R50 rear disc brakes

[ebgbz]

New transpo. project is a 1999 Pathfinder, 2wd, SE trim level.
I am interested in replacing rear drum brakes with discs. Anyone done it?

[nickelghandi]

This has been done before, but it is not an easy swap. Since you have a 99 rather than 00-04 you will have an even more difficult and/or involved job. Check out the link below. It is a really good writeup.

http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/ ... onversion/

I considered doing this when my brakes were getting bad, but then I decided against it. I would have had to buy too many tools to get it done and that drove the price higher than I wanted to invest in this vehicle. I had my drums rebuilt and it's been fine ever since. I realize that discs look nicer (that is the main reason I wanted them), but they really don't add much performance to this vehicle. I know you aren't asking if you SHOULD do it, but that is just my take as someone who once considered it.

[Hawairish]

That's my write-up (thanks nickelghandi). Yes, without the right tools and donor parts, the swap isn't worth the costs. I purchased the tools (like a floor press) because I had useful justification for other projects, like a 31-spline locker swap and changing driveshaft u-joints. I also got the brake assemblies for free. A bracket needs to be fabbed up for the parking cables, which also need to be modified. Not a simple swap.

The improvements aren't massive, but in my opinion are improved. I didn't do it for aesthetics, given that the drum portion of the rotor (the area that conceals the parking brake hardware) has a fair amount of surface rust.

[nickelghandi]

Ah yes. Sorry Hawairish for not crediting you directly.

Over in the other thread less brake fade is mentioned as well as better holding power for easing down obstacles off-road which is an improvement, but I didn't see much else as far as improvements go that would pertain to my specific needs. I was after more stopping power for larger tires which I am sure discs help with, but I don't edge over rock ledges as much as I slide/roll down muddy hills or need to stop a heavy trailer.

Long story short, I was too lazy to do the swap myself and did not see enough gains to warrant my time and money. Maybe I am just justifying my own laziness.

If I do not get rid of this vehicle in the next couple years I am sure I will attempt your build or something like it. I frequently find myself reading over that post and thinking "One day.... One day I will have 4 wheel discs on my r50 and it will be perfect..."

[Hawairish]

Haha, all good, man. I mean, I am very pleased how it turned out, but surely not a practical project for many. But, if the end-goal is rear discs, this is the extent of work you'd need to do.

I keep meaning to build a 2nd set of discs. Technically, I basically have everything I need to build a complete rear axle with discs or drums, and open or re-packed LSD diff, with parking brake cables. Any takers? LOL...

[nickelghandi]

Any takers? LOL...

What would you want for all of that assembled?

PM me if you are serious.