disk brake retrofit on 2000 model.

[garyndufresne]

has any one researched the fiesablity of putting diskbrakes on thier 2000 or early model 2001 3/4 ton. dana 80 rear end . would like to have disk. but don't want to trade my 2000 truck off.

 

[dresslered]

Hello gdufresne-



I believe that the topic has been discussed before but I can't remember the thread. I am sure that there would be a good deal of expense involved and I am not quit sure what you wish to gain? For our truck applications, a drum is very reliable and effective for use in the rear. The drawback is that they have to be adjusted. I have no complaints from my drums. Good luck with your endeavors.

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by dresslered

I am sure that there would be a good deal of expense involved and I am not quit sure what you wish to gain? For our truck applications, a drum is very reliable and effective for use in the rear. The drawback is that they have to be adjusted. I have no complaints from my drums. Good luck with your endeavors.

Just curious, have you drove any of the 4 wheel disk trucks yet? I have drove several and I feel there is a difference between the two. Is it a big enough difference to try swapping? That I don't know... ...



I have pondered looking into swapping, but its very low on the "priority" list at this time.

 

[HVAC]

4-Wheel Discs

I believe it's about $1300 bucks for the parts and you will shed about 80 pounds on the rear axle.



Check for Dynatrac.

 

[dresslered]

Kat you got me on the "true" comparison! I only briefly drove a four-wheel disk truck on a quick test drive and I have to say that I noticed nothing. But then again, I never put it to the extremes.



The disks offer a much greater swept surface area and superior cooling as being a much simplier design (these are all pluses). The drums are extremely reliable and at times are even better in wet environments. I run my truck at maximum GVWR (thus requiring the truck service brakesmore than one would expect with a trailer) and have never heated them once since I use an exhaust brake. Unless you are hot-rodding or requiring more than I do from your service brakes, I really don't see the added gain for the expense. You are not going to get better stopping power from the rear disks unless you are operating in the extremes. Again, just my opinion.



This would be a completely different scenario with my car, however. I drive this differently than a truck. I frequently put the brakes to the maximum and have even felt fade on occassion. If I could justify the price, I would replace all my cars' disks with the Brembos!



P. S. I just noticed that you drive an auto. These require much more use of the service brakes than the manuals.

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by dresslered

Kat you got me on the "true" comparison! I only briefly drove a four-wheel disk truck on a quick test drive and I have to say that I noticed nothing. But then again, I never put it to the extremes.



The disks offer a much greater swept surface area and superior cooling as being a much simplier design (these are all pluses). The drums are extremely reliable and at times are even better in wet environments. I run my truck at maximum GVWR (thus requiring the truck service brakesmore than one would expect with a trailer) and have never heated them once since I use an exhaust brake. Unless you are hot-rodding or requiring more than I do from your service brakes, I really don't see the added gain for the expense. You are not going to get better stopping power from the rear disks unless you are operating in the extremes. Again, just my opinion.



This would be a completely different scenario with my car, however. I drive this differently than a truck. I frequently put the brakes to the maximum and have even felt fade on occassion. If I could justify the price, I would replace all my cars' disks with the Brembos!



P. S. I just noticed that you drive an auto. These require much more use of the service brakes than the manuals.

Yes, sorry guess I should have mentioned, I have an auto and all I do is hotrod (ask HelicopterDan or DHatfield). I don't tow anything at all. So I do have to use my brakes alot since people like to pull out in front of me etc. Perfect example is a lil late 90's Ford Ranger pulled out... across the street and stopped! Meanwhile here I come at 60mph... ... . needless to say for a short time I honestly thought I was gonna hit him (and total his truck) but at the last minute he moved. I had slowed down to about 25mph at that time but no way could I have stopped.



Another plus like those you metioned is it will also save a few lbs (as Nowel mentioned).



Again is all this worth the exspense of swapping? I don't know... . but ecspecially on an auto truck there is a big difference in the two systems (friend at work just got 01. 5 auto). I don't have the benifits of downshifting or using an exhaust brake... at times I wish I did. But then everytime I out run "manual" things whether its a car or truck. . then I fall back in love with my Auto.

 

[dresslered]

Kat-

Why don't you get a braking system like Nowel. A Parachute!