I have been playing around with this idea in my head for quite some time. Just curious on what would be involved to do it.
The rear end I have is freshly rebuilt within the last year and a half, so I would like to keep it. Is there any way to convert from drums to discs, without having to swap axles?

 

Ive done alot of research on this one. Since you dont wanna replace the rear end with a 2nd gen,you can use everything off the 2nd gen,but will have issues with redoing the e brake. Plus from what ive seen you need to build a special bracket that holds the caliper AND buy a spacer that goes against the dust shield. Or something along those lines.

search online "1st gen s10 disk brakes rear" and have fun reading. Post back if you find anything interesting as ive been interested in this as well.

 

I just swapped in a 2nd gen rear since I needed it. Used factory ebrake cables attached a little different, but works fine. Well worth the upgrade.

 

I would do that, but I want to keep my rear, freshly rebuilt g80. From all I am reading, looks like its a PITA to do. I wish someone would just make some brackets and just piece together parts to make it work. My buddy with an old ford can get parts from several different cars and convert the rear to discs. oh well, maybe some time down the road

 

Jason,did it truly all bolt right up to the 1st gen? Im going to get a rear out of a 1st gen bravada one day. 373 gears and g80 ftw.

 

I love the g80, fun in the winter too

 

If you want to keep your existing rear, off the top of my head you need: disc brake backing plates, the mount/plate that mounts to or make a spacer, caliper mounts, calipers, discs, e-brake parts, rubber brake hoses. You could pull all those parts from a used rear end. There are also kits, this one comes to mind. Any route you go I believe you still need to pull the axles to install the proper backing plates. I also gutted my stock combination valve so all brake pressure was even. Then installed an adjustable valve in line with the rear and adjusted by feel. I haven't got a lot of time behind the wheel with it all done, but hopefully soon.

My rear was toast, and couldn't find a first gen one easily. Found a g80, 3.42, 4x4 rear disc for cheaper. It bolts in with few mods, e-brake cable mods. I left the internals alone and changed the outer wheel bearings and seals. Sandblasted and painted it all nice. All new e-brake hardware, e-brake shoes, pads and discs. I've got a second disc rear that I will be putting into my other truck one day, but this one is an 8.5".

 

that is the kit that I was looking at, and they say you can get the drum backing plates off without taking the axle apart, just your favorite cutting device LOL!
They also said they have tested it with and without proportioning valve and could not tell the difference.

 

I ran my disk brake 8.8 with the factory prop valve and it worked fine.