grinding calipers
 

is it normal to have to grind the front calipers on a 79' k20 when fitting 15'' rims?

Re: grinding calipers
 

Yes.I did it years ago.Doesn`t need much off and it won`t hurt a thing.

Re: grinding calipers
 

:agree: just pay attention to the heat generated by the grinder.
Wouldn't want to melt a seal or anything...;)

Re: grinding calipers
 

Try fitting 15" aluminum on one ton running gear.. My Old blazer had a dana 60 in the front.. I grinded for what seemed like days.. Eventually mud and dirt machined the rest off.. Of the rim...

Re: grinding calipers
 

im starting to think it might be easier to go to a larger diameter rim(16"-16.5")

Re: grinding calipers
 

No...it`s no big deal,really.Drinktomany is talking about a 1-ton front axle that is bigger yet.And,it did work,I guess.I`m telling you,I did it and drove the truck for years like that.The truck was a`71 K/20,the wheels were 10x15 steel wagon wheels,and the tires were 37/14.50x15s.It takes alot to stop a tire like that,and it was no problem.It took longer to bolt the tires on than grind the calipers.Basically,it`s just the ridge from the casting that needs ground.

Re: grinding calipers
 

Do doubt! :dohh:

K-20, I've been running 16.5's on my 1 ton gear and finding the right tire hasn't really been an issue to date.

Definitely want bead locks with em though.

Got any pics of your truck?

Re: grinding calipers
 

here's the old clunker!

Re: grinding calipers
 

My truck actually has 2wd calipers (not sure if they were smaller or not). But he PO was running 15" rims, and the clearance grinds are almost nothing, it looks like two grinds on either side of the casting parting line....maybe 1/8" deep at most.
Grinding to fit banjo fittings on.....not as common, but I have had to do that too!

Re: grinding calipers
 

On the`71 K/20 I ground calipers to clear 15" rims on,I had to replace a caliper once because the bleeder froze.I found one in the junkyard.In the cross-over book it listed the calipers as the same part as found on a late-60s full-size Pontiac.Remember,`71 was first year on trucks.Well,I pulled one off a`69 Catalina and it was the same part.I put it on,did the grind,and ran her for years.Just a little tidbit on calipers.:)
Hey k-20,I want to bring my trucks & parts to Australia and start a new life.:cool:

Re: grinding calipers
 

come over special-k,got plenty of room in the back yard!

Re: grinding calipers
 

I promise not to try to sound Australian,that`s got to be annoying to hear us try.:rolleyes:I`ll just do my best John Wayne.:lol: