Rear Disc Brake Conversion kits - 14bsf

[big-blue]

Hi ya,

Can anyone share some real-world experiences with a disc brake conversion kit from either MotorCityK5, Lugnut4x4 or from Eastern (to name a few)? I am honing in on Lugnut's kit just because it's about $200 cheaper than MotorCity's - and I can't get an answer from MotorCity as why their kit is that much more.
I believe generally they are all going to install the same way and the kits come with very similar parts. But I am looking for more of the finer comparative details - like the craftsmanship of the mount, quality between their rebuilt vs new calipers, etc. Pros or cons to any kits you may have used?

I am pulling the trigger at the end of the month and would rather not spend the extra cash if one kit didn't warrant it over another (again, prime example is Lugnuts vs MotorCity). But to note - I am seeking a complete kit. I know folks have seen additional savings by sourcing parts individually. I want to get everything from one supplier who can standby their kits.

Thanks!

 

[Deuling]

Just going to ask.... Why? My drum brakes work great on mine. Only reason id consider switching would be warped drums. Other than that all the parts are cheap and they seem to last forever.....

 

[brans87]

Weight would be a big factory I would think.

 

[toomany]

Just going to ask.... Why? My drum brakes work great on mine. Only reason id consider switching would be warped drums. Other than that all the parts are cheap and they seem to last forever.....

If you wheel in the mud disc's are 100% better than drums. Disc are mostly self cleaning. Drums you have to take apart and clean the crud out.

OP, I haven't personaly used Lugnuts kits, but have talked to several people that have and are happy with them.

 

[Deuling]

Weight would be a big factory I would think.

Maybe for mud as stated, sure a disk is much better and easier to clean out. But I dont think the weight difference is worth anything. you are removing a drum yes, but adding a rotor and a caliper.

Im betting the weight difference is very close.

 

[blazinzuk]

I can't imagine the drums and backing plate weigh much more than a disc conversion on a sf on a ff my drums weighed 80 lbs each.

Adam I am surprised you have never meant anyone who ruined their drums at the dunes. It's gotta be the just right situation but I have ruined a drum brake cause it got sand in it. I know others that have as well.

 

[rampage]

Here's the weight difference on a 14bff -

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42412

 

[big-blue]

Just going to ask.... Why? My drum brakes work great on mine. Only reason id consider switching would be warped drums. Other than that all the parts are cheap and they seem to last forever.....

I am tired of dealing with the drums, to be frank about it. While I have the bigger brake system, looking to get more efficient braking as this rig's primary goal in life is my TV. Right now the rears are squealing and would take this opportunity to do this upgrade. Less weight is a nice side effect but not my primary objective.

 

[big-blue]

If you wheel in the mud disc's are 100% better than drums. Disc are mostly self cleaning. Drums you have to take apart and clean the crud out.

OP, I haven't personaly used Lugnuts kits, but have talked to several people that have and are happy with them.

Thanks. That is the vendor/kit I am honing in in. Heck, he's the only person who has replied to an email I sent to the various vendors inquiring about kits.

 

[dyeager535]

Just curious, did you notice the lugnut kits are $200 more to get the e-brake? That may be the difference you are seeing.

Also, for e-brake they are the same Eldorado calipers that a fair number of people have not been happy with. It's the most common solution to keep an e-brake, but they are definitely not ideal.

If you don't want an e-brake, then pretty easy choice I suppose.

Rears do about 30% of your braking, unless using the truck heavily loaded, they will never do much work.

 

[big-blue]

IIRC, Across the kits, lugnut was $200 cheaper. $350/$550 & $550/$750 ... Lugnut/motorcity and non-ebrake/ebrake. At least the last time I checked that was the case. I forget what Eastern was at

 

[Deuling]

Adam I am surprised you have never meant anyone who ruined their drums at the dunes. It's gotta be the just right situation but I have ruined a drum brake cause it got sand in it. I know others that have as well.

Keep up the wheel speed and dont bury the axle






Also when I put the 6 lug shafts in the 8 lug housing I needed to space out the backing plates, with dunes in mind I only spaced them out about 3/8" so there is a slight gap between the drum and backing plate flange. I figured it would allow debris to fall out instead of getting stuck inside. It also would not allow a ridge to build up on the edge of the drum that always makes them a pain to pull off.