Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I just had a pretty good score, I picked up a 1983 C10 with PS and PB I have ordered my Capt Fab parts,, I hope to capture picture of the install,, from what I have read I can do the swap from the ball joints out!

My truck is a 1963 C10,, plus I should be able to part out the 83 and get my $ back as it has pretty good sheet metal and a few other accoessories

This is a great post ! Thanks you to all the contributors!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Hello Everyone...

I just became a registered user today. Hooray!

I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude for everyone who has ever posted here, not just on this thread, but everywhere in this forum. You folks really make this a better world, for sure!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

And now it's crunch time!

I've got a mostly stock '64 C20, with its original front brakes and single chamber master cylinder. And way back in 1982, I had a great shop down in Los Angeles swap out my original 4.55/1 stock rear end to a '76 (if memory serves) C20 14 bolt rear end, and I had that upgraded to a 3.21 ring and pinion. (My 80 mile/day commute was killing me on gas and this swap jumped me up from 10.5ish mpg to 14.5ish mpg!). Hooray!

It's finally time for brakes again and I intend, at minimum, to split the front and rear brakes and convert to a dual chamber M/C. But converting to discs is something I never thought practical...until I found this forum. Now that I've read through every single post in this thread (all 21 pages worth!) plus several other related posts, I now know it is eminently doable. But one key point has eluded me. It's similar to MATERI1's question from a few posts back..

I am also not sure of what a 73-87 C20 front suspension swap will require with regard to my manual steering box, which I also want to keep. I have just found a '79 C20 donor truck where I can get the entire front suspension: crossmember, steering, brakes, etc, for $200 (haven't seen it yet, though). But I don't know whether my old pitman arm will bolt up to it. Or can I use the donor truck's pitman arm on my old manual steering box (not likely, per Captainfab...but mine's a '64 C20...is there hope!)? Or...can I bolt up a '79 C20 manual steering box without any modifications? (Autozone has them...sigh!)

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

No you can not use a '73+ power steering pitman arm on your '64 manual steering box. If you are planning on using the '79 steering linkage( which I recommend) you can use the '79 manual steering box. However I think you will still need a steering box adapter plate. It's been so long since I have seen a '73+ manual steering box I don't remember if it also needs the dimple in the frame for clearance.

Are you staying with manual brakes too?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

No, if I can accomplish this disc upgrade, I'll definitely want a booster/MC and proportining valve. And with my Social Security budget, I'm open to suggestions on those parts...I found a combo package at Classic Parts but it's over $300 and though it looks nice, I'm hoping to find a less expensive alternative!

My previous engine spun a cam bearing and died (a used 350...lasted 29 years, God bless it) right after I invested $1200 on nice new wheels and tires, so I wanted to protect that $1200 investment. Got lucky on another used 350 from PicknPull ($150 out the door, plus another $100 or so in timing chain, gaskets, etc.). Got lucky there...perfect compression and it runs like a Swiss watch! But now my brakes are wanting attention. So now I'm trying to get them done, including splitting front from rear, as cheaply and safely as possible. When I found this forum, I realized disc brakes were doable.

(If my next posts looks weird, it's because I'm gonna try to use the "quote message in reply" function. That's another learning curve where I'm still looking way up!)

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

The first thread I found on this subject was from Hilandr451, for his totally awesome project on his '66 C20:

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=357610

He upgraded to power steering, which I decided to forgo, based on the expected cost (and I'm scared to death to cut my steering shaft!). I would reconsider this if power steering proves easier and cheaper. But in an effort to find a way to save my original steering, and figure out all the "gotcha's" concerning a C20 disc swap as opposed to a C10, I read through all 21 pages of this current thread looking for every reference to a C20. The list below includes every such post I found:
.
36-39, 48-50, 55-56, 89-90, 155-160!!!, 165-171, 189!, 216-(217!)-219, 293, 336-337, 378, 384-385, 515!-516!, 519!-520!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Hmmm...the "Quote message in reply?" check box is not working for me. So please bear with me....

In post 216, user 65ChevyC20 asked this: And Captainfab, you replied: There was no mention of the tie rods, so I guess I'd better ask about them. I'll have my old ones and the new ones from the donor truck so hopefully I'm covered. So, will tie rods, or anything else, be a problem with this "easiest" option? And this option lets me keep my stock manual steering box, right?

From a durability/parts availability perspective, swapping in all of the donor truck's suspension (with or without the crossmember) would definitely be wise, too. But then I think I would have to locate the donor truck's idler arm on the frame and drill new holes for it, right? (I think I could handle that). And then I'm still up against a new 73-79 (to avoid metric) steering box. Can I get it in without cutting my steering shaft? Maybe with your adapter?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

With one of my booster brackets you can use a readily available booster and master from a wrecking yard, and have it mounted correctly and safely for a bit less than $300.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I can not verify that the disc brake lower ball joints will press into the '63-'66 C20 lower control arms. Until someone verifies that, I continue to recommend just changing the entire front suspension, crossmember and all.

