts.com​

 
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