Drum to Disc brake rear end swap how-to!

[Brian R.]

Nice job. Didn't you need a new (4-wheel discs) proportioning valve to get higher pressure to the rear discs?

[rlith]

no, the proportioning valve is part of the ABS... 60/40 same as drum in all years

[ginobass]

If one does a drum to disc conversion only (not the entire axle) what happens to the emergency brake? How does that work without the drum/shoes?

[rlith]

Originally Posted by ginobass

If one does a drum to disc conversion only (not the entire axle) what happens to the emergency brake? How does that work without the drum/shoes?

The rear discs have drums built in to them that small shoes inside for the ebrake

[ginobass]

Ok I understand, thanks.

I'm trying to get together a complete list of what's needed to do the swap, and where to get them ie. dealer vs parts store. It looks like the backing plates, dust shields and e-brake cables are dealer items, at least I couldn't find them on Autozone or Advance websites.

So I'd assume that the e-brake shoes/mechanism are part of the backing plates, no? Would they be included, or are they separate pieces?

My Blazer, which I just fixed and put on the road for the firt time, brakes poorly, I'm not happy wiht the braking performance at all. I'm thinking discs in back would help that. Thanks!

[rlith]

Originally Posted by ginobass

Ok I understand, thanks.

I'm trying to get together a complete list of what's needed to do the swap, and where to get them ie. dealer vs parts store. It looks like the backing plates, dust shields and e-brake cables are dealer items, at least I couldn't find them on Autozone or Advance websites.

So I'd assume that the e-brake shoes/mechanism are part of the backing plates, no? Would they be included, or are they separate pieces?

My Blazer, which I just fixed and put on the road for the firt time, brakes poorly, I'm not happy wiht the braking performance at all. I'm thinking discs in back would help that. Thanks!

By the time you get through going to the dealer for parts, it would be cheaper just to grab a complete rear with all the cables at a bone yard for 200-300 bux

[ginobass]

I wasn't looking to get ALL the parts at the dealer, that would be insane, but for some parts the dealer is the only option. I was trying to find out which ones for sure, if anyone knew.

[rlith]

also remember, if you're just doing the parts and not the whole rear, you will need to move the flanges in 3/4"

[Stonesway]

What about the master cylinder and brake booster for the swap. Do these also have to be replaced if you have disc front and drum back and are changing to disc rear?