I was talking cars with a friend and he told me you could convert a 12 bolt GM rearend using ford parts and add disc brakes cheap. Does anyone know how this is done?

I believe what you are referring to if a kit using the Explorer-type rear disk brakes. Ford was the first (I think!) to utilize the mini-drum-brake-inside-the-rear-rotor-hub method of modern rear disk brakes. Basically, the mini-drum is the ebrake, inside the rear disk rotor. I've seen kits that alow this on GM rearends, but you might just want to try and find some later model GM stuff. I know several of the mid-sized cars and some SUVs from GM now use the same type of setup on their rears and it would probably bolt right on. This would help keep the car all GM is that matters to you.

PS. Yes, I have rear disk brakes!

Bill C.

Ford was the first (I think!) to utilize the mini-drum-brake-inside-the-rear-rotor-hub method of modern rear disk brakes Okay, maybe not modern, but didn't the Corvettes use this setup, at least in the 60's and 70's? And what did the rear-disc equipped Gen1 (1969's) Camaro's use for an Ebrake (RPO JL8)?

As for newer GM stuff. The early/mid 90's F-body rear discs will bolt on to the 10/12 bolt, but use the caliper with integral ebrake mechanism... BUT some later Camaros (not sure when) might have used the tiny drum shoes inside the rotor hat... The guy I bought my F-body setup from showed me the rearend sitting in his shop... Not sure if it would fit, or how expensive it would be, but its worth looking into...

here is what i did.
http://hometown.aol.com/smartasreality/page11.html
need help? just ask :D

Don't sound easy or cheap. :confused:

I'm using rear discs off a '95 camaro Z28. I've removed the e-brake parts. So far the backing plates bolted right on my 8.5" 10-bolt, and if all goes well the only 'custom' part will be getting the brake lines to attach.

Only LS1 f-bodies (98+) have the 'mini drum' ebrake. the LT1 versions (93-97) have funky looking setup that squeezes the caliper mechanically. I just disassembled that get-up, who needs e-brakes anyhow? ;)

Here's a pic of my 12 bolt setup. I "wimped out" and broke out the checkbook instead of scrounging. It's an MP Brakes kit, using Caddy Seville calipers and rotors. Everything but the hardlines was included - including E-brake cables.


http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JohnD/RearEnd.jpg

I am going to have to scrounge. I know where way too many junk yards with the parts I am sure I will need. I just need to know what parts I am looking for.

I would stay away from the Explorer brake swap. It may be easy and cheap, but there are issues. First the disk is a solid design. You really want a vented rotor, even in the back. Second, the calipers are too big and you may experience premature rear wheel lock up. This may or may not be fixed by an adjustable prop valve. Last years CHP's 0-100-0 shoot out had a Camaro that used those brakes. It would just lock the rar brakes up. I saw in the last issue of CHP that they swapped the Explorer brakes for a different setup. They used a larger 12 inch vented rotor and a smaller PBR single piston caliper. Basically C4 Corvette parts. Worked much better.
Just my 2 cents.

Andrew

Late model S10 pickups and blazers were upgraded to vented rear disc with internal E brake,starting
with the 99 or 00 model. I,m not sure if their standard or an option.Aluminum calipers with a good sized rotor,and corvette style round E brake shoes.