Rear disc brake conversion from awd Astro parts.

[Gagecampbell82]

So I began searching online for a rear disc brake setup on my 82  c10. I came across a thread on gm square body forum and it claims you can use parts from a all wheel drive chevy astro and create a bolt up kit to convert (minus porportional valve).

Link to the  page-
http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1610

It basically says the Astros were available in awd from '99-'01 that they used slip on rotors with 5x5 bolt spacing and that you can order new rotors, astro calipers, (they said with fab work you could use c10 front calipers) and brake hoses from the parts house and I believe from there or speedway motors you can order optional weld or bolt on caliper brackets.

Does anyone believe this will work? It makes sense but there was never any definitive answers posted, I assume you may have to do some adjusting to the hard lines in the rear and possibly re-flare them to a different size, probably a porportional valve for all wheel disc brakes, someone also mentioned a change in master cylinder. And I'm curious as to if you could still fit a 15" rim on the rear. I believe you could because my neighbor has an astro and his rims look to be 15s. (I don't think it's awd tho) Could wheel offset be a concern with this as far as getting the wheels and lugs on?

[VileZambonie]

Yes this will work. Will you like it is the big question? Eldorado calipers can be used to give yourself the functional e-brake. Astro front rotors and there's a guy who sells the brackets for 1-12 bolt axles on the 67-72 truck forum.

[VileZambonie]

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=398352

[Gagecampbell82]

Thanks vile! what do you mean by will I like it? could there be a negative affect on the feeling while braking? And those brackets are a little pricy, but I'm sure there's a good reason for that. I'm going to do some research, and the Eldorado calipers would be a plus with the e brake, although I don't use it and there's no inspection here. It'd still be a nice thing to have.

[VileZambonie]

Honestly, if you aren't experiencing any issues with your drum brakes, you won't feel like it was money well spent.

[zieg85]

Is there any write up that the average Joe can read and understand about if there is a problem with the braking system?  I know what they are supposed to feel like but maybe someone getting a truck that may be use to the newer anti-lock braking may feel a good pedal but below standard braking is experienced?  Inquiring minds???
 

[VileZambonie]

The major disadvantage to drums is they work too good i.e. lock up and with low weight in the back when you have that "Oh Crap!" moment and stomp on the pedal, you're sure to lock up. Later models had RWABS to help remedy this but having a functional combination valve helps. If the rear brakes are in good working order, properly adjusted they generally work fine. Disc brakes have their disadvantages as well. As far as what the average Joe should do with their drum brake system:

Inspect them, check for leaks at the wheel cylinders, rust, drum out of round, hard spots or heat cracks. Ensure that the shoes are fully seated on the anchor pin, if not check the parking brake cables for frozen or over adjusted. check hardware and shoe linings. When replacing the shoes, pay attention to the primary and secondary shoe, lube the lands on the backing plates, replace the hardware and make sure the self adjusters work freely, resurface or replace the drums and finally, adjust them just right.

[Captkaos]

I am running CaptainFab's brackets, Wilwood D52's on my R10 Driver.