These are the latest fad, but are they needed? I have heard that disc brakes drag all the time, only put on by new car manf. because they are cheaper. Better off to get bigger drums on rear.

Can I directly swap the rear disc setup from a 1973 (74, 75, 76) Caddy to my 1973 Caprice? What else do I need, porportioning valve??

 

Don't know if it's a direct swap, but with a little fabbing, anything is possible.

You will definately need a proportioning valve. I found that out the hard way. Damn near wrecked my jeep 'cause the back brakes locked up in a panic stop.

 

Hey ibgolfn,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

Obviously not needed, but IMO, a stronger and simpler design than drum brakes. Disc brakes are inherently self-adjusting, so wheel drag is minimal. You could boost your stopping power over 50%, a welcome retrofit to a heavy vehicle.

For the cost, if you're getting it all at a salvage yard, you may want to get an entire axle. It may have a proportioning valve still attached. (be sure to check) If not, they will probably be willing to throw it in for a song.

All else being equal, the cost would probably be the about the same, and you'd be using an axle to which the disc brakes had been attached at the factory.

Then you'll also have a spare set of wheels for tire rotations.