14 bolt rear discs

[crewcabshorty]

Whats the opinion from you guys on putting disc brakes on a 14 bolt on a Chebby 1 ton 4x4 ?

[nonstop]

Did it 14 years ago..... I don't tow enough or wheel enough to really notice a difference. On top of it, I needed to do something about a parking brake (the Caddy calipers didn't work to hold my truck). In hind sight, probably not worth the effort, but it gave me bragging rights.

[cadillac_al]

Like nonstop said, it's not really worth it unless you want bragging rights. My Caddys with rear discs work nice but forget about keeping the parking brake operational. Maybe another system would have possibilities but don't use those Caddy rear calipers.

[Wide Open]

Doesn't the late model stuff with factory discs work on older 14 bolts?

[jjzepplin]

I thought so too.

[Wide Open]

If it does (I haven't tried it) that would solve the parking brake issue right?

Do discs (on the rear) really offer that much difference in braking performance? I've had several late 14 bolt trucks with drums and discs and really didn't notice any difference in braking. Holding ability of the parking brake with the drums was much better than the discs.

[nonstop]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

Doesn't the late model stuff with factory discs work on older 14 bolts?

It's not a bolt on. You either need to weld the late model ends on, or make or buy an adapter. I think the place that made the adapters has since stopped. I forget the name of the place, but was in Gilroy or Hollister, and in excess of $200 if I'm not mistaken.

[foamypirate]

Originally Posted by nonstop

It's not a bolt on. You either need to weld the late model ends on, or make or buy an adapter. I think the place that made the adapters has since stopped. I forget the name of the place, but was in Gilroy or Hollister, and in excess of $200 if I'm not mistaken.

I think it was Right Gear or something like that. Can't find the adapters on their website anymore.

[Nodnarb76]

I have been looking at this kit.
https://lugnut4x4.com/product-category/rear/single/

Anyone used this before?

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by Nodnarb76

I have been looking at this kit.
https://lugnut4x4.com/product-category/rear/single/

Anyone used this before?

I just used it this weekend on my K2500 SF lol. Nice kit, has everything you need, even new studs.

The one bummer is, the disc rotor's go BEHIND the hub, or in my SF case, axle flange. So I have to pull an axle to change my rotor's, but it'll probably be five years before I wear them out anyway.

[Jrgunn5150]

[nonstop]

Originally Posted by Jrgunn5150

I just used it this weekend on my K2500 SF lol. Nice kit, has everything you need, even new studs.

The one bummer is, the disc rotor's go BEHIND the hub, or in my SF case, axle flange. So I have to pull an axle to change my rotor's, but it'll probably be five years before I wear them out anyway.

Just thinking out loud here, but I wonder if that is a problem that could be overcome by using newer rotors.....

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by nonstop

Just thinking out loud here, but I wonder if that is a problem that could be overcome by using newer rotors.....

Yes, the newer rotors slide on, but you would need a spacer, which nobody seems to sell. I've seen people stack washers or machine them themselves though.

When I priced it out, newer stuff, rotors, backing plates, everything, came to 327 because of core charges. That plus the cost or difficulty of the spacer is what made me choose the Lugnut4x4.com kit.

[Wide Open]

I'm curious to see what you think of the disc performance compared to your drums.
What size rotors are those?

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

I'm curious to see what you think of the disc performance compared to your drums.
What size rotors are those?

Well when I bought the truck the back lines were blocked off and the drums were seized to the shoes, so I never had the stock stuff working to compare it to. Since purchase I've deleted the ABS (it's a 98), ran all new nicop lines and a Jeg's Prop valve, so I'll never have an apples to apples comparison. I figured the cost of everything new with drums was up over 250 and would likely wind up the same way in five year's, so why not disc? Especially since the bracket and rotors and everything will also work on a FF when I chose to step up.

The rotor's are stock K20 squarebody size, according to Billavista they are 12.5" diameter, 1.3" thick. They barely clear my 16" wheels. Also, I used the larger JB7 calipers, 3 5/32" piston vs the standard 2 15/16", I was betting on my larger 3/4 MC being able to handle it, if it doesn't, I'll add hydroboost

[Desert1957]

I thought this conversion required larger wheels Like 19.5?

Do not remember any disc conversions that would clear 16" wheels.

I would consider the conversion on mine if the parking brake problem could be resolved.

Desert

[Front Range]

Converted from drum to discs, but went back to drums.

[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by Front Range

Converted from drum to discs, but went back to drums.

Because the braking performance wasn't there? Parking brake issues?

[Front Range]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

Because the braking performance wasn't there? Parking brake issues?

Studied it carefully, went with a disc/disc master cylinder, adjustable proportioning valve for the rear, disc brackets from Rough Stuff, longer studs for rear rotor etc. Braking wasn't much different IMO, lots of money invested and loss of e-brake isn't worth it. Drums are effective enough for most applications when properly maintained.

That isn't blanket criticism of rear discs, it's an individual opinion and I recommend doing what you like based on experience, usage, and goals. I know the mudders prefer disc to prevent clogging, off-roaders for weight savings, and it has a purpose. We all have different needs and I don't judge others. For me in this case I got glassy eyed and swapped when I didn't really need to.

When I switched back to drums I went with 13 x 3 drums off a 3500 series Crew. That's a lot of brake, more than enough for me. In the end if your happy with the set-up that is what counts.

[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by Front Range

When I switched back to drums I went with 13 x 3 drums off a 3500 series Crew. That's a lot of brake, more than enough for me. In the end if your happy with the set-up that is what counts.

Agreed. I've had a few trucks with those and they worked great for me as well.

Discs are sure easier to change the pads though

[Front Range]

No doubt there, I'd be a happy clam if the 14BFF brake drums just slid right off like a pair of socks. Ah well, give and take in everything you do with these things.

[v30crewcab]

if you're gonna do it, just get an 02 disc rear and be done. rotors slide off, ebrake works. they make brackets to bolt all that on an older 14bolt, but they're expensive and its easier to just move the springpads and move on.

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

I thought this conversion required larger wheels Like 19.5?

Do not remember any disc conversions that would clear 16" wheels.

I would consider the conversion on mine if the parking brake problem could be resolved.

Desert

Nope, fits fine, K20's had 16.5" wheels stock I believe,

[FritzA]

Check out the Wildwood parking brakes available at Summit (everywhere else I am sure too).

Anyone try one of these?

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ibanner=SREPD5