Drum to Disc Brake?

[TJ1978]

Thinking for down the road when it’s brake time, of going to disc and getting rid of the drum. This conversion is dependent on cost of course.

Would you guys recommend this conversion or just stick to drums in the back, disc up front?

Sticking with what I have, they are 8 lug axles, where can I buy the appropriate drums, shoes and spring set (link please). 8lug 3/4 ton.

Last time I bought drums (c10 brand new) they still needed turning. The darn drums never seemed right. Always super hot or too loose. They don’t have that nice cut out to adjust the star wheel, each time I had to take the rear wheels off. Anyway.

Or

What disc conversion would you recommend?
(Links please)

 

[Bent77]

How about a complete axle from a newer truck?

 

[TJ1978]

How about a complete axle from a newer truck?

Huh? Like a Dodge Ram or Tacoma?

 

[Wes Harden]

If you have 13 x 2.5" 3/4 ton drum brakes on K5 you may never have to do rear brakes. The adjustment slot is on the backing plate, plus should be 2 viewing slots to see lining thickness.
Just don't leave the parking brake on, like I did, and the rear brakes will last. Also try not to smash the P brake on after a long braking event. If drums are really hot and P brake is smashed on they can egg shape.

 

[TJ1978]

If you have 13 x 2.5" 3/4 ton drum brakes on K5 you may never have to do rear brakes. The adjustment slot is on the backing plate, plus should be 2 viewing slots to see lining thickness.
Just don't leave the parking brake on, like I did, and the rear brakes will last. Also try not to smash the P brake on after a long braking event. If drums are really hot and P brake is smashed on they can egg shape.

What front pads would you recommend?

 

[centexk5]

There’s really nothing wrong with a good working set of drums.

 

[Wes Harden]

Bendix premium quality, semi metallic. No ceramic. Do you have 3/4 ton front as well ?

 

[CrpMag122]

Here is what I went with:

https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/R1877.html

I am beyond happy with them. Well worth it in my opinion. I do wish I spent the extra coin on the e brake add on though because I still haven’t gotten around to figuring it out yet.

 

[TJ1978]

Bendix premium quality, semi metallic. No ceramic. Do you have 3/4 ton front as well ?

Yes I believe so.

 

[TJ1978]

There’s really nothing wrong with a good working set of drums.

Yes. After pondering the cost for the conversion along with the amount of driving it gets. Drums will suffice. I’ll just change outnthe front pads.

 

[TJ1978]

Here is what I went with:

https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/R1877.html

I am beyond happy with them. Well worth it in my opinion. I do wish I spent the extra coin on the e brake add on though because I still haven’t gotten around to figuring it out yet.

Thanks, bookmarked just incase.

 

[sweetk30]

No mud then stay drum unless your needing the weight reduction .

 

[RSWORDS]

I'll put it like this.... with my drum brakes (in good shape) and my stout little 350 I could powerbrake and light up both rear tires with ease and melt them to oblivion.

With my disc... aint happening.

 

[K85 Octane]

If anyone has 3/4ton 14bff drum assembly they want to trade for an entire disc assembly, let me know.
That is if you are local. I would love to go back to drum.

 

[sweetk30]

my comment above is from driving 2 k30 trucks . 1 with disc swapped rear and 38" tires . great works good . the other is a basically bone stock k30 i did the swap on and wish i had just fixed the drums . i have the parts still might do it next spring . work trucks or non mud i like the work they do . mud and big truck not hauling loads of weight get disc brake swap .

 

[TJ1978]

my comment above is from driving 2 k30 trucks . 1 with disc swapped rear and 38" tires . great works good . the other is a basically bone stock k30 i did the swap on and wish i had just fixed the drums . i have the parts still might do it next spring . work trucks or non mud i like the work they do . mud and big truck not hauling loads of weight get disc brake swap .

I’ll stick with the drums...

If I do need to where can I find the drums for 3/4 axles?

I have a couple spring sets from my old C10 will they work in 3/4 axle?

What shoes go in the drums?

Thanks

 

[centexk5]

I'll put it like this.... with my drum brakes (in good shape) and my stout little 350 I could powerbrake and light up both rear tires with ease and melt them to oblivion.

With my disc... aint happening.

I’ve been doing power brakes with rear discs for 20 years. Means nothing.

 

[Wes Harden]

Best to measure your drums, is it a full or semi float 14b? no the c10 spring kits will not work. Most are 13" diameter 2 1/2" width or 11" dia with 2 3/4" width.

 

[skunked]

I'll put it like this.... with my drum brakes (in good shape) and my stout little 350 I could powerbrake and light up both rear tires with ease and melt them to oblivion.

With my disc... aint happening.

Adjustable proportioning valve?

 

[TJ1978]

Best to measure your drums, is it a full or semi float 14b? no the c10 spring kits will not work. Most are 13" diameter 2 1/2" width or 11" dia with 2 3/4" width.

Ok.... thanks for the info...
It’s 14 but I don’t know if full or semi float