Sorry if this has been discussed already, but I noticed my 06 Silverado has rear drum brakes vs. a few of my buddies who both have 02 Silverados. I never noticed that they previously had 4 wheel disc brakes (sorry I'm a truck newb ), does anyone know why GM decided to go back to drum brakes on the rears? I always thought disc brakes were more efficient than drums?

 

It was the internal drum parking brake on the rear discs that was giving them fits I believe.

 

If you take a look at the 2500HD, 3500HD, Tahoe, and Surburban you will notice they have disc brakes, so GM was smart enough to create a disc brake system that works, but not smart enough to incorporate them on the 1/2 ton Silverado.

 

Is there anyway to "swap" over to the disc brakes used on the vehicles you mentioned?

I'm a little dissapointed, so does that mean the braking performance for the 06 1/2 tons is worse than it's predecessors w/ disc brakes?

 

I've not seen braking performance date for the '06 1/2 tons but given that the front brakes do 90% of the work anyway I'm betting that they perform very similar to earlier models with 4 wheel disks....the disks do look better though

 

Well, I can tell you one thing. Your truck will brake stall higher with those brakes. I've seen guys brake stall to 3200 with a 3000 converter. Mine stalls to 2500 and its a 3k.

Do you still want to swap?????

 

I doubt braking performance is worse in a conventional setting. I don't think they would've switched if it were. I'm sure they're more prone to fade though.

 

I agree with La Cuerva,.....if I was were you at I would gladly swap my discs for your drums.

 

lol, I think you guys convinced me to keep em. Plus it looks like some 15" wheels would clear them...which would be convenient for some drag wheels/tires.

 

You guys just made me like my rear drums! Thanks!!