Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001.5 disk brake swap to a 99 drum brake axle.

[ob1kobi]

Hey guys, I currently have a 2001. 5 with the 4. 10 rear and disk brakes. I am considering a swap with a 99 rear that has 3. 55 gears and drum brakes.

I want the axle because it has better gears for my use, but I want to keep the disk brakes.

Has anybody done a disk brake swap to a 99 drum brake axle? If so, how tough was it, and what do we need to be on the look out for? I am assuming that this will be easier than swapping the gears around. What do you guys think?



Thanks,

Ted

 

[ob1kobi]

c-mon

13,071 members, on not even 1 comment, or suggestion???





Bringing it back to the top for one more go around.

 

[BigUgly]

Well Ted;

here goes...

For one thing, I have no Idea if it'll work. However, I did run by the dealer a few weeks ago to see if I could retro-fit discs on my 2000. Of course, since I didn't have the VIN of a 01. 5, the parts folks couldn't help me with diminsions of anything. But I did get a gander at the parts blow-up for the discs, and here is my impression. It looks like it "Might" just bolt on up. You have to wonder if DANA would move the brake mounting points for only a year and a half.

My advice is to clear off a section of the garage floor, get a few buddies, a 12-pack of beer, order a few Pizzias and just start unbolting and eyeballing. Hopefully, it'll all just bolt up and I can make a run to the dealer and get Discs that are the correct size for the application, none of this El Camino stuff.

Josiah

 

[ob1kobi]

Josiah,



Thanks for the post. I was thinking the same thing, and that is what we may end up doing. You wouldn't think that they would have changed the mounting location, but nothing would suprise me.



Ted

 

[Bigramguy]

Only way to tell for sure is to try it,but I have been told the axle tube ends are different. You may be able to just crawl under each truck and take a look at where the backing plate (drums) and the caliper mounts (disc) actually bolt on. If they look similar,give it a shot.

 

[hammersley]

Is there a different abs controller?

I think you might find thta there is a different ABS controller for the drum vs discs and there may be some computer circuitry differences for this feature. I would assume that discs would have a different operating routine than drums - am I wrong?

 

[Bigramguy]

Good point on the ABS. I don't think it matters because the rears are hooked together via one brake line. ABS doesn't know if it's drum or disk. Some rear disc systems use separate brake lines and a 4 channel ABS system with sensors on each rear wheel,but the Dodge system is only 3 channel,using one tone ring on the rear diff.



Only thing may be the proportioning valve may be calibrated differently,you may have to swap it out as well.

 

[Un-Hemi]

Unless you know the history of the '99 rear end, IMHO it's more practical just to swap gears. Or buy a new gearset.

 

[SOLER]

Swap gears

That's what I'd do

 

[ob1kobi]

Thanks, for all the reply's guys.



The history of the 99 rear end is good. We were considering the swap, simply due to lack of tools to do the gear swap. I have played with gears in the past, and grew to not like them real fast. We may end up just trying it to see what happens. Anyhow, this will bring it back to the top for one last go around, then I'll let it die.



Thanks All,

Ted

 

[BFaoro]

read

I beleive if you read in the classifieds there is a vendor that now makes disc brakes for the rears for dana 70 and 80's

 

[badams1]

Change gears for $600.

Call up West Coast Differental and order a ring and pinion set for your Dana. $250. OEM GEARS. There # is 916-635-0950 talk to ED. I did it and got a local installer to do the job for $300. plus fluids. There was a write up on them in the last TDR.

 

[Huff N Puff]

Hey Ted

Hi Ted, My feelings are your truck is just fine. got the pleasure of seeing your truck run and been on the loosing end of a race against you youve got the right combination if you mess with the rear end ratio you'll open up a whole new set of problems for one thing your EGTs will probably jump. Your truck is heavily modifiyed the 4. 10s is probably why you havn't blown the top end of your engine,it lessens the pressure in the combustion chamber. Its perfect leave it alone . Merv It was a blast running against you.

 

[ob1kobi]

Merv,

It was nice to have another Diesel around for a change, and we put on quite the show for the spectators too. Your truck was running quite well that night too, and congratulations on your new "personel best" time.

As for the gears, all of the big boys, as far as I know, are running the 355 gears. I am confident that with me running 13. 02 now, with my 4. 10's, that I would be in the upper 12's with the 355's. I am right at the redline now when I go through the lights. Looks like maybe some larger tires are in the future, as it seems the axle swap is just going to be to expensive.

Nice meeting you, and hope you can make it up to Kauffman's on the 5th.



Ted

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by ob1kobi

I am confident that with me running 13. 02 now, with my 4. 10's, that I would be in the upper 12's with the 355's. I am right at the redline now when I go through the lights. Looks like maybe some larger tires are in the future, as it seems the axle swap is just going to be to expensive.

I'd be willing to bet you swap gears and you will go slower not faster... ... ...

 

[ob1kobi]

Really?

Kat,



I am just guessing, but I thought that I would have more top end if I went to a higher gear, you don't think I would? Or do you think I am just not making the HP to run a taller gear?



Ted

 

[KatDiesel]

Re: Really?

Originally posted by ob1kobi

I am just guessing, but I thought that I would have more top end if I went to a higher gear, you don't think I would? Or do you think I am just not making the HP to run a taller gear?

You'll have more topend ability speed wise. You've got the hp... but at this level I still think the 4. 10 truck will outrun the 3. 54 truck all mods being equal. If your not hitting 3200 before the finishline then don't worry bout it... yet. If nothing else go for a taller tire... thats what I did.



Are you still running 265's? Or 285's?



Tires are easy to change... if you don't like the change where as the gear swap would be more hassle to swap back if you don't like.



This is just my opinion. I just the think the 4. 10 ratio is an advantage.

 

[ob1kobi]

Kat,

I still have the factory 265's on there. I think that if I take my tool box full of crap out, and take the tail gate off, I will be real close to the 12's. This past week it ran a 13. 03 with all of that in there, plus about 1/2 tank of fuel.

Did your's run better with the larger tires? I am real close to the redline when i come through the lights now.

Your right about the tires though, they are alot easier to change than gears. I have also thought about a set of slicks. Any experience with those, and then just runnning 2 wheel drive the whole way? Is this harder on the suspension, than the 4 wheel drive launches?



Thanks,

Ted