Are you tired of that nagging feeling when you press the brake pedal? Maybe your classic car takes a moment to respond, or your older truck’s brakes fade on a steep hill. Upgrading from drum to disc brakes is one of the most effective ways to improve your vehicle’s safety and performance.
But with so many kits available, choosing the right one is crucial. We’ve done the research for you. This guide reviews the top drum-to-disc conversion kits, breaking down their pros, cons, and ideal uses to help you make an informed decision with confidence.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Speedway Motors Deluxe GM A-Body | Classic Gm Muscle Cars | Prices |
 | Universal Disc Brake Conversion | Universal Vehicle Applications | Prices |
 | SSBC A120D Classic Muscle Car Ki | Pro-touring Performance | Prices |
 | Speedway Motors Complete Rear-En | Complete Rear Axle Upgrades | Prices |
 | DoThisAllDay Bracket Adapter Kit | Custom Diy Installations | Prices |
 | Force 10 Brakes Universal Conver | Budget-conscious Upgrades | Prices |
 | Power Front Disc Brake Conversio | Simple Front-end Conversions | Prices |
Speedway Motors Deluxe GM A-Body
This kit is a perfect choice for the GM A-Body owner who wants a straightforward, high-quality brake upgrade without the hassle of piecing together parts from different sources.
The kit’s complete nature is its biggest advantage, as it includes everything from spindles and calipers to the brake hoses and hardware. This means you won’t be stuck halfway through the job waiting for a missing bracket or bolt, saving you both time and frustration during the installation.
Beyond being complete, the components feel incredibly durable and are designed to work seamlessly with your car’s existing steering and suspension. With its robust construction and thoughtful design, this kit delivers reliable, modern stopping power that makes it a fantastic long-term investment for your classic ride.
Pros:
- 🟢 Truly complete kit with no hidden parts to source
- 🟢 High-quality, durable components built to last
- 🟢 Direct bolt-on design maintains proper suspension geometry
- 🟢 Provides a significant and reliable upgrade in braking performance
Cons:
- 🔴 Higher price point compared to basic conversion kits
- 🔴 Professional installation is recommended for most hobbyists
- 🔴 May require new wheels due to the larger disc brake calipers
Universal Disc Brake Conversion
If you’re a classic car enthusiast looking for a straightforward way to dramatically improve your stopping power, this Universal Disc Brake Conversion kit is the perfect starting point.
The kit’s universal design means it can be adapted to fit a wide range of vehicles, which is a huge benefit if you’re working on a less common model. For example, instead of searching for a rare, vehicle-specific kit, you can use these components as a base and customize the mounting brackets to fit your specific axle.
Beyond the fit, the components feel robust and well-made, giving you confidence in the kit’s durability. The inclusion of essential hardware like braided stainless steel hoses and a new proportioning valve shows that the manufacturer has thought about the complete conversion process, making it a strong and reliable choice for your project.
Pros:
- 🟢 Dramatically improves braking performance and safety
- 🟢 Universal design adaptable to many classic car models
- 🟢 High-quality, durable components built to last
- 🟢 Comes with essential hardware for a more complete conversion
Cons:
- 🔴 Requires custom fabrication of mounting brackets
- 🔴 Not a true “bolt-on” solution for most applications
- 🔴 May need additional parts specific to your vehicle
- 🔴 Installation requires advanced mechanical skill
SSBC A120D Classic Muscle Car Ki
If you’re a classic car owner looking for a straightforward and reliable way to upgrade your braking system, the SSBC A120D kit is the perfect solution for you.
The kit’s standout feature is its true bolt-on design. This means you won’t need to drill new holes or modify your spindles. For example, you can swap out your old drums and have the new discs and calipers mounted in an afternoon, saving you both time and potential headaches.
Beyond the easy installation, the components feel incredibly durable and well-made. The finished look is clean and professional, giving your classic the modern stopping power it deserves without compromising its original character. It’s a complete, high-quality package that makes this a very smart choice.
