brutis1984 Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 I have done some searching and havent really found a definitive answer for the rear drum brakes. Does anyone have an idea why they were used as opposed to disk. Perhaps they allow a sitting burn out easier I must say they are very large drums. Is it simply that GM wanted to save a little money, or is it a performance issue. I read the front disks were different than previous years, larger dia. and thicker, I dun noh , any opinions. Red 06 SS, stock, 185miles on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a-blur-by-you Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Not to sure why GM went with rear drums I know Baer offers a conversion kit but over a grand makes me at that price. But hey brakes are life savers and money shouldn't be an issue if you want the best. Congrats on your new SS ride and welcome 05 SS (AEM CAI, nitrous on the way) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonman316 Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 I have done some searching and havent really found a definitive answer for the rear drum brakes. Does anyone have an idea why they were used as opposed to disk. Perhaps they allow a sitting burn out easier I must say they are very large drums. Is it simply that GM wanted to save a little money, or is it a performance issue. I read the front disks were different than previous years, larger dia. and thicker, I dun noh , any opinions. Red 06 SS, stock, 185miles on. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think it has something to do with the e-brake. I've seen this post before you should search the forum. Red 06 huh...... Well then how bout some pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tawss04 Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 They did it to save money, I have never been a fan of GM's drum brakes on their trucks, especialy after my mom was almost killed in an accident in her 88 W/T truck(new) when they failed to stop the truck. They sucked then and will always suck, I had many complaints on them when I worked at the dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z06 DREAMING Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 I heard they switched to rear drums due to the testing of towing and braking. The new drum supposedly performs better braking for vehicles with towing capabilities. I don't know for sure, that's just what I heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brutis1984 Posted October 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Ive never heard of drums out performing disks. I think GM saved a couple bucks since they know they are trash anyway. Might be the first upgrade. I have a couple nice pics but I am still trying to upload I have been out driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggler_d Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Ive never heard of drums out performing disks. I think GM saved a couple bucks since they know they are trash anyway. Might be the first upgrade. i heard it was both better stopping when towing due to self actuation of the shoes which wedge them selves in the drum during braking causing better braking. thats why they pivot only on one side and one shoe is always bigger or thicker. alos the other problem thay were having was the e-brake not getting used enough and the cable seizing or shoes rusting and when finally appiled the brakes they did not hold or the cable broke. because the e-brake was not getting used enough when it was an automatic. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonmalibuss Posted October 7, 2005 Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 I have heard and read that yes the e-brake was one issue but on the trucks with the larger rear end such as the 2wd SS and the VHO they have drum brakes because the smaller rearend could not handle the power since all of the power was being delivered to the rearend and that the larger rear end was never designed with disk brakes in mind so they just slapped it under the truck and called it done! I must say with the larger front rotors and drums in the rear my 05 VHO stops way better than my 04 SS ever did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SS_bnoon_SS Posted October 7, 2005 Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 ...and that the larger rear end was never designed with disk brakes in mind so they just slapped it under the truck and called it done! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I read the same thing in CHP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brutis1984 Posted October 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 Honestly I havent noticed a problem braking, acutally it stops very well as is. After the burning pocket cools off a bit I might look into an upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemikiller Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 The AWD rear end was not strong enough for a rear wheel drive set up. So they switched rear ends but the later was not designed for disc brakes. So they slaped drums on there and called it a cost cutting day. Get an AWD rear disc. 2WD rear drum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonmalibuss Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 The AWD rear end was not strong enough for a rear wheel drive set up. So they switched rear ends but the later was not designed for disc brakes. So they slaped drums on there and called it a cost cutting day. Get an AWD rear disc. 2WD rear drum. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I could have sworn thats almost exactly what I said yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBSS Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 The AWD rear end was not strong enough for a rear wheel drive set up. So they switched rear ends but the later was not designed for disc brakes. So they slaped drums on there and called it a cost cutting day. Get an AWD rear disc. 2WD rear drum. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I could have sworn thats almost exactly what I said yesterday. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think I have that 'not strong enough' rear end on my 6000 lb, rear wheel drive Avalanche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PewterC3 Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 the '02 to '04 Sierra Denali's have a heavy duty Dana rear end... and have the same rear discs as my C3 and probably the SS. I forget the size but the rear caliper is a dual piston unit. I understood it was more for the "drum in hat" e-brake issues and because of the complaints of soft "pedal feel" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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