I do a fair amount of towing with my 01 QC 4x4 and was thinking that if I could find a later model rear end with factory disc brakes to swap in that it could be a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade my braking. Has anyone done this? which year is the preferred year? Do my current stock 16" steel wheels fit over the disc brake calipers? What am I not thinking of besides gear ratio matching and the like?

Thanks guys

 

Easiest would be an 01.5 or '02 as they are identical to yours and have the discs on the back. You may want to grab the proportioning valve too as it may be different. Some have done '03 and up but you need to change wheels to fit the rotors as they are larger after '03.

 

I would do the chevy wheel cylinders and keep your drums adjusted.....seems like a lot of messing around for not much better braking. If you want the most reasonable upgrade, go with 17" wheels and third gen front rotors, calipers and brackets.....

Just my .02 my rears have hung up and cooked the pads twice since I have owned it and the e-brake is a PIA to keep adjusted.