Rearend

[mannyanez26]

I have a 1996 Chevy c1500 single cab 5.7l and I want to change the rearend and the drum brakes any recommendations or suggestions?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[Orpedcrow]

any recommendations or suggestions?

Change the rearend and the drum brakes to suite your needs…

 

[99xcss4]

changing the rear and replacing drum brakes are 2 different things if you want better brakes look for a C-1500 suburban 92-99 rear end if you want a better rear end go hunting for 9.5 sf 14 bolt pull the brakes and axle shafts get new axle shafts made and put on C-1500 suburban brakes or 454ss brakes if you have money to burn go hunt down a 454ss rear end if you want to upgrade your whole truck grab a 6 or 8 lug 14 bolt and then convert your front end to 6 or 8 lug if you go this way your front brakes will also get a upgrade

 

[99xcss4]

you can also use a tahoe/yukon or escalade rear end but I do not think they got the better brakes like the suburban did or the 454ss did so it would be a lateral move

 

[Schurkey]

Perhaps a moderator will move this thread out of the ENGINE section and into Axles + Brakes.

That truck almost certainly has the weak 8.5" ring gear axle assembly, with the horrible 254mm Leading/Trailing shoe brakes.

Upgrade to a 6-lug C2500 axle, which gets you a 9.5" ring gear axle assembly and 11.x Duo Servo rear drums. You'll need a conversion U-joint at the rear of the drive shaft, four U-bolts and nuts, and whatever repairs the differential and brakes need--fresh lube, a gasket, new shoes/springs, maybe axle seals, maybe drums. Choose your donor vehicle wisely to get the best axle in the correct gear ratio.

Then you'll either need 6-lug rear wheels from a similar donor vehicle; or special axle shafts with the 5-lug pattern you have now.

 

[mannyanez26]

What are you trying to accomplish?

I want to get rid of the drums and see if any other rearend with rotors fit

 

[mannyanez26]

you can also use a tahoe/yukon or escalade rear end but I do not think they got the better brakes like the suburban did or the 454ss did so it would be a lateral move

What years?

 

[99xcss4]

What years?

tahoe/yukon 95-99 escalade 99-00 but these will have drum brakes you can also us 92-94 full size blazer/yukon but most of them were 4x4

 

[Schurkey]

I want to get rid of the drums and see if any other rearend with rotors fit

OEM disc brakes could be fine if they're big enough/rated for a similar GVWR or greater. Far as I know, there is no "easy" conversion with OEM parts. If you can cut and weld, anything can be installed.

Disc conversion kits can range from piss-poor to adequate; they can be exceptionally good if you spend enough money. MOST folks won't spend the money, and end up with shiit.