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#1 |
Hybrid67
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Martinez, GA
Posts: 195
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Easy Disc Brake Question
Team,
I am looking to convert from drum to disc but am undecided between the power brakes or just disc. Can anyone elaborate on what the benefit of disc brakes are if they aren't powered other than lack of adjustment,etc. I'm going to keep stock height spindles and convert over to 73-87 ball joints, etc so exchanging/maintaining in the future will be easier. I know these conversions are popular and am not looking to start an installation or mechanical thread about them, just some honest input from people that have converted to disc or power disc brakes and what they can tell me about it. Looking forward to some great info so I can make a decision on my personal birthday present. Thanks, Steve
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: error 404 location not found
Posts: 816
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
I drove my 67 with drums and then in the next week i converted to manual disc and i can say it stops alot better than it ever could with drums
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1995 s10 blazer 4.3 1967 c10 350/350 fleet short 1993 s10 blazer 4.3l 4l60 RIP 6/20/14 2000 mercury sable Thats a how I roll |
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#3 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NH
Posts: 280
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
I just installed a cpp power disc brake/drop kit (Grand Slam). Pretty easy. Havent bled it or tried it out yet. Had to remove the brake pedal assembly so I could drill the new hole 1 inch lower on the pedal arm. Hopefully have it in tomorrow and get it bled. Then I have to get the back end lowered ASAP.
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,909
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
I've owned most years of Chevy/GMC trucks from 1964 to 1972, so I have a lot of experience with both drums and discs. A properly adjusted drum brake setup will stop almost as well as disc brakes - the first time. But drum brakes fade pretty fast when they get hot, where discs will tolerate a lot more stopping. Removing the need for adjustment and the likelihood of misadjustment is also a benefit.
But if you're going to convert them, why not go all the way and add vacuum boost? It takes much less braking effort and that translates into quicker stops. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: formerly NY currentlyNC
Posts: 390
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
converted mine to manual disc in about 1981 when there was no aftermarket stuff available yet...put in the crossmember and all out of a 75 suburban....and hooked it to my existing drum brake master(the piston diameter is the same for drum and disc,the only difference is larger capacity in the resevoir for the calipers...keep an eye on the fluid level and it works fine)....this was on a daily driver tow truck and it stopped fine...i was never a fan of a master/booster in my way in the engine compartment so to this day its still manual(but i did put in a vette-style disc master and prop valve during the resto)
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1970 short step c10 leaf spring 454 |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: formerly NY currentlyNC
Posts: 390
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
oh and why did i convert it to disc in the first place? cause it was a tow truck and didnt stop worth a damn with a car on the hook....discs are also less prone to lock up than a self-energising shoe design ,dissipate heat better,and "squeegee" water off themselves...just try to stop a drum brake vehicle after you've driven it through a deep puddle!
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1970 short step c10 leaf spring 454 |
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#7 |
Hybrid67
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Martinez, GA
Posts: 195
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Re: Easy Disc Brake Question
great info from everyone. Can't stand the drums and constant fade, adjustment, lack thereof. Great to hear both sides. I think I'm going to roll with the standard conversion with no vac boost for now. I can always go back and add it in the future. So excited to get started!
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bloomington Indiana
Posts: 322
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I have just purchased the disc conversion from cpp and I was also wondering about not going with power.Thanks for the info I think I will leave it manual.
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