Rear Disc Brake Kits
Upgrade your classic with rear disc brake conversion kits designed around popular cars, trucks, and rear-end configurations. Explore vehicle-specific and axle-specific options with multiple rotor sizes, bolt patterns, caliper styles, parking-brake setups, and performance upgrades.
Rear Disc Brake Conversions for Different Axle Setups
Rear disc brake conversions depend on the axle underneath the vehicle. On many classics, the rear end may have been swapped years ago, making the actual housing and axle configuration more important than the original factory specification.
This collection covers common GM 10- and 12-bolt rear ends, Ford 9-inch setups, Mopar 8¾ and Dana 60 assemblies, along with vehicle-specific applications for Chevy trucks, Bel Air, Impala, G-Body, OBS trucks, and others.
From there, the differences become more specific. Rotor sizes range from 11-inch systems to larger 12- and 13-inch packages, while some setups add Wilwood calipers, BlackOut finishes, parking brakes, stainless hoses, or drilled-and-slotted rotors.
Caliper position can also change the installation. Front-mounted, rear-mounted, and staggered arrangements may be used depending on shock location, suspension clearance, exhaust routing, and parking-brake cable placement. On modified vehicles, these details often determine which rear brake setup actually fits.
FAQ
How do I choose the right rear disc brake conversion kit?
Start by identifying the rear end actually installed in your vehicle. Then confirm the axle housing and flange, bearing type, axle offset, wheel bolt pattern, shock location, wheel clearance, and parking-brake requirements. Vehicle year and model can help narrow your options, but they should not be the only factors because many classics have had their original rear ends replaced.
How do I identify which rear end is installed in my vehicle?
Look at the housing and differential cover shape, cover bolt count, axle flange, bearing configuration, casting numbers, and identification tags when available. Do not assume the rear end is original simply because you know the vehicle's year and model. Previous owners may have installed a different GM, Ford, Mopar, or aftermarket rear-end assembly.
Why does the axle flange matter when choosing a rear disc brake kit?
The caliper mounting brackets attach to the rear axle housing flange, so the flange configuration is a major fitment point. Bolt spacing, flange shape, bearing position, and axle offset can vary between rear ends that otherwise appear similar. A kit designed for one flange configuration may not correctly position the rotor and caliper on another.
What rotor size should I choose for a rear disc brake conversion?
The collection includes different rotor sizes, including 11-, 12-, and 13-inch configurations. The right choice depends on the specific rear end, front braking system, wheel clearance, vehicle use, and desired level of performance. Larger rotors also need sufficient space inside the wheel, so check the minimum wheel and clearance requirements of the individual kit before ordering.
Will a rear disc brake conversion kit fit my existing wheels?
Wheel diameter alone does not guarantee clearance. Rotor diameter, caliper dimensions, wheel offset, spoke design, and inner-barrel shape can all affect fitment. The wheel bolt pattern must also match the selected rear brake configuration. Check the specifications for the individual kit and use a wheel-clearance template when one is available.
Do rear disc brake conversion kits include a parking brake?
Some do, while others use a different parking-brake arrangement or may require additional components. The collection includes Wilwood rear disc conversions specifically equipped with parking brakes for applications such as Ford 9-inch and GM 10- and 12-bolt rear ends. Always confirm the parking-brake design, cable requirements, and included hardware on the individual product page.
How do I choose between front-, rear-, and staggered-mounted rear calipers?
The correct caliper position depends on the vehicle and components surrounding the rear axle. Shock placement, suspension design, exhaust routing, parking-brake cables, and other clearance issues can affect where the calipers can be mounted. This collection includes front-mounted, rear-mounted, and staggered Wilwood configurations for certain rear ends, so choose according to the physical layout of your build.
Do I need a different master cylinder after converting the rear brakes to discs?
You may need to change the master cylinder or other hydraulic components when moving from a disc/drum setup to four-wheel discs. The master cylinder must provide the appropriate fluid volume for the calipers, and the proportioning system needs to maintain suitable front-to-rear brake balance. Check the requirements of the selected rear kit together with your existing front brake, booster, and master cylinder setup.
What is axle offset, and why does it matter for rear disc brakes?
Axle offset describes the relationship between the axle flange and the housing flange or bearing surface. The brake mounting bracket and rotor must be positioned correctly around that measurement so the rotor aligns with the caliper. An incorrect offset can create alignment and fitment problems even when the rear-end family appears to match the kit.