Rear brake conversions to Disc.... Is it worth it?

[RQ Jay]

C2500 6 Lug Light duty with 14 Bolt Semi Float Rear is being worked on for the drop kit and the bed is off, so it's an appropriate time to get some other work done.
I have been contemplating going to a rear Disc conversion ether by Purchasing a full kit (400 to 600 dollars respectively) or piecing a Junkyard kit together (lower i assume).
My concern is whether the effort is worth it at all.
I would like a little better stopping power than I have now, but honestly don't know if I really need disc brakes versus better quality pads/shoes.
Looking for some opinion form the Street Build Guys on this, the suspension is getting lowered 4/6 with a Belltech Kit, so that addition alone may produce a better stop on its own.

Opinions/experiences on any aftermarket kits are welcomed as well...
Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[df2x4]

Paging @Curt ...

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/so-y...-kit-heres-my-02-tips-and-tricks-guide.49226/

Kind of the opposite of a lowered street build, but he apparently wasn't super impressed with the performance difference upgrading to the Little Shop Mfg. disc kit on his 'burb.

 

[SUBURBAN5]

My 2cents shoes last a long time. Unless your planning on racing I personally dont see the point. Front however sure go to town. Stainless braided hoses, upgrade calipers, slotted or indented rotors, ect. Up to you though. My suburban drums has antilocks, that's modern enough for me

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

My 2cents shoes last a long time. Unless your planning on racing I personally dont see the point. Front however sure go to town. Stainless braided hoses, upgrade calipers, slotted or indented rotors, ect. Up to you though. My suburban drums has antilocks, that's modern enough for me

Yes those big 11 5/32" drums the Burbs get stop pretty well, with the police package front calipers; seems like I've been told that the Burbs got those also. For 6000 pounds of big ass Chevy my Burb stops great. Even loaded, and still good with a loaded trailer.

 

[SUBURBAN5]

Yes those big 11 5/32" drums the Burbs get stop pretty well, with the police package front calipers; seems like I've been told that the Burbs got those also. For 6000 pounds of big ass Chevy my Burb stops great. Even loaded, and still good with a loaded trailer.

Are the front calipers the same as the police package?

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Are the front calipers the same as the police package?

I think the Burbs with towing package got the police calipers. But will have to ask my parts lady to be sure, but I think they spec out similar.

 

[Curt]

C2500 6 Lug Light duty with 14 Bolt Semi Float Rear is being worked on for the drop kit and the bed is off, so it's an appropriate time to get some other work done.
I have been contemplating going to a rear Disc conversion ether by Purchasing a full kit (400 to 600 dollars respectively) or piecing a Junkyard kit together (lower i assume).
My concern is whether the effort is worth it at all.
I would like a little better stopping power than I have now, but honestly don't know if I really need disc brakes versus better quality pads/shoes.
Looking for some opinion form the Street Build Guys on this, the suspension is getting lowered 4/6 with a Belltech Kit, so that addition alone may produce a better stop on its own.

Opinions/experiences on any aftermarket kits are welcomed as well...
Thanks for any help in advance!

By mentioning the rear disc conversion for 400-600 dollars if you're thinking about LSMFG's kit I wouldn't. You could piece together a much better kit for the price, and don't let their words in the description trick you. It isn't the worst thing in the world to install, but it isn't as easy as they made everything look in the instructions (which they later told me is not accurate to the kit I purchased).

I see a bunch of 5-lug guys do the swap no problem, it seems like it's the 6-lug people who have troubles (speaking for myself, of course). Getting the e-brake to work was a hassle, and properly bleeding the calipers was a major PITA. Here's a little thread I wrote up in case you were thinking about doing it: https://www.gmt400.com/threads/so-y...-kit-heres-my-02-tips-and-tricks-guide.49226/ .

Being a 14-bolt rear end I'm not sure what snags you'd run into when installing, but to answer your question, in terms of braking performance (keeping in mind I did not modifying my proportioning valve) I'd say it's meh at best. It looks badass seeing rear disc on my truck, but that's the only badass thing about it.

 

[Bone Shaker]

Thanks for the info. I was considering the rear disc brake conversion if nothing but for kool factor. I think I will stick with practical old school drums.

 

[Brian Leemhuis]

My truck is a 93 K2500 8 lug. I’ve got the front stoppers from an 03HD. Dual pistons calipers, hubs, brackets, shields,... all the stuff. I want to move my factory discs to the rear and install all the new new up front. I know bout the parking brake. I was going to modify a rear caliper bracket to accept 2 calipers. Thus allowing me to have and use a handbrake (Hoonigan). After discovering that I can modify the front spindle holes to accept the oem size ball joints I fired up. I know about the Corvette master cylinder and proportioning valve upgrade. The only things stopping me is the tie rod ends. It seems my best bet is dual Heim joints. But that where I’m stopped. I could use some info.

 

[RQ Jay]

I think the Burbs with towing package got the police calipers. But will have to ask my parts lady to be sure, but I think they spec out similar.

Could you confirm this?
If another OEM caliper is an upgrade option to my 1993 I would be interested.
Thanks