Yes you will have to drill new holes for the later model idler arm. When converting to power steering you must shorten the original steering column shaft. There's no way around it.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Hi guys,
One thing I didn't find while I was researching the crossmember swap was a good picture of the hole modifications needed.

This is the template I made to transfer the hole pattern.
We are putting a 71 crossmember under my son's 61 C10

I hope these pictures help someone else.
TJ

I was reading through this whole thread ,unless i missed it i couldnt find any info on 1970 c20 8lug disk conversion ,i found a donor 73/87 crossmember and all should bolt right up ,i have power assist drums now ,do i need a new booster and brake lines ?? Thanks in advance (or ahould i ask what all do i need )
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Yes a '73-'87 C20 front suspension crossmember will bolt up just like a '73-'87 C10 crossmember will. In fact on the '67-'72 C20/30's, you do not have to change the entire crossmember like you do on the '63-'66 C20/30's. You can change just the spindles. I believe the '73-'87 lower balljoints should press into the '67-'72 lower control arms. Yes you will need to change the master cylinder and add a proportioning valve. I do not know of a disc/drum master cylinder that has the deep bore in the back of the piston, so you will likely need to change the booster also.

Thank you Captain for that great info , any recomendations on what booster to use ,or does 73/87 work?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Many people insist on using the '73-'87 boosters, but you have to drill holes to mount it and it is not exactly mounted correctly. My booster brackets use all available factory attachment pints and securely attaches the booster/master to the pedal bracket as GM designed. There are many, many, many compatible boosters. In addition to those mentioned in the for sale thread, every booster bracket comes with a list of compatible boosters including a few part numbers.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

So I’ve read thru all sorts of threads in the FAQ section regarding a disc brake conversion and I’m still trying to clarify what exactly I need to accomplish this. I have a 1966 C20 and would actually like to keep it an 8 lug and not really worried about lowering the truck much. I figured these compromises would make the swap fairly easy with sourcing new parts for say a 1976 C20 and just swapping them out. I’d much rather do a parts swap than a full blown crossmember swap. It seems as though Rock Auto has upper and lower control arms for both sides with ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends as well as the tie rod end adjusting sleeve. Figured I would just buy these components new and be good to go but would that even work and if so, what else would I need? Any help/insight would be greatly appreciated and I apologize if it’s a stupid question.

I also saw where CaptainFab mentioned the possibility of pressing the newer style ball joints into 63-66 control arms which I would imagine would make this conversion much easier. I could be the guinea pig on this to confirm whether it’s possible or not and report back with the results.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Roll the cross member out and roll the disc brake one in, 14 bolts, 4 you will need to drill.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

You can NOT just swap the control arms on a '63-'66 C20 as can be done on the C10's. The C20 suspension crossmember does not have any saddles to accommodate the '73+ round LCA shafts. The '63-'66 C20 LCA shafts are flat. I do not know if on the C20's you can just change the outer tierods to accommodate the disc brake spindles. Additionally I do not know of anyone that makes the special aluminum tierod adapters as they do for the C10's. You may end up changing the entire steering linkage, which is what I always recommend doing on the C10's.

I replied to your PM from earlier today. With help from member Aotte1, I have determined that in order to install the K6129 lower ball joints into the '63-'66 lower control arms, the holes will need to be enlarged .010-.012". The K6129 lower ball joint fits '73-'92 C20/2500 and '71-'91 C30/3500's.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

You make it sound so easy but I think we can all agree it’s never quite that easy. At least with the cross member swap, there shouldn’t be any issues with what tie rod ends to use where or any of that.

So it sounds like the only option for us C20 guys is to do a full crossmember swap from the 73-87 trucks? If so then that’s fine, at least I know for sure what has to be done to accomplish this. Looks like I’ll be doing some junkyard shopping.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=357610 This might help a bit. I was personally involved with this one.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

[QUOTE=66_C20;8381327]You make it sound so easy but I think we can all agree it’s never quite that easy. At least with the cross member swap, there shouldn’t be any issues with what tie rod ends to use where or any of that.


The post above is where I got my answer from, I followed that when I did my dad’s 3/4 ton. It really is that easy if you have the room! I would also agree with the link where they say clean while your there! You will be glad you did!

Good luck!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

That does help a bit, thank you for that

[quote=Clyde65;8381404]Yeah I do intend on cleaning everything as well as replacing bushing and everything too before actually swapping it over. Just got to find a good donor.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Check Craigslist. You might be able to pick up a whole truck for a few bucks. Sell the rest off for parts. That is if you have the room for that. I did that with two trucks and scraped what I didn't sell or use.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Yeah that’s what I’ve been going back and forth with lately, whether to snag the full crossmember assembly from a junkyard or buying a truck off craigslist, snagging the crossmember assembly off of it and then scrapping the rest. I just don’t want to end up upside down money wise and I’m not quite sure what a fair price of the crossmember assembly would be versus what I could get for a scrapped square body.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I think up to $200 is a fair price but also you will probably want to rebuild it.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I would absolutely rebuild it with all new bushing and whatnot before swapping it over. I found this, it’s about an hour and a half away from me, guy says it’s a 73-87 but doesn’t know the exact year and wants $250 for it.

https://preview.ibb.co/eoYN0A/7-CC86...B89265-D97.jpg

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

If you go for it offer him $150 because of all the rust. He might come back with $200 but bring the whole $250. Just mention how the bushings are all cracked and need to be replaced.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Years ago I used to sell C10 front suspensions for $150. I can't sell a C20 suspension around here. I just end up taking them to the scrap yard.

