Deciding to draw the trigger on a dana 80 disk brake conversion is usually the moment you realize those massive manufacturer drums just aren't cutting it any more. If you're driving a heavy-duty truck equipped with the Dana 80 rear axle—think older Rams, Fords, or GMs—you already know that while these axles are total tanks, the brake technology left the lot to be preferred back in the day. There is definitely nothing quite like the sensation of attempting to reduce the 9, 000-pound rig with a movie trailer behind it and feeling those rear drums start to fade or, also worse, realize they're barely contributing to the effort at most.
Converting to disks isn't simply about getting the most recent tech; it's regarding safety, maintenance state of mind, and actually having the ability to stop when you need to. Let's break down why this swap is practical and what you're actually getting in to when you determine to ditch the drums.
Precisely why the factory drums have to go
If you've actually had to service a Dana 80 drum brake set up, you probably still have the scars or at least the bad memories. Those drums are incredibly heavy—sometimes evaluating 50 pounds or more a piece. Just getting them away from to examine the shoes is a workout. And don't actually get me started on the suspension springs and adjusters. It's a complex clutter of hardware that will likes to rust jointly, especially if you live within the salt belt.
Beyond the hassle of focusing on them, there's the performance aspect. Brake drums carry heat just like a cast-iron skillet. After they get hot throughout a long descent or even repeated stops within traffic, they drop their "bite. " You end upward standing on the particular pedal, hoping front side brakes can handle the load. A dana 80 disk brake conversion changes that dynamic entirely. Disks dissipate high temperature considerably faster because the friction surface is usually exposed to the environment. They don't fade nearly as rapidly, and they also provide a much more consistent pedal feel.
The weight savings and simplicity
One of the first things a person notice once you unbox a conversion package is how much easier the whole strategy is. You're trading these massive, clunky percussion for a smooth rotor and the single-piston or dual-piston caliper. This decreases unsprung weight, which usually is always the win for ride quality, but the real victory is usually in future upkeep.
Once you have disks back there, the brake job will take twenty minutes rather of two hrs. You pop the wheel off, draw two bolts on the caliper, glide the old pads out, and put the new types in. No more wrestling with "Jesus springs" that need to fly across the shop and hit you within the eye.
Exactly what usually comes in a conversion package?
Most guys don't try in order to piece these kits together from the beginning because getting the bracket geometry right is a nightmare. A solid dana 80 disk brake conversion kit usually contains a few particular components.
Heavy duty mounting brackets
The heart from the kit is the bracket that mounting bolts to your axle flange. Since the Dana 80 is a beastly axle, these mounting brackets need to end up being thick—usually 3/8" or even 1/2" laser-cut metal. They replace the old drum backing plate and offer the mounting points with regard to your new calipers.
Calipers plus pads
Depending on the package you buy, you'll frequently see calipers found from all other heavy-duty apps, like Chevy 3/4-ton front ends. The beauty of this is that if you're ever on the road trip plus a caliper seizes up, you can stroll into any local auto parts store plus find a substitute within the shelf. A person aren't stuck waiting around for a custom "specialty" part in order to ship.
Brand new rotors
These types of rotors are massive. They have in order to be to quit the kind of weight a Dana 80 is scored for. Most sets utilize a slip-on style rotor that fits right over your existing wheel hubs after the old percussion are pressed off.
The parking brake dilemma
Here is where things obtain a little difficult, and it's the particular one section of the dana 80 disk brake conversion that makes people be reluctant. Most basic conversion kits don't arrive with a parking brake setup. For those who have an automatic and you always park your car on flat floor, maybe you don't care. But if you have a manual transmitting or else you actually use your truck with regard to work, a parking brake is non-negotiable.
You have 2 main options right here. You can purchase "e-brake calipers, " that have a mechanised lever built in to the back from the caliper. They work okay, but they're notoriously finicky to maintain adjusted. The additional option is a "top hat" style rotor high is the tiny drum brake hidden in the middle of the disk rotor just with regard to the parking brake. This is the way most modern trucks do it. It's more expensive, however it works way better. If you're doing this swap, don't inexpensive out on the parking brake solution—you'll regret it the first time you're loading a truck on an incline.
Installation actuality check
Is this an entrance job? Yeah, this definitely can end up being, however you need in order to be prepared for some heavy lifting. The particular hardest part associated with the whole process is usually having the old stuff off. Those factory drums have likely already been on there with regard to 20 years, and these people don't want to leave. You might need a larger hammer—actually, a person definitely require a larger hammer.
As soon as the old percussion and backing dishes are off, you have to clean the axle flange surfaces thoroughly. Any rust or even scale left within the flange will screw up the alignment of your new bracket, which leads to uneven sleeping pad wear or annoying squeaks.
You'll also require to handle the particular brake lines. Your own old rubber ranges that visited the drum cylinders won't reach the newest disc brake calipers. Most good dana 80 disk brake conversion products include new metal steel braided outlines. Just be ready to flare several hard lines when your factory accessories are too crusty to come apart cleanly.
Proportioning regulators and master cyl
One factor people often ignore is the liquid dynamics. Drum brake systems need a different quantity of pressure and volume than disk brakes. Whenever you exchange to disks in the rear, your own brake pedal might feel a little bit "deep" or mushy since the master cylinder is still trying in order to talk to drums.
In many cases, you might like to swap out your stock proportioning valve to have an adjustable one. Allowing you dial within how much pressure goes to the back. You want the rears to help, however you don't want them locking upward before the fronts perform, especially when the mattress is empty. It's a fine-tuning action that turns a "good" brake set up into a "great" one.
Is it worth the investment decision?
Let's become honest: a complete dana 80 disk brake conversion isn't exactly pocket change. Between the kit, the fluid, and maybe some new hard ranges, you're looking at a decent chunk of money and a complete Saturday (or a whole weekend) within the garage.
But if a person plan on maintaining your truck for the long carry, it's one of the best enhancements you can do. The peace associated with mind you obtain from knowing you can actually remain in an emergency is definitely worth every dime. Plus, your pickup truck will feel ten years newer just simply by possessing a more reactive, firm brake your pedal.
Simply no more pulling in order to one side due to the fact one drum is adjusted tighter compared to other. No more "clunking" sounds when you backup and hit the brakes. Just smooth, consistent stopping power. In case you're tired of fighting with those outdated cast-iron drums, it's time to associated with switch. You'll wonder why you waited such a long time to do it.