Rear Brake Setup Questions

[RJRendleman]

Swapped in a Dana 44 and the brakes on it need a complete overhaul so I am just looking at doing a rear disc conversion. From what I can tell I am looking at $200ish for a complete kit for the rear drums (with backing plates closer to $400) and a rear conversion looks like $550ish. Should I spend the extra cash for the conversion since I am doing the overhaul anyways?

I also want to replace my rear shafts with some revolutions, but the shafts come 2 ways, one is for disc and one is for drum. Would I go with the shafts for disc if i am converting that way at the same time?

Also, on some sites I have seen some rear brake parts are only 01-06 and others are 00 and older. What changed between those years on the drums? Is it anything I need to be concerned with since I’m not sure what year my axle came out of?

 

[AndyG]

Pay attention if @mrblaine posts.

 

[machoheadgames]

I would do the disc conversion. I don’t like the drums as they are a pain to work on and they never stay in adjustment right which means brake pedal feel goes out the window and the parking brake stops working.

when buying axle shafts you will want them for whatever brakes you intend to buy. Worst case if you buy the wrong ones they can be swapped to other style. What changes is the retainer plate that bolts the axle shaft onto the end of the axle tube. Disc and drum plates are different and to change them you have to cut off the wheel bearings and press on new ones. So better to order the ones for your intended application if you can.

I have not ever seen any brake differences in the rear for ‘00 and ‘01. I do know that they started using different unit bearings and rotors in the 99 model year which means 99s could have either style. Have never seen anything in the rear though. The rear is usually all drums 97-06 are interchangeable, and discs (introduced in 03), are interchangeable throughout 06. There are some differences in the brake lines based on year and trim but those are small items and not what you’d see as different on a parts house website. My guess is the parts sites are just wrong and not including all the proper years.

 

[mrblaine]

Swapped in a Dana 44 and the brakes on it need a complete overhaul so I am just looking at doing a rear disc conversion. From what I can tell I am looking at $200ish for a complete kit for the rear drums (with backing plates closer to $400) and a rear conversion looks like $550ish. Should I spend the extra cash for the conversion since I am doing the overhaul anyways?

Doesn't matter, both are hard to find certain parts for right now. If you have trashed drum parking brake actuation levers, good luck finding any. If you need disc loaded backing plates, they aren't out there right now except in a kit likely from Crown or similar. Maybe Tera. Avoid SSB if you can.

I also want to replace my rear shafts with some revolutions, but the shafts come 2 ways, one is for disc and one is for drum. Would I go with the shafts for disc if i am converting that way at the same time?

Nah, go ahead and get the ones for drum brakes that way you get to deal with a massive gear oil leak and then spend 100 bucks a side buying bearings and retainers to be compatible with discs.

Also, on some sites I have seen some rear brake parts are only 01-06 and others are 00 and older. What changed between those years on the drums? Is it anything I need to be concerned with since I’m not sure what year my axle came out of?

The OEM removed a strip of brake lining on the shoes in 01 presumably to slow down the braking efficiency. I've not seen the aftermarket do it but other than that little detail, the parts are the same.

 

[mrblaine]

I have not ever seen any brake differences in the rear for ‘00 and ‘01.