Just wanted all owners of the 05' & Up SS owners that would like to get rid of their horrid rear drum brakes, your all in luck!
Some might know this and some might not, but here is your fix for those who don't know.
Baer Brakes makes a complete conversion kit to change your rear drums over to discs.
The kit comes with 2-14" GT type rotors (cross drilled & slotted), 2-Baer dual piston calipers, 2-caliper brackets, pad set, 2-parking brake assemblies, and all necessary hardware to complete the install.
The complete kit part# 4302081
Retail price is $1395, but I've heard of some getting them for $1000.
Hope this is usefull to some of you guys!

Jim

 

Well, that's ccol, but I thought the drums brake setup actually might work better, I don't have them, but maybe some one who has had both can let us know.

The brakes on my 2000 and now 2004 suck, poor power, high pedal effort and rear rotors cavitate after sliders seize up and then em brake kit comes apart when you need to take rear rotors off. The brakes on my old 97 would put you thru the windsheild with half the effort it takes to stop my 2004. I owe a brake shop and have seen the same deal over and over. Good money in this stuff...
Might be different in southern climates but not here in the snow/salt belt.
Baer's gotta be better, and they of course look better ,but for 1k, they gotta work alot better too.
Who has had both rear drum and rear disc, and which works better.

Dave

 

Me.
2004 Tahoe with 4 wheel discs
2004 Tahoe with 4 Baer rotors/calipers
2006 Silverado CCSB with F discs; R drums

I agree with everything you said about the soft pedal feel of the stock system on that Hoe. The Baer Alumasport kit made my 5600lb SUV (with a blower and dubs) brake as well as my 2001 WS6 T/A did! I do feel that the new Silverado has superior braking compared to the stock Tahoe of '04. I've chalked it up to it maybe having larger front discs (dunno in fact) or maybe oversized front calipers as part of the VMax pkg. Whatever the case, undoubtedly the '06 Rado brakes are superior to the stock '04 discs of the Tahoe. The other thing I have to admit that I like about my rear drums (the only thing) is that I can do killer brake stands anywhere, anytime.

Compared to the Baer kit, there's NO contest by either.

.02

 

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe GM has noticed this problem on the 99-04' Silverados. They did switch over to drums for a fix, but I have had a lot of problems with mine.
The brake booster and master cylinder I believe have been upgraded on the 05' & up models as well.
The dealership states they "may" have "fixed" my problem with my brakes.
They replaced my brake booster, turned my front rotors, and turned my rear drums. Not sure If they put new pads on all four corners, but they should have.
This is the 2nd set of drums on my truck with one turn on them. The original drums were turned three times. So I hope the replacement of the brake booster fixes the problem.
They finally figured out that there is constant pressure being applied during driving without the brake pedal being applied.
I hope this fixes the problem. If not, I will be beyond upset.
I will find out in the next week after I pick it up tomarrow.

Jim

 

Wow, sorry to hear your grief with the new vho, is that common or isolated, do you know? Hope they fixed it.
Is your truck 2 or 4wd. Did your previously have a 5.3?
If so how does the 6.0 compare
Does the Baer ket incorpoate the abs sensors as well? I suppose it would have to.
My SS should be here mid february, I can't wait.

Dave

 

Mine is a 2WD model. The LQ9 6.0L engine is far superior than a comparable 5.3L. Much quicker and stronger. Don't get me wrong, the 5.3L is a great engine as well. I did own a 2000 Silverado ECSB, 5.3L equipped.
I believe the drum brake issues that I've been having are isolated problems.
Not many others are having these problems as I am.
Just drove my truck home from the dealer. Did not really test them out yet. I don't want to get mad too soon. It will usually take a week for the problem to show its face again. So we'll see.
That's a good question about the Baer conversion kit. Not sure if it incorporates the ABS sensor or not. They did say the kit came with everything to convert it to make it work right.
Guess I need to send them an e-mail about that.
You'll love your new SS. Have you already ordered some aftermarket goodies??
You will in due time if you haven't already.
Congrats on your future SS purchase. I bought my VHO last Feburary. Almost a year old. Damn....it's going to need a birthday! Guess a mod is due for its gift . Have to heads up my fiance about this!

Jim

 

Cool, I hope your brakes are fixed, sounds like something is lightly applying the brakes and getting them hot. I wonder if they checked the adjustment on the rod from the pedal to the booster.
Anyway i'm glad you like your truck, mine will be basically the same except for the bumper cover.
I'm gonna put dynatech, magnaflow, air intake on mine, a tune and maybe lower it 2", that's probably it.
14.86 sounds good.


dave

 

Thats strange. I have a 2004 GMC VHO and it came with disc brakes in the rear.

 

I also beleive your 2004 VHO also came with the lighter 10 bolt 8.6" rear, the 05 and ups come with tey 14 bolt 9.5" dif.

Your 2004 should be 1 of the fastest/quickest 2wd 6.0L trucks out there due to its low weight.

The little bit of extra weight over the rear tires due to the 14 bolt could help with traction though.

peace
Hog

 

oh sweet, didnt know this..i also have a 2004 GMC VHO, but its loaded so i guess that weighs it down a bit