K2500 brake shoes

[SQWIB]

Hello Newbie Here

My apologies if this is posted in the wrong area.

I have a Chevy K2500 Suburban LT 5.7L 8600 GVWR
I bought this truck used.
The truck currently has 2-1/2” brake shoes on them now.
Although a 3-1/2” brake shoe fits in the brake drums it does not line up with the wheel cylinder and the center pin. I would like to have more surface are for braking.
Is there a plate or something that is used to extend the wheel cylinder?
What size brake shoes are supposed to be on a Chevy K2500 Suburban?

I would really like to install the 3-1/2" brake shoes.

Thanks

 

[DieselCash]

SQWIB,

Welcome to DTR! :thumbsup:

I moved this to the drivetrain section for you!

From my knowledge every model has all kinds of different sizes of brake drums. I would find a competent parts house to get the low down on your issue at hand. I would feel that you would just need to update the drum, wheel cylinder and all other related parts and do a full swap.

Wish you luck!

 

[turbovanman]

You'll have to change the backing plate and also check on the wheel cylinder size, the 3 1/2 might use a larger or smaller bore to offset the lining size.

Have you looked into a rear disc kit?

3/4 tons usually came with pretty good brakes. Are you having issues?

 

[SQWIB]

Thanks Dieselcash

Turbovanman
I haven't had any issues I just felt that the stock 2-1/2" shoes may be a bit undersized for that truck. I tow a 32' trailer its fairly light but still would have liked more breaking.
The 2-1/2" brake shoes look lost in them drums.
I needed to replace the drums and figured I would do a complete overhaul.

I haven't looked into a Rear Disc kit...are they expensive?

 

[turbovanman]

Thanks Dieselcash

Turbovanman
I haven't had any issues I just felt that the stock 2-1/2" shoes may be a bit undersized for that truck. I tow a 32' trailer its fairly light but still would have liked more breaking.
The 2-1/2" brake shoes look lost in them drums.
I needed to replace the drums and figured I would do a complete overhaul.

I haven't looked into a Rear Disc kit...are they expensive?

Gotcha. Usually if the rears aren't working or not big enough, you''ll be eating up front pads at an alarming rate.

There are so many kits out, you'd have to do some surfing. I seem to remember around $500 as a starting price. Try google and SSBC has some nice kits. I hate drums, :nono:

 

[just a number]

AFAIK the only difference between the 2 sizes are the drum itself and the backing plate is offset by about 1/2" or so.