2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear disc conversion or axle swap?

[BTowler]

I would like to add rear disc brakes to my truck, what would be better/easier/cheaper? EGR kit or rear axle swap? Any ideas?

 

[rotohead]

Well, I did the EGR conversion this last summer and am fairly happy with it. It's not that difficult to do, just messy. A modest improvement to my 98. I wish I had tried the Chevy rear wheel cylinder upgrade first. It would have been cheaper and then I would know whether to go with the EGR. I'm better than stock now, esp for towing. I also did my fronts completely and have less brake dust on front rims. More balanced braking from all fours. Don't know anything about the axle swap. I didn't factor in cost on any of this though. I just wanted a better braking truck. Problems I had with the EGR conversion, wrong seals for rear hub from EGR (I just used the old ones), instructions had wrong spindle nut remover for my 98 auto (extra trip to NAPA), parking brake was a pain to adjust and still doesn't apply enough holding power when attached to my trailer on any kind of slope. I also did SS brake lines on all and upgraded to 5. 1 brake fluid.

 

[foolkiller]

i did this to a 99. EGR conversion that is. rotohead is on point with what i experienced as well as what i wish i had looked into prior to.



my guess is the axle swap for a 01. 5 to 02 axle would render the best results. but unless you have an in for a good deal, this could be MORE expensive than the EGR setup.



i want to advise you on the emergency break thing. it will never work properly no matter what you do unless they've fixed that issue in the last couple years. reason i bring this up is, i didn't think this would be an issue for me but it drove bananas that i never noticed how much i needed the e-brake to work before the change. i was able to improve it. but on a hill or slight incline with weight, it will never hold.



if i were to do it again i'd go with the chevy upgrades first (cheap and reportedly very effective) then if i just had to have discs, i'd do a lot more research on the axle swap first.



also, i was told all these same things BEFORE i did the egr conversion and i did it anyway to just learn the same lessons that were out there already.



the egr setup is nice and really nice looking if you can see the discs through your wheels, but, FOR ME, it wasn't worth it.



i should clarify, since i'm bordering on bashing egr, that i don't nessessarily regret it either.



good luck, jeff

 

[BHuebner]

Just finished the 1-ton wheel cylinder upgrade. used the dodge 1 1/16. thought about the rear disc conversion, but after doing the cylinder upgrade, what a difference!!!! even with the dodge 1 1/16 (chevy 1 3/16). stops SO much better. not even gonna mess with disc conversion!

 

[BTowler]

Thanks for the input, I may try the wheel cylinders first. It is about time for a rear brake job so I figured if I have to pull it apart, why not go all the way.

 

[Regcabguy]

Brakes

Go the cheaper route(cylinders) first and see how it does for you. I tried everything(slotted front rotors,high performance pads,stainless lines:firmer pedal but no improvement on stopping. Mopar bypass of rear proportioning valve) The vehicle had pathetic panic stopping performance. Foolkiller states legitimate findings: less than stellar parking brake ability and softer pedal,but the sucker stops for the first time,pretty darn good! I also tried the oversized wheel cylinders to no avail. Interesting observation: upon removal of the rear stock shoes which I thought were non-functional the installer observed they were stress-cracked. Our conclusion was that they were indeed contacting great but were inadequate to do the job with the camper load. I've read of a lot of guys success with alternative fixes but rear discs worked for me. Hopefully the rear cylinders will do the job for you. Good luck.