Rear drums to disc brakes
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Posts like a 4 Banger
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From: Chicago, Il

95 bonnie with rear drums....i want to add slotted rotors to my front brakes with a bigger caliper...and change my rear drums to a disc brake set up like the newer models...has any one heard or seen this done?
I don't think I have. And probably the main reason why is, no one takes a mid 90'* Bonneville past 100-150MPH on a daily basis. Second, the performance difference between drums and discs is pretty null. Remember, the normal braking system is 80/20 split system. 80% of the braking is done up front and only 20% is done in the rear. So yes, bigger/slotted/crossed drilled rotors up front would have its advantage.
mine has never had the shoes even replaced, i take the drum off every once in a while and put some never-sieze on the adjuster, and tighten it up. the fronts ive done a bunch of times. so about 50% of the maintenance cost. on vehicles i have had, w-bodies and trucks, they make the bias so you have to replace all four rotors and pads at the same time. doubling the cost. and it doesnt go any more miles either.
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Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: May 2008
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From: Chicago, Il

Yea i know about the split. Not wanting for speed, just for better stopping power, and the look would be great for the rims im pulling. But i would have to see what has the same offset, have to keep that the same. And the disc type probably has to be the disc with pads and shoes inside. I think it can be done..gonna take some research.
Second. My Bonneville lasted fifteen years and 230,000 miles. I replaced the front brakes at least three or four times, while the rear drums had their cylinders replaced once, and nothing else. So, by all means, put your money in the front. I had great stopping power with the slotted rotors and ceramic pads at R1 Concepts.
You didn't mention how many miles you have, but after several years, you may also want to replace the brake hoses, too. They stretch a little with age, so you need more fluid and pressure to apply the same amount of stopping power.
When I put slotted front rotors, front pads, and four new brake hoses on my Bonneville, it stopped better than it did when I first got it.
You didn't mention how many miles you have, but after several years, you may also want to replace the brake hoses, too. They stretch a little with age, so you need more fluid and pressure to apply the same amount of stopping power.
When I put slotted front rotors, front pads, and four new brake hoses on my Bonneville, it stopped better than it did when I first got it.
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