Rear disc brakes??
 

As I mentioned in another thread regarding my rear diff, I'm almost to the point I'll be heading back there to check things out. My concern is that the drum brakes will need a complete over haul from sitting for fifteen years in a field. Some quick searching shows it'll cost about $200-300 if I have to replace hoses, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware, etc. I believe I've seen disc conversing for $300-500 for the rear, so my thought is this would be the time to do. I am waiting on all posts for the front, but I haven't yet purchased the booster, master or prop valve. My captainfab bracket is hanging on the firewall though! 😀. I'm waiting to get engine dropped in, hopefully this weekend, and until I figure out the direction of the rear before I make a purchase there.

The he question, is the rear disc worth $200 additional or should I just stick with drums? It doesn't seem as common!

If I go the conversion in rear and end up having to swap my Atlas rear diff for a10 or 12 bolt GM from a later model, will the conversion still work on that?

FYI, I'm working on a 1960 c10 suburban with the Atlas rear diff. I've put feelers out for the GM axle but no luck yet. I have no clue the condition of my current diff, but will have some idea before I spend a dime on brakes for it. If the brakes are interchangeable, that's what I need to know. I'll be staying 6 lug.

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

Something to think about is does your state make you have a working parking brake ?Because some of those rear disc kits don't have a parking brake on them.

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

I have no clue, but I probably feel better having one! If for no other reason than if I ever decide to tow my fishing boat to lake. I will add my state doesn't inspect our cars, if that makes any difference.

That must be the difference in cost I've seen. Haven't looked at them closely....

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

You sure it's not and Eaton? Not sure anyone make a disk kit for the Eaton.
Jimmy

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

Maybe it is Eaton. I thought they were atlas....could be mistaken.

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

If its just a driver id leave it drums,If you want more a show truck or more a handling truck i would go rear disc.

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

Just a driver.

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

You may want to post a picture of the rear end. It should be an Eaton. If so parts are hard to get and you are stuck with the gear that is in it. It started life with an Eaton HO32.
Jimmy

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

Probably still an eaton and I mis spoke. I realize I'm somewhat stick with that gear but for a around town cruiser, I think I'm fine with that. That said, I was just looking at a local place online and they seem to sell a kit to convert it to a 3.38:1. Granted it's $400!!!

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

If you have to work on it at all I would spend the money on a 12 bolt. You will need to change the mount pads on it and either move the panhard bracket over or switch to a long panhard bar. That improves the parts availability greatly and gives you lots of options.
Jimmy

Re: Rear disc brakes??
 

What's an Atlas differential? Never heard of it.

Just FYI, I pulled the rear disc setup off of a late model GM van for $25. 13" rotors, dual piston calipers=cool.

If you get an axle flange made, it'll work on any 6 lug axle.

New pads, rotors, hardware kit are only about $100.