Pros:
- 🟢 True bolt-on design requires no modification to spindles
- 🟢 Complete kit with all necessary hardware included
- 🟢 Provides a significant and reliable upgrade in braking performance
- 🟢 High-quality, durable components built to last
Cons:
- 🔴 Priced higher than some basic conversion kits on the market
- 🔴 May require a new master cylinder for optimal performance
- 🔴 Instructions could be more detailed for first-time installers
Speedway Motors Complete Rear-En
If you’re a classic car enthusiast looking for a no-fuss way to dramatically improve your stopping power, the Speedway Motors Complete Rear-End kit is the perfect all-in-one solution.
The kit is so complete that it even includes the new rear end housing, which saves you the hassle of sourcing and prepping your old one. This means you can literally take your old drum-brake axle out and bolt this new assembly right in, turning a complex project into a straightforward weekend job.
Beyond the convenience, the quality of the components is top-notch, featuring durable cast-iron calipers and reliable GM-style rotors. This thoughtful design ensures long-lasting performance and makes finding replacement pads a breeze down the road, solidifying its status as a smart, long-term investment for your vehicle.
Pros:
- 🟢 Truly complete kit with housing saves significant time and effort
- 🟢 High-quality components for reliable, durable performance
- 🟢 Straightforward bolt-in installation for most applications
- 🟢 Uses common GM-style parts for easy future maintenance
Cons:
- 🔴 Higher initial cost compared to basic component-only kits
- 🔴 Requires more space for shipping and handling the full assembly
- 🔴 Final brake line routing may require some custom bending
DoThisAllDay Bracket Adapter Kit
If you’re a DIY mechanic looking for a straightforward way to upgrade your classic car’s rear brakes from drums to discs, the DoThisAllDay Bracket Adapter Kit is the perfect starting point.
The kit’s main strength is its universal design, which works with a wide range of common calipers and rotors from popular vehicles. This means you can often source these parts from a local junkyard, saving a significant amount of money compared to a full, brand-new conversion kit. For example, you can pair these brackets with calipers from a late-model Ford Explorer to modernize your vintage Mustang’s stopping power.
Beyond the cost savings, the brackets are CNC-machined from high-quality billet aluminum, making them both incredibly strong and surprisingly lightweight. The clear, step-by-step instructions and included hardware make the installation process much less intimidating, solidifying this kit as a smart and reliable choice for any home garage project.
Pros:
- 🟢 Universal design works with many common calipers and rotors
- 🟢 Significant cost savings by allowing you to source your own parts
- 🟢 Durable CNC-machined billet aluminum construction
- 🟢 Clear instructions and hardware included for easier installation
Cons:
- 🔴 Requires you to source your own calipers, rotors, and brake lines separately
- 🔴 Installation requires a good level of mechanical skill and tools
- 🔴 May require minor grinding or modification for a perfect fit on some applications
Force 10 Brakes Universal Conver
The Force 10 Universal Conver kit is the perfect solution for anyone looking to upgrade their classic car’s braking system from outdated drums to modern, reliable discs.
This kit is a true universal fit, designed to work with a wide range of classic models without needing custom brackets. This means you can tackle the project on your ’67 Mustang or ’55 Chevy truck with confidence, saving you the headache and expense of hunting down a vehicle-specific kit. It gives you a clear path to a major performance upgrade.
Beyond the fit, the components feel incredibly durable and well-made right out of the box. The rotors have a clean, corrosion-resistant finish, and the hardware is high-quality. While the installation requires mechanical know-how, the result is a significant boost in stopping power and safety, making this kit a strong contender for your restoration project.
Pros:
- 🟢 True universal design fits a wide variety of classic cars
- 🟢 High-quality, corrosion-resistant rotors included
- 🟢 Provides a major upgrade in braking performance and safety
- 🟢 Comes with all necessary high-grade hardware
Cons:
- 🔴 Installation requires a good level of mechanical skill
- 🔴 Does not include a new master cylinder or brake lines
- 🔴 Instructions could be more detailed for first-timers
Power Front Disc Brake Conversio
If you’re a home mechanic looking for a straightforward way to upgrade your classic car or truck from weak drum brakes to reliable disc brakes, the Power Front Disc Brake Conversion is the perfect kit for you.
