Rear disc conversion kit

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someotherguy

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Apparently, you have a C1500, since this kit is for 5-lug axle shafts.

I thought GMT400 C1500s used a 5 X 5 1/2 bolt circle. These rotors are triple drilled for 4 1/2", 4 3/4", and 5" inch bolt circles.

For a thousand dollars, you could swap rear axles, get 11.x Duo-Servo rear drums and the much-stronger 9.5" ring gear axle assembly; and spend the rest of the thousand on 5-lug axle shafts to keep your existing wheels. Or spend a little more and get front hubs with 6 lugs, and 6-lug wheels.

You'd eliminate all the disc-brake conversion problems, probably have stronger rear brakes than the 12" rotor aftermarket kit, and retain OEM parts compatibility.
GMT400 C1500 is 5x5.

Richard
 

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merc_64

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Not sure about the Wildwood kit but here's one from SSBC that states it fits 88-99 trucks:

 

Schurkey

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Not sure about the Wildwood kit but here's one from SSBC that states it fits 88-99 trucks:

Unlike the crappy Little Shop of Horrors kit linked to earlier in this thread, the SSBC kit doesn't hang the caliper from a couple of pins that were never intended to accept thrust loads.

If the SSBC brackets are sturdy enough...that's the rear disc kit to go with assuming the calipers and rotors are powerful enough.

The only screwup I see with that kit is that you have to throw away the front calipers, too. And they aren't telling you that. They're supplying a two-chamber master cylinder for front calipers that need a three-chamber master for proper operation.

Be careful with these kits.

Best solution to the 1/2-ton, 254mm rear drums is to swap axles, get the 9.5" ring-gear axle with the 11.x rear drums. Even with 5-lug axle shafts, it costs less, works with less headache, and the axle is much stronger.
 

1995Z

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Unlike the crappy Little Shop of Horrors kit linked to earlier in this thread, the SSBC kit doesn't hang the caliper from a couple of pins that were never intended to accept thrust loads.

If the SSBC brackets are sturdy enough...that's the rear disc kit to go with assuming the calipers and rotors are powerful enough.

The only screwup I see with that kit is that you have to throw away the front calipers, too. And they aren't telling you that. They're supplying a two-chamber master cylinder for front calipers that need a three-chamber master for proper operation.

Be careful with these kits.

Best solution to the 1/2-ton, 254mm rear drums is to swap axles, get the 9.5" ring-gear axle with the 11.x rear drums. Even with 5-lug axle shafts, it costs less, works with less headache, and the axle is much stronger.
Is there any downside to the upgrade from 10 bolt to 14 semi-float for the half tons like gas mileage, etc or is it all better braking for him with no trade offs?
 

George L

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Has anyone tried the "Wilwood Disc Brakes 140-10094-R" rear conversion kit? Summit Racing tells me this will fit our 97' Silverado. I would love to do away with those rear brake shoes if it does. :)

I installed the Little Shop kit several weeks ago. Drilled/slotted rotors on all 4, caliper upgrade, stainless lines and the GMT800 master cylinder. What a difference I didn't realize how weak the original system was till now. And their customer service was outstanding.
 

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Schurkey

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Is there any downside to the upgrade from 10 bolt to 14 semi-float for the half tons like gas mileage, etc or is it all better braking for him with no trade offs?
I have no doubt that the larger axle will somewhat affect fuel economy. Bigger gears and drums to spin, more weight to haul around.

It's worth it. Very, very worth it.

I didn't realize how weak the original system was till now.
What brakes did the truck have to begin with? How many miles were on those brakes? When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed?
 

509OBS

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I installed the Little Shop kit several weeks ago. Drilled/slotted rotors on all 4, caliper upgrade, stainless lines and the GMT800 master cylinder. What a difference I didn't realize how weak the original system was till now. And their customer service was outstanding.
Same here! Had to do axle seals today and had a question on brake reinstall. They got back to me with answers and pics to clarify within an hour. Thats different!
 
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