Rear disc Brakes

[a5150nut]

Anybody had their rear brakes apart? If so, what type of parking brake set up is used?

Do they look like they could be transplanted to the 90s axels????

[mattb5150]

Hey nut,

They are what is called a hat in drum style I believe. The inside of the disc has a small drum with small brake shoes for parking only. I was thinking about this for my '93 but the axles are different on my 2002 with the 3.73 ratio. I'd like to compare an 8.1L with the 4.10 ratio to my '93 they appear to have the same rearends still. There are a handful of aftermarket companies that make disc setups for 14 bolt rearends, look in the back section of Four-Wheeler magazine. I think Stainless Steel Brakes makes one setup.

Matt B

[DmaxMaverick]

The "Drum in Hat" brake system on a truck with the 6.6 or 8.1 are the same, AA 11.5". The trucks with the 6.0 have a 14 bolt r/e that appears to be the same as the earlier models and they may be compatible for the hardware. The 11.5" on the HD's and 3500's are not. I've hear of someone doing a switch job using the late model rear disc to an older 10.5"/14 bolt. I don't have any details, just heard that it was done.

Sounds like a good idea. Sure can't beat the brakes on these new trucks.

[a5150nut]

emailed american axel


Thank you for contacting American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) The axle tube flange to which the brake mounts is in a different location for the disc brake setup than the drum brake. This would not allow a direct change from drum to disc on the drum housing.

Not what I wanted to hear..........