L series rear drum brake conversion????

neirbo-turbo · Post by **neirbo-turbo** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:11 pm

Hey everyone,
I own a 1990 l series sportswagon and am wondering if it is possible to convert the rear drums into disc brakes without too many hasles? If it is then what do i need?
Any suggestions much appreciated!
Cheers!

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:19 pm

HELLO!?!?!??!?!?!,

All you need is the rear end from a 4x4 Vortex or RX, it bolts straight in. If you are keen all you really need is the disc brake hubs and calipers, they will go onto your rear end then you just need to buy the discs.

!?!??!?!??!?!??!?!?

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:54 pm

remember...drums are as good as discs on the rear...main indication for conversion is local dept of transport regs...read on young one, you have much learn does he

sven

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:23 am

Funny thing about the turbo L series and RTA records, call it a misprint or whatever - my copy of NSW RTA vehicle specs state the turbo RX and auto have power drum brakes on the rear and that it is not suitable as a taxi-cab !!

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:32 am

sven '2' wrote:remember...drums are as good as discs on the rear...main indication for conversion is local dept of transport regs...read on young one, you have much learn does he

sven

Agreed, I've changed from drums to discs in L series and not noticed much increase in braking power. What is it....about 90% of the braking is done by the front anyway?
If your sticking to L series brakes only way really is to get nice new discs (wanky ventilated ones don't cost much more) and get your master cylinder and calipers reconditioned.
Some people say upgrading the master cylinder and booster to EJ spec (basically a bolt in) increases braking power, well it can't really but it does change the feel of the brakes for the better.
The only real way to increase braking power is by increasing the diameter of the front discs which is a pretty major/expensive modification for an old L series.

Another advantage of changing to rear discs is if you do alot of offroading, particularly in the mud - easier to clean the mud out of disc brakes and calipers than the drum brake setup.

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:36 am

steptoe wrote: my copy of NSW RTA vehicle specs state the turbo RX and auto have power drum brakes on the rear

Lucky - the SA RTA have it correct and are very aware of engine transplants etc - does not mean they understand but!

Sven

tex · Post by **tex** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:08 am

your braking power is only as good as your tire footprint on the road shocks etc but the discs although technically drums grab better the discs cool better. Best option is upgrade the lot to liberty stuff including wheels and tires. The crossbred kit is worth its weight in gold if you want brake upgrades plus cheap to upgrade and easier to get parts and wheels.

shuffbag · Post by **shuffbag** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:16 pm

hey some one mentioned mud within the drums, having never owned a car that can go over and throgh stuff i thought i'd try today and after going through deep ruts full of water i noticed on my way home a bit of a shudder from the rear drums??? only was around for alittle maybe 5 minutes and now all is well.

but could this be related to some water/mud within the drum?

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:39 pm

I'd say more likely a big lump of mud stuck on the inside of one of your wheels

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:44 am

steptoe wrote:Funny thing about the turbo L series and RTA records, call it a misprint or whatever - my copy of NSW RTA vehicle specs state the turbo RX and auto have power drum brakes on the rear and that it is not suitable as a taxi-cab !!

My copy says the same...