Looking to upgrade drum brakes to reliable rear disc brakes? This guide highlights five top rear disc brake conversion kits, suitable for a range of GM, Ford, Honda, and Chevy vehicles. Each option is evaluated for compatibility, installation practicality, and best-use scenarios. The kits below are aimed at classic restorations, practical daily drivers, and performance-minded builds. Best for budget-conscious builders, mid-size car owners, and those seeking bolt-on ease without welding.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Best For | Notable Note |
|---|---|---|
| GELUOXI Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit with Parking Brake Cables | Ford 8″/9″ rear axles | Requires 14″ discs or 15″+ rims; includes shims and flanges |
| Speedway Motors GM 10 & 12 Bolt Kit | GM mid-size cars | Bolt-on, complete kit |
| Fizzvex G Body S10 Drilled Rotor Kit | G Body/S10 style applications | Model-specific compatibility varies |
| SuperATV Honda 4×4 Rear Disc Conversion | Honda 4×4 ATVs | Solid axle only |
| Speedway Motors 1963-87 GM C10 Kit | Classic GM C10 pickups and Suburbans | 5×5 bolt pattern, complete package |
GELUOXI Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit With Parking Brake Cables
The GELUOXI kit targets Ford 8″ and 9″ small bearing rear axles, offering a bolt-on approach with mounting hardware included. Best for owners upgrading classic Ford models or those seeking a direct replacement that preserves original wheel configurations. The kit includes 3 shim options and 3 flange choices to adapt to varying rear axle dimensions, plus a brake cable that can be cut to fit model length. Installation notes indicate the need to remove axles and use 14″ discs or larger rims, with no welding required.
Best for: Ford enthusiasts upgrading smaller rear ends who want a flexible fit with adjustable clearances. Better for: users who value a prepared hardware set and adaptable mounting geometry. Choose this if: your rear axle flange and rim size align with the provided shims and flanges, and you want a single-kit solution that includes parking brake cables.
Caution: The kit requires handling wheel and axle modifications, which may affect underlying braking system alignment. Check compatibility with your exact Ford model year and wheel size before purchase.
Speedway Motors GM 10 & 12 Bolt Rear Disc Kit
This affordable, bolt-on rear disc kit is designed for GM 10 and 12 bolt rear ends in mid-size cars. It provides a complete package with two bolt-on caliper brackets, two vented rotors, two GM metric calipers, and all necessary hardware for an easy upgrade. It is not intended for full-size cars, pickups, or 7.5″ 10 bolt axles, so the kit is best for mid-size GM builds seeking a straightforward install without custom fabrication.
Best for: mid-size GM cars needing a cost-effective, ready-to-install system. Better for: owners who want a complete kit with minimal extra sourcing. Choose this if: your vehicle uses a GM 10 or 12 bolt rear end and you want a simple bolt-on upgrade.
Caution: Not suitable for full-size GM pickups or 7.5″ 10-bolt axles, ensuring you confirm axle type before purchase.
Fizzvex Rear Disc Brake Kit Drilled Rotor For G Body S10
The Fizzvex kit provides drilled rotors as part of a rear disc brake conversion for G Body and S10 platforms, with compatibility notes covering Buick Skylark, Chevy Camaro, El Camino, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Olds variants, and more. The package focuses on providing a direct replacement setup and emphasizes rotor design that includes drilled rotors for enhanced heat management and brake feel. Data shows a broad compatibility slate across classic GM models, making it a flexible option for enthusiasts working on a variety of early GM vehicles.
Best for: owners restoring or upgrading multiple GM body styles with common rear disc configurations. Better for: those who want drilled rotors to improve cooling. Choose this if: your application aligns with the listed Buick/Chevy/Olds model range and you need a complete drilled rotor solution.
Caution: Specific fitment may vary by model year; verify rotor diameter, caliper mount style, and drum-to-disc conversion needs for your exact vehicle before ordering.
SuperATV Rear Disc Brake Kit For Honda 4×4
SuperATV’s rear disc kit is designed for specific Honda 4×4 ATVs, including Foreman 500 (2014-2019), Foreman 520 (2020+), and Rancher 420 (2014+). The kit replaces drum brakes on solid-axle Hondas and is compatible with a standard set of brake pads, offering a practical upgrade for ATV enthusiasts seeking improved stopping power and reliability. The data notes that the kit is intended for solid-axle configurations, which is typical for many older and utility-oriented Honda models.
Best for: Honda 4×4 ATV owners needing a straightforward, reliable rear disc conversion. Better for: users with solid-axle Ranchers or Foremans seeking a standardized pad system. Choose this if: you operate a compatible Honda 4×4 model and want a maintenance-friendly upgrade.
Caution: Not suitable for Honda models with non-solid axles or incompatible brake system layouts; verify axle type and mounting compatibility with your exact ATV model.