Since it does have the steering box, entire steering linkage, sway bar and engine mounts, which are all usable on your truck, $250 isn't a bad deal. I would still try and get it for less. Also take into consideration whether the seller is willing to load it for you.

The C20's have the steel control arm bushings, not rubber as the C10's do. They do still wear though.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Got him to take $200 for it. Just need to figure out how to load it and if it’ll fit in the back of my 2 door wrangler. Doing a little research, it looks like that generation of truck has a front track width of 65.8”. Which it means it just barely will fit with some finagling. I guess we’ll see.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

:metal:

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I bought one from you for my 64 and never used it. Looking at your thread it looks like it won’t work on the 67 I have now, is that correct?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

The '63-'66 booster bracket will not work on a '67-'72. Unlike all of the big name parts sellers, I make booster brackets that are a direct fit for each specific year range of truck.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks what I figured seeing the details of your post. I am going to convert from drums to disc from a 71 I have taken the loaded spindles off of and buy some 6 lug rotors. I will see how much pedal pressure it takes to stop and might add a power booster if it is to hard.

The 67 has an LS in it and they mounted the factory computer on the fender which is right in the way of adding a booster. Always something with these upgrades!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I am looking to see if you make a bracket that will allow me to put on a brake booster on my 67 C10 with the stock all drum brake master cylinder I currently have.

Trying to take the easy route before figuring out all the disc brake and drop spindle options out there.

I just want to drive the truck with out manual brakes for awhile as I determine my next upgrades.

Thank you for your assistance

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I am looking to see if you make a bracket that will allow me to put on a brake booster on my 67 C10 with the stock all drum brake master cylinder I currently have.

Trying to take the easy route before figuring out all the disc brake and drop spindle options out there.

I just want to drive the truck with out manual brakes for awhile as I determine my next upgrades.

Thank you for your assistance

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Please be patient. I only have time to log into this forum once a day after I get home from my 10-12 hour work day. I always reply to all PM's. I replied to your PM from this morning.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I found this informing thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...57&postcount=3

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Can anyone tell me the fix to the positive camber problem that stems from using the 88-98 spindles on the 68 crossmember? I did all the steps and used the parts from the thread and my truck has HUGE positive camber without any shims. There was another thread that discussed this problem but no fix was explained. In my mind either I need to switch to 73-87 upper control arms and use the MOOG offset cross shaft to move the upper control arm inward or relocate the upper ball joint inward.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I did this too.. used linkage from my 98 that i was scrapping.. easiest.. fastest.. cheapest.. was for me to pull the upper and lower control arms off a 73 to 87 and grab the steering linkage from the same doner.. i never got the allignment right with any parts after 87.. i drove it for a week scrubbin the edges off my tires and i mean it realllllly pulled once you turned the slightest bit.. i welded the adjusters cause the threads didnt match.. i lived about 5 blocks from the shop and was sweatin the entire trip home and back.. i dont reccomend driving it like it is.. and i feel stupid for doing it as i know better..

You dont need the cross member .. unless you changed yours.. i have a 68 c10 and a 68 c20.. the upper and lower from the square bodies bolted right up to my 68 c20 cross member.. and it measured up with the c10 also.. and the guy at the allignment shop said hes never seen one of the old trucks line up so well! So thats a perk..


If you plan on dropping the thing.. just buy the spindles and rotors you want online.. i had a low budget after rebuilding the 98 parts.. just know that there is a known clearance issue with stock rims hitting the brake caliper if you lower it.. the spindles and discs usually cost extra at the used yard.. and rotors are usually rusted to **** from sitting.. but the calipers are wort pricing the core on.. having old ones you picked up for 20 each saves the core of 40 each.. (im canadian.. pricing is likely off for you) if you buy used spindles.. inspect them for wear..

Hope this helps..

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

There are posts on page 16 of this thread recommending against using the '88-'98 LD 2500 spindles and rotors for 6 lug discs, due to this issue being discovered. I do not currently have an easy solution for this issue. A shorter upper control are would certainly help.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Hey Guys, I have a 66 Gmc Burb that i used a 77 c10 donor for the conversion. Aftermarket 2" drop spindle 6 lug. I am having an issue with my turning radius. I am hitting the spindle stop to the left, but turning right stops way short. its like the steering box is maxed out and wont turn any further to the right. Any Ideas?