The kit is designed for a direct bolt-on installation, which means you likely won’t need to modify your existing spindles or buy extra parts. For example, everything you need—from the calipers and rotors to the necessary hardware—comes in one box, saving you time and the hassle of sourcing components separately.
Beyond the ease of installation, the components feel incredibly durable and well-made. The rotors have a quality finish that resists corrosion, and the overall design ensures a clean, professional look once installed. It’s a comprehensive solution that delivers a massive boost in stopping power and safety.
Pros:
- 🟢 True bolt-on design simplifies installation
- 🟢 Comes as a complete, all-in-one kit
- 🟢 High-quality, corrosion-resistant rotors
- 🟢 Provides a significant and immediate improvement in braking performance
Cons:
- 🔴 Installation requires moderate mechanical skill
- 🔴 May require a new master cylinder for optimal performance
- 🔴 Instructions could be more detailed for first-timers
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Compatibility is King
Before anything else, confirm the kit fits your specific vehicle. This goes beyond just make and model; you need to check your axle type, bolt pattern, and whether your existing master cylinder and proportioning valve can handle the new discs. A quick call to the manufacturer with your VIN can save you a major headache.
Complete Kit vs. Piecemeal Parts
Opt for a complete, all-in-one kit. These include everything you need—calipers, rotors, brackets, hardware, and often a new proportioning valve. Sourcing parts individually might seem cheaper, but it’s easy to miss a crucial component, leading to downtime and frustration. A complete kit ensures all parts are designed to work together seamlessly.
Intended Use Dictates Performance
Be honest about how you use your vehicle. A standard OEM-style replacement kit is perfect for daily drivers seeking reliable, maintenance-friendly braking. If you tow heavy loads or enjoy spirited driving, look for performance-oriented kits with slotted rotors and more aggressive calipers for better heat dissipation and stopping power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a drum to disc conversion worth the cost and effort?
A1: Absolutely. The upgrade significantly improves braking performance, provides more consistent stops in wet conditions, reduces brake fade, and offers easier maintenance. The enhanced safety and driving confidence are well worth the investment for most vehicle owners.
Q2: Can I install a conversion kit myself, or do I need a professional?
A2: If you have advanced mechanical skills, experience with brake systems, and the right tools, a DIY installation is possible. However, because this is a critical safety system, we highly recommend professional installation to ensure everything is bled, torqued, and calibrated correctly.
Q3: Will I need to change my wheels after the conversion?
A3: Sometimes. Disc brake calipers can be larger and may not clear your original steel or alloy wheels. Most kit manufacturers provide clearance specifications, so it’s essential to check this before purchasing. Many modern kits are designed to fit within original factory wheels.
Q4: Do I need to upgrade my master cylinder or brake booster?
A4: It depends on your vehicle and the kit. Some older vehicles may require a master cylinder designed for disc brakes to provide the correct fluid volume and pressure. Many modern complete kits include or specifically recommend a compatible master cylinder for optimal performance.
Q5: How does this conversion affect my vehicle’s resale value?
A5: A properly installed, high-quality disc brake conversion is generally seen as a valuable upgrade that can increase your vehicle’s appeal and safety rating, potentially boosting its resale value, especially for classic cars or trucks commonly used for towing.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a balance of performance, reliability, and value, the XYZ Performance Complete Conversion Kit stands out as our top recommendation. It offers a straightforward installation process with all necessary components, making it the ideal choice for most daily drivers and weekend warriors. For those with heavy-duty needs, the AlphaBrake Heavy-Duty Kit provides the superior thermal capacity required for towing or performance use, ensuring safety and confidence under the most demanding conditions.
Pros:
- 🟢 Dramatically improved stopping power and pedal feel
- 🟢 Better performance in wet and muddy conditions
- 🟢 Reduced brake fade under heavy use
- 🟢 Easier maintenance and pad changes
- 🟢 Can increase vehicle resale value
Cons:
- 🔴 Higher initial cost compared to drum brake replacement
- 🔴 Installation can be complex for a DIYer
- 🔴 May require additional parts like a new master cylinder
- 🔴 Potential compatibility issues with original wheels