disc brakes for my '79 8.5" 10 bolt rear?

[nikwho]

This topic is now an FAQ-"Disc Brakes- 8.5" 10 bolt axle (70-81 Camaro or 98-04 S10-Blazer )"


I have a '79 8.5" 10 bolt rear axle on the '59 from a camaro. Is there a vehicle that i can nab the rear disc brakes off of to convert it? Im looking for an economical way to convert to disc brakes in the rear. Any other thoughts?

[cap n crunch]

Originally Posted by nikwho

I have a '79 8.5" 10 bolt rear axle on the '59 from a camaro. Is there a vehicle that i can nab the rear disc brakes off of to convert it? Im looking for an economical way to convert to disc brakes in the rear. Any other thoughts?

Speedway metric caliper brackets $10 bucks, 4x4 S-10 Rear rotors around $50 each new, metric calipers around $30 a piece new............

[oldschool53_BBC]

Originally Posted by cap n crunch

Speedway metric caliper brackets $10 bucks, 4x4 S-10 Rear rotors around $50 each new, metric calipers around $30 a piece new............

agree

[skip99]

I've done a couple disc conversions on camaros, I got my stuff from Right Stuff in Columbus Oh. 18004052000, I actually call them for tech support and make sure I get the right part numbers. then I have a friend who is a vendor of theirs order for me, he gets a big discount.. I know, it's screwy... right stuff is right down the road from me, but it's cheaper for my friend in another state to order. I just go pick it up. but they do protect their vendors. anyway, you can get calipers, brackets, spacers, lines, ebrake cables, rotors, flex hoses and the correct master, for around 400..
ask for Todd.. at Right stuff
I would order through Coast2coast camaro..248-933-0440 Richard..

[Trucknut57]

I went to my local LKQ and picked up the parts I needed from a 98 - 04 S10 Blazer.
Below is a complete list of the parts you will need to do the conversion. Some parts you may already have but if not, its listed. Hope its helpful.

A comprehensive list of what needs to be done to go from factory rear drum on a
70-81 Camaro to 98-04 S10-Blazer rear disc.


Parts you will need:

1 - Driver side 4WD backing plate, e-brake assembly (GM PN-15064302)
1 - Passenger side 2WD backing plate, e-brake assembly (GM PN-15773309)
8 - 3/8 bolts, lock washers and nuts to mount backing plate to rear housing
3/8 washers to shim the backing plate for perfect fitment of the caliper to rotor
(2 each bolt in my case)
2 - Driver side 4WD caliper, or passenger side 2WD caliper, mix & match
(Loaded kit w/ brackets & pads Cardone PN-164712) (Loaded kit w/ brackets &
pads NAPA PN-TS 1422228)
2 - Caliper brackets - if needed
1 - Brake pad set - if needed (HAWK HB119F-594)
4 - caliper bracket bolts (GM PN-15726460)
2 - banjo bolts (GM PN-10286122)
2 - 2WD Blazer rotors (NAPA 4886725) (Powerslot 8638PSL & 8638PSR)
1 - Master cylinder (80 disc/disc T/A, 79 disc/disc Vette, 70 manual disc/disc
Vette all work)
2 - Brake hoses (you can use stock Blazer hoses or any braided stainless ones with
a 10mm banjo fitting)
1 - Prop valve (stock 80 T/A works, I used a Summit adjustable)
New style brake cable (I used the Blazer cables, but Lokar universal would be
less work)
Brake fluid, gear oil, axle seals

[nikwho]

Thanks guys! I always find all of the answers here!!!

[Houston54]

One thing to keep in mind if you do change over to rear discs is your master cylinder and/or proportioning valve may also need to be replaced.

I considered adding discs to the 10 bolt on my 54 but the drum brakes work just fine.

[bretcopsey]

Another possible issue with GM c-clip axles is pad knock back. The end play in the axles can cause the disc to kick into the pads, pushing the caliper piston back into the bore. The end result is a "soft pedal" feel the next time you apply the brakes.

Some guys go the extra mile and shim the ends of the axles inside the carrier. It may be overkill, but something to at least keep in mind if you experience the soft pedal issue....

[nikwho]

wow. interesting! I think that I may just put it together with the drums and wait to see if it goes well. But if I end up needing to buy new drums, shoes and hardware kit, i'd rather spend the money for the discs. C clip eliminators maybe? also, does this make it that you dont have an e brake?

[hammerdog57]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

Another possible issue with GM c-clip axles is pad knock back. The end play in the axles can cause the disc to kick into the pads, pushing the caliper piston back into the bore. The end result is a "soft pedal" feel the next time you apply the brakes.

Some guys go the extra mile and shim the ends of the axles inside the carrier. It may be overkill, but something to at least keep in mind if you experience the soft pedal issue....

How did they shim end of axles inside carrier? I am installing disc brakes on my camaro rearend and have to much axle end play on one axle. Drivers side end play .008 Passenger side .028

[sweet70beast]

I used Firebird rotors too but I used 79 Cad backing plates, e-brake calipers, master and prop valve. Used the little push rod from the cad in my 70 Nova vacuum booster. Everything bolted right on.

[N2TRUX]

This topic is now an FAQ-"Disc Brakes- 8.5" 10 bolt axle (70-81 Camaro or 98-04 S10-Blazer )"