I have a 97 300tdi 110 defender which I am about to change axles on. Through this forum I found out how to swap the drum brakes on my transplant axle for the discs on my current Salisbury axle.
On stripping and preparing the transplant axle I found the drums and all brake components are in very good condition.
My existing axle has always suffered from squealing brakes for which I have tried all the usual remedies( other than stop driving it in the sea) and I am wondering if it is worth going to the effort of swapping the drums for the discs.
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences that would make me want to convert the axle. I use the defender every day for work and play. I dont drive through too much muddy terrain more over rocks, sand and shingle.

Drum brakes will be a nightmare in those conditions. We used a drum 90 for launching the boat and the brakes were forever seizing. Seawater trapped in drum brakes is a pain.

Discs will always have more stopping power than drums,

Discs every time for me - better stopping and easier to maintain

Drums used in harsh conditions can be helped to keep working by putting vaseline under and over the slave cylinder caps,also enlarging the drain holes[6mm max] in the drums helps get rid of water.

Drums Pita always need adjusting, get wet equals no brakes until they are dry.
Discs all the way.
On the plus side they will be cheap as nobody wants them anymore



Lynall