Drum Brake Conversion

[mdechgan]

I own a Isuzu 4 x 4 D-max rodeo.

Does anyone know if conversion for the rear drum brakes to disc brakes is possible?

Would it be worth the cost? How much would it be and where can I get it done?

[Rdrokit]

Save your money. Most of the breaking is done by your front brakes as that is where the weight of rhe vehicle is.

[basjke]

Save your money. Most of the breaking is done by your front brakes as that is where the weight of rhe vehicle is.

Ever considered forward pushing weight?If your rear brakes are not adequate then all your rear weight will move to the front breaks.I think rear disk breaks on a pick up are no luxury.There was a topis regarding this previously in the thailand motor forum.Try a search with some different keywords.Best to use the google search option on top of the page.

[Lickey]

To do this will require a new/sh back axle, because the brake shoe backplate and the calliper mounting points are 2 different castings, if you are not happy with the rear braking, get the load sensor valve checked,

[mdechgan]

I heard of many conversions for the Vigos. I even saw a few brochures and advertisements. So the D-max has a different axle that is difficult to upgrade?

[Gary A]

There are conversion kits available for most. That said, it is a waste of money because the rear drums are entirely adequate. If not for ABS, the rear drums will lock up before the front because most of the braking is done where the weight is. The front end dives and the rear end lifts so the rear needs VERY little braking power.

[katabeachbum]

I heard of many conversions for the Vigos. I even saw a few brochures and advertisements. So the D-max has a different axle that is difficult to upgrade?

Vigo has 4 sensor ABS, so braking improves with more efficient brakes (rear discs).

Isuzu still has 3 sensor ABS, meaning only one rear sensor. Even with more efficient rear brakes, stopping distance will not be much reduced because ABS will "disconnect" rear brakes most of the time.

If you want to improve braking for Isuzu, focus on front brakes.

[mdechgan]

I heard of many conversions for the Vigos. I even saw a few brochures and advertisements. So the D-max has a different axle that is difficult to upgrade?

Vigo has 4 sensor ABS, so braking improves with more efficient brakes (rear discs).

Isuzu still has 3 sensor ABS, meaning only one rear sensor. Even with more efficient rear brakes, stopping distance will not be much reduced because ABS will "disconnect" rear brakes most of the time.

If you want to improve braking for Isuzu, focus on front brakes.

The front brakes already have two pots per caliper. I don't know how much the front brakes can be improved upon. Actually my front brakes lock before the ABS kicks in. Not so of the rear drums. I played with the rear drums a bit like adjusting them. It did give me better pedal feel and performance but only for a short time. Are the rear drums self adjusting?

[mdechgan]

I forgot to say that I really have a problem with brake fade. I am really positive that the problem is with the drum brakes. Because if I do adjust the rear drums the problem seems to go away abit for a short while though.

[katabeachbum]

I forgot to say that I really have a problem with brake fade. I am really positive that the problem is with the drum brakes. Because if I do adjust the rear drums the problem seems to go away abit for a short while though.

Try to adjust the rear brake loadsensor (located between the rear axel and body) to full load. then the rear brakes should perform max.

With light load 80-90% of your brakingpower is on the frontwheels, and those 2 pot very small (designed for 14 inch rims) discs fade very quickly. Larger (vented) discs most important. Like Nissan Navarra and 2009 Vigo.

Your front brakes locks before ABS kicks in, but because they are very small and not vented they fade quickly cause overheated.

I had the same problem with my 2005 Fortuner, and still have with my 2006 Vigo, even they brake slightly better than Isuzu. 2009 Vigo/Fortuner have larger stoppers but still rear drums (larger though)

Typical for this size of brakes on a truck is the capability to brake at 40 meters from 80 kmh and 70-75 meters from 100kmh. Thats a huge differense. If the brakes dont cool down before next time needed, lets say 5-10 minutes in 100 kmh, these braking distances tripple (or more!). A modern passanger car brakes from 100kmh in 40-45 meters, and can repeat it 30 seconds later.

