[hduff]

My car uses a '73 Impala frame and suspension. I'm interested in using disc brake on the rear axle, but I haven't found any mid-70's stuff on the usual brake conversion sites.

Any advice on a source for a kit? Junkyard replacement parts? Complete rear axle swap?

[tm454]

I used a Camaro rear axle with disc brakes for my 37 Dodge, I don't know of an impala with disc on the rear....maybe an X-cop car? Ask the people here for help: www.chevytalk.com/


Tazz


Rat Rods Rule!

[hduff]

I had thought of that, but wouldn't I need to completely replace all the other rear suspension parts? That's work I'd like to avoid if I can.

Hoyt

[BinderRod1939]

You should be able to use parts from a 3rd Gen Camaro for the brake swap. If your rear-end is a 10 bolt or 12 bolt you can remove the axles on the 3rd Gen Camaro and use the backing plates, rotors and calipers. There is one thing you will have to do. You will have to have the flange on your axles cut down a 1/4 inch so that the rotors will fit the axles. I did this on my 10 bolt for my 39 International. It is a cheap and easy way to get disc brakes. If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a line. Keith in Missouri

AusioOne@aol.com

[hduff]

That more in line with the info that I was hoping for. What I need to do is obtain a the Camaro rear end, compare the parts, have my axle machined correctly and bolt it in.

The other suggested solutions I've gotten were an axle swap, a near $1000 kit or an affordable generic bracket with lots of fabrication.

I'm leving town at the end of this week, so I'll investigate all these options after I return.

Thanks. I'm open to other opininions and options as well.

[Triaged]

I don't think camaro stuff will bolt on.

Imp's are 5on5" and not 5on4.75" bolt patern

Imp's have a larger backing plate flange (the same size as a 1/2-ton truck).

I think you can go with BIG caddy stuff but I also think the newer (LT1) Imp stuff will work.

Not sure on all those points but some more stuff to look into.

[hduff]

I recall hearing that Camaro stuff might bolt on S-10 truck axles.

OK. I need to measure carefull and bring along digital picture of my axle if I go junkyard exploring.

Hoyt

[Triaged]

Take a look at this
http://www.strangeengineering.net/catalog/68.html

I think you have the Large GM type. They are very easy to tell the difference even with the drums still on (looking from the back side).

Where did s10's come into this? You don't have a s10 axle do you

Some early s10's have a strange flange on them that has a big hole in it that holds the wheel cylinder. Later ones use the standard "small GM" end. S10's are 5on4.75"

[BinderRod1939]

I have also used backing plates from a Camaro to my 442. Like it was posted earlier 5 on 5 vs 5 on 4.75. The backing plates will still bolt on, now you have to figure out what to do about the bolt pattern.

The 442 had a 10 bolt and the Camaro was a 12 bolt.

If you know someone with a Hollander exchange book it will tell you exactly what rotors you can use. Keith in Missouri

[jpd37]

tm454, what year Camero rear end did you use for your Dodge? I have a 37 Plymouth and I'd like to do the same thing. Did you replace the leaf springs too? How did you handle the emergency brakes? Are you satisfied with the results?

[hduff]

I also have a '93 S-10 ext cab that is shaping up to be my Spring project. An easy bolt-on for rear disks would be nice. I have power windows and door locks to install; looking for power seats. I'll do a 2/3 drop with spindles in front and a single leaf drop spring in back since I still need to use the truck as a truck (my nephew has dropped his S-10 6" and now can't carry any cargo without bottoming out). I would like to do the Caddy taillight mod, add power units to the rear vent windows and modify the rear window for power much like a station wagon rear window. Still not sure about the engine since it has to remain smog-legal.

Hoyt

[Triaged]

Check this out for the s10
http://forums.s-series.org/viewtopic...490&highlight=

Will cost less then an aftermarket kit and is stronger to boot. You just have to keep looking (took me 2 years) till you find one.