Why doesn't anybody make a kit that converts third gen drum brake rears to disc brakes? Seems like it would be a natural money maker.

Sounds to me (and i have been thinking about this for a while) after looking over this forum and the tech articles, that you either have to swap out the whole rear end in favor of one that came equipped with discs, or you have to cut up part of your old axle to make everything work.

I have been looking at Baer (PDF application guide=headache), SSbrakes, PST, vette brakes with little or no luck. Any new insights to this topic?

 

I do and have for a while. It really depends on which direction you want to go. A lot of guys choose to swap whole rearends to get the gear ratio they want. If you want to keep the gear ratio with the drum rear you have, there is no option other than to trim the drum flanges a bit in order to get the disc backing plates to fit. Other than that it's a direct bolt on.

If you'd like more info shoot me a PM.

Ed

 

I am sending a PM for more information on this topic.

As an aside, but in keeping with the previous post, can you change gear ratios in 3rd gens? What I mean is will the computer have a hissy fit? Will the speedometer still track properly or are those changes that will also have to be made?

Thank you!

 

To be correct after a gear swap you'd need to swap speedo drive and/or driven gears in the tranny tailshaft. It's not a hard job to do but can look intimidating. You'd find more info on swapping these gears in the Trans/Drivetrain forum.

Ed