[mdechgan]

I forgot to say that I really have a problem with brake fade. I am really positive that the problem is with the drum brakes. Because if I do adjust the rear drums the problem seems to go away abit for a short while though.

Try to adjust the rear brake loadsensor (located between the rear axel and body) to full load. then the rear brakes should perform max.

With light load 80-90% of your brakingpower is on the frontwheels, and those 2 pot very small (designed for 14 inch rims) discs fade very quickly. Larger (vented) discs most important. Like Nissan Navarra and 2009 Vigo.

Your front brakes locks before ABS kicks in, but because they are very small and not vented they fade quickly cause overheated.

I had the same problem with my 2005 Fortuner, and still have with my 2006 Vigo, even they brake slightly better than Isuzu. 2009 Vigo/Fortuner have larger stoppers but still rear drums (larger though)

Typical for this size of brakes on a truck is the capability to brake at 40 meters from 80 kmh and 70-75 meters from 100kmh. Thats a huge differense. If the brakes dont cool down before next time needed, lets say 5-10 minutes in 100 kmh, these braking distances tripple (or more!). A modern passanger car brakes from 100kmh in 40-45 meters, and can repeat it 30 seconds later.

So you think I should upgrade the front brakes? Just get vented discs or upgrade the whole system including pots and calipers? I don't know if extra sized disc would fit the rims. How much and where would I find these kits?

I rarely drive with any load in the trunk. I mostly drive with an empty back. So I guess the rear drums don't work at all or as much.

However compared to the Vigo 4 x 4 we have, the Isuzu brakes considerably slower. Really noticeably when you have to slam on the brakes for a red light or make a left turn into your soi. The Vigo definately has a better pedal feel. At high speeds though the Vigo fades considerably also. Unfortunately 5-10 mins driving to cool your brakes is rather impossible with the roads in BKK.

[katabeachbum]

I forgot to say that I really have a problem with brake fade. I am really positive that the problem is with the drum brakes. Because if I do adjust the rear drums the problem seems to go away abit for a short while though.

Try to adjust the rear brake loadsensor (located between the rear axel and body) to full load. then the rear brakes should perform max.

With light load 80-90% of your brakingpower is on the frontwheels, and those 2 pot very small (designed for 14 inch rims) discs fade very quickly. Larger (vented) discs most important. Like Nissan Navarra and 2009 Vigo.

Your front brakes locks before ABS kicks in, but because they are very small and not vented they fade quickly cause overheated.

I had the same problem with my 2005 Fortuner, and still have with my 2006 Vigo, even they brake slightly better than Isuzu. 2009 Vigo/Fortuner have larger stoppers but still rear drums (larger though)

Typical for this size of brakes on a truck is the capability to brake at 40 meters from 80 kmh and 70-75 meters from 100kmh. Thats a huge differense. If the brakes dont cool down before next time needed, lets say 5-10 minutes in 100 kmh, these braking distances tripple (or more!). A modern passanger car brakes from 100kmh in 40-45 meters, and can repeat it 30 seconds later.

So you think I should upgrade the front brakes? Just get vented discs or upgrade the whole system including pots and calipers? I don't know if extra sized disc would fit the rims. How much and where would I find these kits?

I rarely drive with any load in the trunk. I mostly drive with an empty back. So I guess the rear drums don't work at all or as much.

However compared to the Vigo 4 x 4 we have, the Isuzu brakes considerably slower. Really noticeably when you have to slam on the brakes for a red light or make a left turn into your soi. The Vigo definately has a better pedal feel. At high speeds though the Vigo fades considerably also. Unfortunately 5-10 mins driving to cool your brakes is rather impossible with the roads in BKK.

The odd thing is that Toyota has been critisized for its lousy Vigo/Fortuner brakes, but never seen any complains about the even worse DMax/MU7/ ChevyColorado brakes.

Check with Philipm,pickuptuning/ upgrades here in this forum where to get Dmax brakes.

[eTiMaGo]

I know this is a very old topic, but look up a local company called RunStop (www.runstopbj.com is their site I believe). They have conversion kits for all sorts of cars, have one of them on mine, and it's pretty darn good No axle replacement necessary, it's mostly plug and play...