jrcmr03

hello all and thank you in advance for your input and knowledge.
just picked up a 2000 Express 1500 with 10bolt rear and have been unlucky trying to find information on this upgrade.
can some one point me in the right direction? or am I SOL?


Many thanks again!

canucklehead

Its not an upgrade. The drums are just fine. A set of brake shoes will last you years, so i cannot see why you would want this conversion.

tech2

-rear drums last 3x longer than disc...my wifes vehicle has 172000km and is still on the original rear drums and shoes.
-they need less servicing, no pins or brackets to clean or lubricate...especially true if you live in the rust belt....as they are enclosed they do not get all the throw off from the front wheels

they actually went back to drums on the 1500 pickups in 2009
rear disc are only needed for heavy towing applications...that is why the 2500 and 3500 use them

jrcmr03

I would like to tow and am concerned about stopping distances when towing and fully loaded with the tribe.
anyone else have other thoughts or agree that this is sufficient?

canucklehead

Brake fade under load can be helped with using semi metallic pads or ceramic over organic ones. Also, making sure that your rotors and drums have a good machined surface. I E not all hard and shiny. If you do your own brakes and they dont need turning on a lathe, you can always use emery cloth to dress them.
Rear disc brakes are better when wet, but drums never get wet unless you drive through a deep puddle.
I had a 2002 express 2500 with rear drums, and now have a 2013 1500 awd with 4 wheel disc. I see no difference at all when towing the same boat through the same route I take. I gear down, and plan ahead so I can keep off the brakes as much as possible.
I do think that the semi metallic pads I used on the 2002 brake a bit better downhill than the ceramic ones I use on the 2013. But its only a small diff.