1997 Chevy Blazer Rear Drums to Rear Discs

1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RYAN SOUTH
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  • 13 POSTS
I have a question about converting from rear drums to rear discs. I did not want to change or 'upgrade' the vehicle. I was at all the local junkyards (needed to change the complete differential assembly and is cheaper to just put a whole new rear end in the truck). The question is: I now am putting in a rear end from a 2002 blazer-mine is a 1997. The 2002 has disc brakes. Mine had drum brakes. What has to be changed? Do I need to change the valve that controls the pressure to the front brakes and the back brakes (I cannot remember the name of that valve)? If yes, I cannot find that valve (I already looked)-can I just connect the brake line directly to the master cylinder for the back brakes or would it need to be regulated through a 'pressure valve'? Do I need to buy a new master cylinder? This is only for a truck for beating around the area carrying things and I really don't want to change anything unless it is absolutely necessary-but of course I don't want to have rear wheel crazy lock ups as well. Where I am located it is impossible to find any parts for the 2 trucks listed above (I could buy a master cylinder new-but not the other pressure valve) so changing the valve would be a big problem. Please advise me on this as switching the new differential assembly to drum brakes is also a possibility.
Thanks, Stranded somewhere where parts are impossible to find.
Ryan
Nov 2, 2010 at 8:40 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Before I start, I have to tell you, we only recommend direct fit parts because there are too many problems that can show up.

The valve you are refering to is the proportioning valve. It basically regulates 40% of the pressure to the rear and 60% to the front. You can't install the brake lines directly to the master cylender without other problems.

Next, the gear ratio needs to be the exact same as your present differential. If it is different, you will damage the transfer case, the wheels can lock up... because one axle will spin faster than the other if they are different.

Finally, there are abs sensors on the brakes. The rear disc brakes require a different type of sensor which will lead to computer / ABS issues.

I wish I had better news. What I'm trying to say is you will most likely end up with more problems and money into this change than you would if you repaired it with the OEM parts.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Joe
Nov 2, 2010 at 8:53 PM