BUDGET Chevy GM 88-98 C1500 Truck Rear Disk Brake Conversion EASY! UNDER $400

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, Leo walks through the process of converting his Chevy pickup truck from drum brakes to a rear disc brake setup. He explains the challenges and cost comparison, shows the necessary parts, and demonstrates step-by-step how to complete the conversion, including axle removal, bracket installation, brake line adjustments, and parking brake assembly. Leo also offers tips on adapting parts, routing brake lines, and ensuring the system functions correctly. After bleeding the brake lines and testing, he shares his thoughts on the improved braking performance and confidence driving the truck.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cost of converting to rear disc brakes was only a few hundred dollars more than replacing the drum and shoes, making it a financially viable upgrade.
• 😀 The process involves using brackets from Cunningham Machine, which were confirmed to be okay to share and cost under $400.
• 😀 Removing the old brake components (wheels, brake shoes, drums, etc.) requires the use of jack stands and basic hand tools.
• 😀 While the axles don’t necessarily need to be removed, it's easier to do so to ensure proper installation of new parts, like the brackets and seals.
• 😀 It’s important to follow specific steps for axle and brake line removal, including taking care with the brake cylinder and backing plates.
• 😀 When installing the new brake components, silicone paste and thread locker should be used to ensure proper assembly and prevent corrosion.
• 😀 Brake pads must be installed with the correct orientation, ensuring that the deepest groove on the pad aligns with the brake pad boss.
• 😀 The rotor requires a 9/16-inch hole to fit over the factory hub, and proper cleaning of the rotor before installation is crucial.
• 😀 Custom brake lines need to be fabricated, and care must be taken to ensure the brake line fittings match up correctly to avoid leaks.
• 😀 When adjusting the parking brake, be sure to test for minimal slack and ensure smooth movement of the cable to avoid issues with brake engagement.
• 😀 Upgrading the master brake cylinder and removing the ABS controller can improve braking feel, though the effect may vary depending on the truck.

Q & A

What motivated Leo to switch to a rear disc brake conversion for his Chevy truck?

Leo decided to switch to a rear disc brake conversion after realizing that the financial difference between buying new shoes and drums versus doing the conversion was only a few hundred dollars. He also found the cost of the rear disc brake conversion more justifiable at this point.

Did Leo face any challenges during the brake conversion process?

Yes, Leo encountered a few challenges such as installing the brackets in the wrong orientation at first. He also had to figure out custom brake lines for the conversion and faced a bit of trial and error in adjusting the parking brake system.

What parts did Leo purchase from Cunningham Machine for the brake conversion?

Leo bought brackets from Cunningham Machine, and he also received a set of heavy-duty tie rod sleeves from them for free. The brackets were essential for installing the rear disc brakes.

Is it necessary to remove the axles when installing the brake conversion brackets?

No, it is not necessary to remove the axles. The brackets were designed with an opening notch, allowing them to be installed without pulling the axles, though the old backing plates might need to be cut.

What mistake did Leo make when installing the differential cover?

Leo initially placed the jack stands too close to the center of the differential cover, which made it difficult to slide his oil container underneath. He had to move the jack stands to the side to fix the issue.

How did Leo handle the brake line installation for the conversion?

Leo created custom brake lines, sourced brackets from a junkyard, and used a tube bender to route the lines along the differential. He also made sure the brake line was mounted securely to prevent movement.

What additional modifications did Leo make to the truck's braking system?

In addition to the rear disc brake conversion, Leo upgraded the master brake cylinder to the newer body style version to improve the brake feel. He also removed the ABS controller and dump valve to enhance braking performance.

Why did Leo choose to remove the ABS controller and dump valve?

Leo removed the ABS controller and dump valve to improve the brake pedal feel and reduce the spongy brake feeling commonly found in older Chevy trucks. While the effect of removing these parts is uncertain, he noted a significant improvement in brake performance after the removal.

What is the correct procedure for adjusting the parking brake after the conversion?

The parking brake should be adjusted so that the lever doesn't travel more than a quarter inch before the brake pads engage. Leo adjusted the parking brake cable by adjusting the equalizer to remove any slack, and he also used a spare bracket from the junkyard to help with the adjustment.

How did Leo test the new brake system after installation?

After completing the installation and bleeding the brake lines, Leo took the truck for a test drive to ensure the brakes were functioning properly. He also noted that the braking distance was significantly reduced, making the truck feel much safer.