Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Swapping Dana 70 for Dana 80

[hammersley]

Having trouble with brakes on my 2001. Found a great 2002 Dana 80, with Disc Brakes, excellent shape, only 80,000 miles. My truck hashorrible brakes, which I assume are due to the rear drums. In the swap what do I need to change regarding the Brakes....Master cylinder, proportioning valve etc?

Also I suppose I'll need a different rear driveshaft...length different?

Will this improve my anemic Brakes I currently have?

 

[GrantP]

You can greatly improve the brakes by putting in a larger wheel cylinder in the drums. Tons of info on this site on this. I hated the brakes on my 97 until I did that upgrade. You might consider that $15 upgrade before diving into an axle swap.

 

[DonFitzwater]

You'll definitely need a new proportioning valve if you go to disc in the rear as front and rear disc models require different proportioning. As mentioned by GrantP, the wheel cylinder swap would be an easy improvement if you haven't tried that already.