As I understand it if you are like me, my 99 runs drums in the rear. So even if I go with 17" wheels which I plan to do this mod would require some major surgery and I'd still have to contend with the parking brake issue, correct?

Based on what I read this is my current plan, just upgrade to the GMC brake cylinders and maybe a proportioning valve and then better stopping power in the rear. If down the road I feel like doing what I think is major surgery that option would still be there. Does that make sense fellas?

 

Can someone explain what the pro portioning valve is for the brakes? And where it is located?

 

Hey, this might help:

http://stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/proportioning-valves

I only mentioned it as I wasn't sure how things would be setup after such a major swap. Good luck.

 

I still have the stock proportioning valve with no issues. They work off relative pressure anyway not fluid volume.

 

Good to know, thanks. So just to be clear you did the full rear discs for rear drums swap already or did you just upgrade to the GMC 1 ton brake cylinders in the rear?

 

I put an 2001.5 rear end under my '95 and got instant rear discs and limited slip differential. Love it. One of the best things I ever did.

 

Any issues with the parking brake when you switched over?

 

It doesn't work too well. I made a link out of 1/8th inch cable to connect the two--'95 cable coming from the parking brake lever to the '01.5 coming from the backing plates but I need to shorten it a little bit.

 

Has someone done a write up on what it takes to swap my 01 drums to 3rd gen discs? I've done the GMC swap. I'd like the 3rd gen discs all the way around now...

 

One ton cylinders.
I mis-typed pads. I meant same drum and SHOES.

 

Unless you've already changed wheels swapping to discs is expensive. I didn't think the stock wheels fit the discs and rotors in them.