Why Does Your Truck Have Drum Brakes?
The disc brake system is known as a modern solution. So why do some trucks still have drum brakes?
The reason manufacturers still build their trucks with drum brakes is simple: cost. Drum brakes are cheaper than disc brakes. It doesn’t mean that you have to keep drum brakes on your truck. Drum brakes have some problems, like:
- Wet weather performance issues
- Rust
- Maintenance difficulties due to inaccessibility and rust/corrosion issues
- Inspection difficulties due to inaccessibility
- Quick fading
Drum brakes are also more prone to failure than disc brakes are. When drum brakes fail, it can be hard to fix the drum (by resurfacing it). Often times, the only option is to replace the drum. That’s a big surprise expense many drivers can’t afford.
Why Disc Brakes Are Better Than Drum Brakes
Many truck owners consider disc brakes to be a big upgrade from drum brakes. This is because:
- Disc brakes have a greater stopping power
- No brake fade
- Better performance in inclement weather
- Better heat distribution
- Disc brakes are easier to maintain
- More accessible
- Easier to check
- Easier to replace components
- Disc brakes are self adjusting
- Disc brakes offer more consistent braking over the life of the pads
- Drum brake shoes wear unevenly
- Disc brakes create less unsprung weight than drum brakes
- Better handling
- Better ride
- Shocks last longer
- Disc brakes create less rotational inertia
- Less effort to stop and get going
- With disc brakes, you have more control over how you augment and repair your vehicle
- Wider selection of rotors and brake pads that suit your needs
For a more thorough explanation of why disc brakes are better than drum brakes, check out these articles:
Converting To Disc Brakes Is Pretty Cost Effective
Converting to disc brakes costs some money upfront, but it’s actually more cost effective in the long run. Most of the time, it’s actually cheaper to convert to disc brakes than replacing your drum brakes. So if you have issues with your drum brakes, maybe it’s time to convert to disc brakes.
Lugnut4x4 Offers Complete Disc Brake Conversion Kits
If you decide to convert to disc brakes, you have two options:
- Build a DIY disc brake conversion kit
- Buy a disc brake conversion kit
Buying a disc brake conversion kit is often much cheaper than gathering together the parts you need. This post explains why.
At Lugnut4x4, we offer complete disc brake conversion kits for a variety of axles, including:
- 14 bolt
- Dana 60
- Dana 70
- Dana 80
- Eaton
- Sterling 10.25
We also offer universal weld on disc brake kits and dual rear wheel disc brake kits. Our kits contain everything you need to convert to disc brakes. For example, our Dana 60 disc brake conversion kits contain:
- Rotors
- Brackets
- Calipers with steel pistons
- Caliper pins
- Brake pads
- High quality hardware (washers, bolts, clips, etc.)
- Inner hub/wheel seals
- Brake hoses
If you need help finding the right disc brake conversion kit for your truck, please contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you!