Rear brakes

[a5150nut]

On a 94 k2500, where is the difference between 13x2 1/2 and 13x3 1/2? Is it just in the drum or is the backing plate different too? I've looked at Napa online but they only offer 15x5 at $549. Don't think I can sqeeze those between the wheels...........

[redbird2]

If memory serves me right the 2 1/2" are the brakes on a light duty k2500 and K1500, with semi floating axles. ( the ones where you have to remove the internal clips to remove axle)

3 1/2" are for HD full floating axles( one where you remove the 6 outter axle flange bolt and axle comes out) K2500HD and K3500 SRW or DRW trucks

why do you want bigger brakes?

hope this helps

[a5150nut]

why do you want bigger brakes?

hope this helps

Because it came that way stock. Got rear ended by a 76 Buick wagon a few years back and the Stealer that did the work replaced the rear axel with one from a 92 and it has 2 1/2 in brakes. Had a car stop short on a yellow last nite and realised just how poor they are. That and I have a 36 ft fith wheel. I would like to go disc but that is a whole nudder story.

If it's drum and shoes that are different that is the easy fix. If it calls for backing plates too, I might wait a little longer and just through a late model rear under it and get the disc brakes that way.

[RoverIIa]

When you start talking about that 5-600 range, disc is right around the corner. I've had it on 4 trucks now, and won't ever touch a drum, except to take them off!

The only minor issue... I don't like like-locs, and have not found parking calipers that I've fallen in love with yet.

[Shikaroka]

So, Rover, you have switched over to discs?
I'd like to hear about the conversion.

[RoverIIa]

I've switched to disc rears on every chevy I've ever owned. So far, I've only done 1/2 tons, but have helped with several 14 bolt rear end conversions, and a few Jeeps too.

I'll take time to snap a few pictures when I'm at my shop on wednesday, and write up a little narrative then. there are a lot of ways to do this, but none require any special skills, and most are easy.

The biggest problem I've had with disc rears is that you can get sideways really quickly if you do not replace the stock proportioning valve with an aftermarket one.

-Nate

[a5150nut]

When you start talking about that 5-600 range, disc is right around the corner. I've had it on 4 trucks now, and won't ever touch a drum, except to take them off!

The only minor issue... I don't like like-locs, and have not found parking calipers that I've fallen in love with yet.

How bout driveline disk and caliper?

[Shikaroka]

Cool, thanks. I like to see the pics and read your narrative.
I have the 14 bolt full floater and I have been contimplating the swap for some time.