Rear Disc Brakes

[Sharecropper]

When I received my M1028 the rear brakes were grabbing bad, so I pulled the rear drums to inspect. The drums and shoes looked like the surface of the moon, and my mechanic determined that the drums were too severly de-faced to be turned. The cost of new drums, shoes, and the other items was over $700, so I began thinking about replacing those drums with Disc Brakes. I found exactly what I needed at TSM Manufacturing in Castle Rock, CO. TSM MFG. CO., INC. Special brackets, rotors, brake lines, and rebuilt calipers from a 1977 Cadillac El Dorado with emergency brakes. The whole outfit came in a little south of $700 and fit like a glove. Now, the truck will stop on a dime going forward or backward, even after being underwater. The TSM kit includes everything necessary including flexible SS lines to compensate for the caliper movement. Have a look -

 

[p3amea6]

Thanks for the pictures , that is now on my todo list

 

[Sharecropper]

It was really surprising how easy it installed. The only hitch was the tabs that hold the SS flexible lines had to be welded to the rear of the perch. Other than that, it was simply bolt-on. The braking power is now stronger and consistent, with a full, firm pedal.

 

[JamesM]

That's awesome!

I had the rear drums on an older truck that I had a while ago fail on me and had to replace everything (at the expense of staying original)..but that is a nice mod..especially if you plan on going under water at all. LOL

 

[Midnight Rider]

Nice setup. Would those work on the 1009 as well, you think?

 

[Sharecropper]

It should. Give the folks at TSM a call.

 

[Cucvnut]

you have a 10 bolt rear axle in a M1009 the M1008 and family have 14 bolt full floaters so you have to get a diff kit.

 

[Cucvnut]

This is the kit i am going to use to do the sme thing when i do rear brakes

Dana 60 or 14 bolt disc brake kit $315 shipped - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

 

[kapnklug]

On mine the drums and the bearing hub seem to be one big cast piece. Did you have to separate the drums from the hub or did the new rotors come with the hub?

 

[Cucvnut]

read what he can do for you on the link to pirate 4x4's he can make the kit work with other axles but the brackets need to be welded on.

 

[burbn10]

When I received my M1028 the rear brakes were grabbing bad, so I pulled the rear drums to inspect. The drums and shoes looked like the surface of the moon, and my mechanic determined that the drums were too severly de-faced to be turned. The cost of new drums, shoes, and the other items was over $700, so I began thinking about replacing those drums with Disc Brakes. I found exactly what I needed at TSM Manufacturing in Castle Rock, CO. TSM MFG. CO., INC. Special brackets, rotors, brake lines, and rebuilt calipers from a 1977 Cadillac El Dorado with emergency brakes. The whole outfit came in a little south of $700 and fit like a glove. Now, the truck will stop on a dime going forward or backward, even after being underwater. The TSM kit includes everything necessary including flexible SS lines to compensate for the caliper movement. Have a look -

Did you have any issues getting adjusting the front/rear brake power ratio? Did you have to install an adjustable proportioning valve? Also, do you have that GM factory load adjusting brake valve still on your truck? (Not sure if M1028 had them) I am in the same boat as you were with the rear brakes. Just wondering how easy it was to set up. I don't want tire drag in the snow, so that's why I am asking about the brake pressure balancing. Thanks

 

[Cucvnut]

you dont need an proportionong valve. its fine with a stock one.

 

[Sharecropper]

The kit on Pirate has calipers without emergency brakes. The calipers from TSM are rebuilt '77 Eldorado Cadillac with emergency brakes. Also, the Pirate kit uses rubber hoses, and the TSM kit provides flexible Stainless Steel lines with mounting tabs.

 

[Sharecropper]

My M1028 does indeed have the factory load-proportioning valve. I didn't touch it and everything works perfect. The only time this would need to be modified is if the truck was lifted.

 

[Cucvnut]

yes and for 500 you can get the kit with same calipers you have

 

[burbn10]

My M1028 does indeed have the factory load-proportioning valve. I didn't touch it and everything works perfect. The only time this would need to be modified is if the truck was lifted.

Thanks a lot. I am definitely going to do the disc brake swap then. My drums aren't making me happy right now.

 

[superburban]

I hate drums. This is the most worthwhile mod you can do IMO.

 

[burbn10]

Well I did the TSM disc brake conversion (with e-brake) this weekend. It was super easy to get installed, but then came the emergency brake cables.... Getting that spring guard off the end of the e-cable is a PITA.... Other than that I had the brakes installed in about 25 minutes per side. Overall I love this truck mod. Works great with the factory proportioning valve / load adjusting valve. Very happy with TSM's quality and ease of installation.

 

[Sharecropper]

I have had my TSM rear brake conversion installed for several months and am still amazed at the braking power. Even backing downhill, the rear brakes do not grab the way the drum brakes did. Without a doubt, one of the best modifications available for the M pickups.

 

[caladin]

Thanks for the info on the brakes!