Generic Complete Disc Brake Kit For Chevy C20/C30
This generic kit targets several Chevy heavy-weight models including C20, C30, K20, K30 ranges from 1973 to 1988, with a package that includes laser-cut brackets, bolts, rotors, calipers, and pads. It is designed as a complete replacement system, offering a 12.5″ diameter rotor setup with 8-lug configurations. Suitable for classic Chevy pickups and K-series trucks, it provides a broad compatibility field for those restoring older GM workhorses.
Best for: Chevy pickups and K-series trucks requiring a full rear disc conversion. Better for: builders who want a complete, all-in-one kit with reinforced brackets and rotors. Choose this if: your truck model matches the listed GM ranges and you are looking for a full upgrade package.
Caution: The data sheet highlights multiple GM models; confirm the exact rotor size, lug pattern, and caliper compatibility with your vehicle year before ordering.
Speedway Motors GM C10 Rear Disc Kit (1963-87)
The Speedway 63-70 GM C10 rear disc brake kit is designed for classic GM trucks, offering 12-inch rotors, D54 pads, large bore single-piston calipers, and complete hardware with hoses and emergency brake cables. Its 5×5 bolt pattern and a center axle hole diameter of 3.090 inches support a broad range of stock wheels, making it a versatile choice for restoration projects or practical upgrades to the GM C10 family. The kit also blends with Suburbans and 2WD Blazers in the same generation.
Best for: classic GM C10 pickups and similar trucks needing a comprehensive drum-to-disc upgrade. Better for: builders who want a full-service kit with brake hoses and emergency cables included. Choose this if: your vehicle’s bolt pattern and axle hole align with 5×5 and 3.090″ center bore specs.
Caution: Ensure wheel compatibility with stock or aftermarket wheels, and verify that your truck is within the 1963-1970 window of model compatibility.
NEWZQ Complete Disc Brake Kit For GM 1973-1988
NEWZQ offers a complete GM rear disc conversion kit for 1973-1988 C20/C30/K20/K30 series with detailed components including brackets, bolts, rotors, calipers, and pads. The kit is designed to upgrade classic GM trucks with a full set of essential hardware for a cleaner, more modern braking system. It emphasizes a complete package, enabling a straightforward upgrade path for experienced hobbyists or professional restorers.
Best for: GM truck owners seeking a full, “ready-to-install” conversion with integral mounting hardware. Better for: people who value a complete hardware bundle and standard GM rotor/caliper configurations. Choose this if: your GM truck fits the listed years and model ranges and you want a comprehensive kit without sourcing individual parts.
Caution: Be certain the included rotor diameter and lug pattern match your vehicle’s specifications before purchasing.
Inline Tube G-Body Rear Disc Conversion With Cross Drilled Rotors
Inline Tube’s kit is designed for 1978-87 GM G-Body cars and similar rear-drive platforms. It includes cross-drilled and slotted rotors, calipers, parking brake cables, lines, hoses, nuts, bolts, brackets, shims, and hose tabs. The package aims to deliver a complete, properly aligned disc brake conversion with enhanced rotor cooling. It emphasizes cross-drilled/slotted rotors as a performance-oriented feature while maintaining a straightforward bolt-on approach.
Best for: G-Body and related models needing a robust, well-rounded conversion with included lines and hardware. Better for: collectors or drivers seeking drilled rotors for improved heat management. Choose this if: your vehicle matches the 1978-1987 G-Body window and you want a full kit including cables and brackets.
Caution: Verify exact rotor thickness and caliper compatibility with your specific year and trim to ensure a precise fit.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Vehicle compatibility: Check axle type, bolt pattern, rotor size, and caliper mounting style to ensure the kit matches your vehicle.
- Installation scope: Some kits require axle removal or non-welding installations, while others are bolt-on only; plan for related labor accordingly.
- Included hardware: Prefer kits that provide brackets, bolts, hoses, cables, and hardware to minimize sourcing separate parts.
- Rotor design: Drilled or slotted rotors offer cooling benefits but may affect rotor durability in extreme conditions; balance your needs against driving habits.
- Parking brake integration: If your vehicle uses an emergency brake, ensure the kit provides compatible parking brake components or a reliable alternative.
- Future maintenance: Consider kit availability and supplier support for replacement rotors, pads, and calipers over time.
FAQ
- Q: Do rear disc brake kits require welding or fabrication?
A: Most bolt-on kits do not require welding, but some situations may need axle removal or caliper alignment steps. - Q: Can I mix components from different kits?
A: It’s best to use components designed to work together for proper fitment and braking balance. - Q: Are drilled rotors better for all driving conditions?
A: Drilled rotors can improve heat dissipation in high-heat conditions, but may wear differently on certain surfaces; consider intended use. - Q: How do I know which bolt pattern I need?
A: Verify your vehicle’s wheel bolt pattern (e.g., 5×5, 5×4.75) and rotor center bore to ensure compatibility. - Q: Do these kits include parking brake cables?
A: Some kits include parking brake cables; review the product features to confirm the included components. - Q: Is this upgrade suitable for a daily driver?
A: Many kits are designed for both restoration and daily driving, but confirm rotor dimensions and caliper choices align with your driving needs.