I was gonna convert my d60 rear to disc brake, but have been reading some conflicting info. I have been told that a good drum rear will be just as good as a disc. I also don't want to get all involved with changing pro portioning valve and all that crap. I figured that a disc brake conversion will cost around $250-300 if I don't have to change proportioning valve. I can do a complete brake overhaul staying stock with drums for around $100. I have learned from my 77 that going away from stock with many things can end up being more time and money for what it's worth. I am just looking for advice because I need to redo my brakes anyway.

 

Unless you're pulling 10,000 pounds on a regular basis, or drag racing your truck, I'd just stick with the drum brakes. The stock stuff is HUGE and with the finned drums, they shed heat pretty well. I don't think it's worth the headache of switching to disc.


......unless you REALLY want to say, "I have four wheel disc brakes on my truck" to strangers at a car show.

 

I have my original drums in the rear that I rebuilt. They honestly aren't that bad when built and setup right IMO.

 

Disc brakes are easier to work on and will keep cooler than a drum. Convenience is the key. If your not driving it too much and brake wear is minimal stick to the drums.

 

If you change the rear brakes to disc, you will have to change the proportioning valve as well or you will be locking the rear brakes up. It's there for a reason.

 

One other little detail is that you'll need to get creative with your parking brake if you switch to disks. This is kind of important if you have a manual trans. I'd say stick with the drums.

 

With the roads around here, I see rear discs get the crap beat out of them from front tire spray, sand, salt, gravel, rocks, etc. Drums don't seem to mind it...

 

Thanks for the replys. Ya, I think I will stick to drums. I have heard some different things about the proportioning valve. Some have said they left it alone, others said they changed it to an adjustable one. So, I think I will just keep stock drums, redo everything and go from there.

 

I noticed my rear drums wheel cylinder is leaking on my f-350.
I wish my drums were like the 80's 350 rear ends where the drums come off without pulling the axles and all of that stuff.
I put new wheel cylinders in about 20 years ago I wonder if Auto Zone will warrenty them?

 

I was all on the drum to disk bandwagon when researching a swap, but giving up the ease of the factory e-brake even with an automatic is not acceptable to me.

I know there are options but not worth the hassle unless you live outside the D60/D70 work realm.

 

Id stick with drum brakes on the rear axle .Your front brakes as a rule do 65 per cent of your braking the backs 35 per cent .I personally think rear drums are better .I have heard a lot of guys with Super Dutys having rear calipers sieze up with less than 90 thousand miles on them .Most all your big trucks still run drum brakes on the rear .Rear brake shoes are way bigger than disc brake pads meaning you got a lot more friction surface when applying brakes

 

Well that puts one idea away for me. I was thinking of the switch myself but now I'll stay with the drums.