Drum Brake Upgrade

[ridinregal87]

So I'll probably be thrown to the lions for this, but I plan on keeping drum brakes in the rear for my Regal. I do plan on upgrading the front discs to something better. The main reason I want to keep the drums is because I want air ride someday, and most of the rear disc brake set ups require the rear shocks to be moved inward, and I'm not sure if the air bags will be compatible with the relocated shock mounts. If anyone has any info on a possible drum brake upgrade or if air ride will be fine with the relocated shock mounts, I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance, and happy Friday.

 

[clean8485]

The existing drum brakes can be upgraded with S10 wheel cylinders. The S10 cylinders have a larger internal bore size and pistons, so they will exert more force when the brakes are applied. You could also install 4 long brake shoes, instead of 2 long and 2 short shoes (primary and secondary shoes), for some extra stopping power. I believe that G Body Parts sells a kit to perform this upgrade.

 

[pontiacgp]

and get these to keep the cylinders in place,...

Manufacturer: RAYBESTOS
Part No: GMB25851
Notes: Rear; Bracket Only

 

[ridinregal87]

Awesome, that's some great advice. Thanks guys. Do those brackets require me to drill and tap holes, or are there bolt holes already there?

 

[liquidh8]

and get these to keep the cylinders in place,...

Manufacturer: RAYBESTOS
Part No: GMB25851
Notes: Rear; Bracket Only

In all the years I have been messing with these, I have never known about those. Goes to show in the garages, we just replace the wheel cylinder and backing plate if there is a problem. They are sweet and thank you for posting that up.

 

[pontiacgp]

Thanks but I can't take credit for that. I never knew they existed until another member informed the forum about them. I never used the bracket though. I used the S10 manual brake cylinder in the G body rear and when I changed the rear end to a 67 Chevelle rear which has bolt in cylinders and the rear brakes were a lot better with braking. I used the same shoes from the G body and the same drums so the only difference was the cylinder was not moving around like it does with the G body clip. I would recommend that bracket to everyone

 

[liquidh8]

Thanks but I can't take credit for that. I never knew they existed until another member informed the forum about them. I never used the bracket though. I used the S10 manual brake cylinder in the G body rear and when I changed the rear end to a 67 Chevelle rear which has bolt in cylinders and the rear brakes were a lot better with braking. I used the same shoes from the G body and the same drums so the only difference was the cylinder was not moving around like it does with the G body clip. I would recommend that bracket to everyone

I have done the bolt in wheel cylinder mod. Anymore, I use rear discs.

BUt to the OP, what pontiacgp stated is the most common mode, using the S10 rear wheel cylinders since they are a larger piston size, and bolt in.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

I just did the S10 wheel cylinders with those brackets pontiacgp showed on my GN 8.5 but it isnt in the car so I cant tell you how much better it is. I think im the only person that doesnt have braking issues with my Gbody. Thats all I hear is how bad the factory brakes are but I have no complaints and have been in a few sketchy situations. Maybe its just the way I drive.

 

[knowyourenemy66]

What year S10 are you using the wheel cylinders from?

 

[-83MONTESS-]

What year S10 are you using the wheel cylinders from?

Mid-late 80s with manual transmission and non assisted brakes.