1996 Brake Upgrade

[winemaker]

Howdy folks. I'll have to do my brakes sooner than later. I have a stock 2500 and I haul a lot of weight, so if I can reasonably upgrade while I'm at it, I'm game. I have a 2.5 yr old and a 5 day old, so expense is a definite issue. The local parts-counter guy suggested that I start by swapping the fronts for 3500 gear: junkyard 1ton spindles, new 1ton rotors, calipers, hoses, and pads, and beefier (I think 1ton) rear pads for the drums. Follow this up with a disc conversiion for the rear down the road. What does anyone know about upgrading the brakes? Thanks in advance. Brett

[93_Burrito]

Assuming your truck has 8-lug wheels and 8600 lb GVWR:

1. The front of your truck is identical to a 3500 SRW already.
A set of stainless steel brake lines, a quality set of rotors and some
good pads (i.e. Hawk SuperDuty), can help you up front.

2. Your rear axle will have 13" x 2½" drums. A 3500 has 13" x 3½" drums.
Brake drums for these trucks are not cheap, so the best approach
would be to convert to rear discs right away. Not that the conversion
is cheaper... but if you can afford it, do it. If not, save to do it.
Especially since you're on a budget.


Andy

[winemaker]

Yes, it's 8-lug. Nice to know it's the same. Thanks for the info. Cheers! Brett

[DeezilDoc]

I have a 95 3500 was wondering how much the cost would be to switch to discs on the rear and where to get the conversion kits

[a5150nut]

I have a 95 3500 was wondering how much the cost would be to switch to discs on the rear and where to get the conversion kits

There are conversion kits available, but most are for the 1/2 ton. You can probably get your front rotors to fit on the rear and burn your own rear mounting brackets. You will kneed a proportioning valve or use the master off a newer model that has rear disc. Problem comes when you need a parking brake. I have been looking at several that go on the drive line or on the back of the transfer case. Never have cared for that option. The old drum type on the drive line never held much more than looking legal.

When I get another bill paid off I might start gathering parts for this project. Right after I rebuild the trans.

[DA BIG ONE]

See what RPO code you have for the brakes usually is 8500 lb hydro then you can go with say 10,000 lb hydro assembly.