The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rear End Swap

I just got done reading a whole lot of topics in the search engine on swaping rear ends and pumpkins. I think I got all my questions answered except one topic. If I am going to use a rear end from a 76 Blazer will I need to change master clynder or any other brake pieces? I have a 50 GMC longbed I'm putting in a 307, 350 turbo and the 76 Blazer rear which I think is 3:73 gears. I can also possibly get my hands on a set of 3:07 gears. I'm a real rookie at this so any help would really be great. I'm looking to be able to hwy cruise 60-65 with out too much strain on engine. Thanks

Yes!
If you go faster, you need to stop faster. Disc brake kits are available for the front as well as dual master cylinder setups. Last I checked it was a bargain for both at just under $700. These systems have been engineered pretty well and take a lot of the guesswork out of it for you. One caution is that these kits have some known problems that seem to be ignored. They require a bit of patience and sometimes some minor machining or fabricating to make work correctly.

I would recommend at least changing the master cylinder. The reason is that the original equipment only has one line coming out of it. There is no fail-safe. The new ones have two lines - one for the front brakes and one for the rear. That way if something goes wrong with, say, your rear brakes, at least you would still have front brakes - for a time - until the fluid all was pumped out. At least you could get stopped safely.

You didn't say what you are doing with the front brakes/suspension. Will it stay stock? If so, then I don't know about putting disks in back with drums up front. I have never heard of that before, and probably with a reason.

Good luck!

Craig