1986 C 10 SB Rear Drum Improvement

[aotte1]

Question is what performance improvements can I make for rear drums on 1986, C10 SB SS. Looking to stop well occasionally as needed, no towing or heavy loads. Trying to reduce total weight of truck, not sure what it's weight is going to be. Lots of alu in engine, trans light, alu wheels, 275x60x15s tires.

Have read lots of posts, ideas are go from 2 to 2.5 inch drums, SS brake hoses, what brake shoes, drums in good condition, other suggestions?

How much difference does the 2.5 inch drum/brake shoe make?

Will use really good shocks.
Thanks,
Les

[cableguy0]

The best improvement you can make is to just swap over to a disk brake setup. If you compare the cost of replacing everything in the drum brake system the disk brake swap kits aren't that bad especially if you just buy bolt on brackets that use stock calipers and rotors.

[aotte1]

CableGuy,
Thanks, any good reference for using 15" wheels and stock 10 bolt rear end for the conversion.
Les

[bdiamond]

The brakes are plenty adequate for most street/ occasional track duty. I would think the light duty brake package would be up to the task. There is quite a bit of rotating weight to be lost going heavy duty to light duty brakes. I have read that large diameter rotating weight has nearly ten times the performance effect of non rotating weight. One pound off a flywheel or wheel is equal to ten pounds off the chassis

[aotte1]

Bdiamond,
Good point on reducing rotating wt., will go with lt duty brakes that are on the truck for now. A set of Welwoods on front sure would lighten it up$$$. Along the same lines, going to use a set of alu, wheels- vintage American Racing Slots- AR111s they are 8.5 x15 W/ 4 in BS to save weight too.

Did GM make any truck alu rear drums like they did for 80s and 90s performance cars. The cars I think all had 5x4 3/4 on the bolts? Did any of the old super size Buicks have 5x5 rear alu drums?

Thanks,
Les

[66 C10 383]

I know some of the mid 80's Impala's had a 5x5 bolt pattern but I'm not sure if any were alum drums. Most were 5x4.75 but the HD brakes were 5x5, probably police cars and taxi's.

[bdiamond]

Originally Posted by 66 C10 383

I know some of the mid 80's Impala's had a 5x5 bolt pattern but I'm not sure if any were alum drums. Most were 5x4.75 but the HD brakes were 5x5, probably police cars and taxi's.

If the drum working dimensions were the same I guess you could redrill them.