Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

So i have a 69 LWB with drums all the way around, ive heard that i can get all the parts i need to do this off of a 73-87 with disc

My questions are what parts exactly do i need and can i still keep my 6 bolt in the front?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated thank you

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

There are several ways to do this.You can swap an entire front crossmember off of a 72 up to about 86 truck.You have to drill a hole on each side for it to bolt in.The parts for the front suspension are cheaper.I "THINK"(scary thing that) the 6 lug disc's from any of the BB members will work but I'm not certain.There are also lots of kits to get the same results especially if you are wanting to lower it some also.You should start by educating yourself so you can make the right decision for you.Try searching the FAQ's.Member krue has a great index,look for it in his signature.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

You can use the later model stuff(71-72 or 73-87). You will need to replace your balljoints with the ones to match whatever year truck you use. You will also need to either take the entire steering linkage from the truck(recommended) or buy tie rod adapters.

I would just get the spindles and steering linkage from the junkyard and buy everything else at the parts store. The 73-87 stuff is more common and cheaper...

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

the 71-87 stuff is all 5 bolt. i seen a thred on here about using 88 and newer light 3/4 ton stuff to keep the 6 lug bolt pattern but don't rember the details try doing a search or mabey somone has a link

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

On the rear end, you'll need to do a little more work, as your rear is narrower than the 71-87 years. You'll just need to relocate the original mounts to the new axle.

If you have a trashed newer truck, just take the front crossmember and rear axle housing (and disk proportioning valve) to use.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

What I am going to do is use all the front suspension off an 84 1/2T burb I stripped, except I am going to still use my original front xmember for the swap. That includes using the 84 burb upper & lower control arms. They are a direct bolt on and have the better bushings than our old ones. Then I will be getting the 6 lug rotor kit from GMC Paul for $239.00. 71 thru 87 spindles are the same. Look here for the kit. http://gmcpauls.com/Brakes&Steering.htm

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

your gonna love it..make sure you know for sure what the spindles came off ..ask me why :waah: the thicker discs and callipers is what you want ..
I love the feel of strng brakes after 14 years with the 69 drum set up..I went 5 bolt and kepts my six rear axles for now .. it worth it to do it big time!:devil:

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

240 bucks for rotors?
I'd personally just go to 5 lug and find some other crappy wheels. If it's the pic in your avatar, it's not like you have some fancy mega dollar bling bling wheels on there.
As far as I know, there is only one place that makes the 6 lug rotors, and you'll NEVER be able to just go o9ut and get one at auto zone... so if this is a driver, you can look forward to very expensive brake jobs... and waiting for a while to get replacement rotors... instead of just pickin them up with your brake pads.

I would think twice about sending GMC Paul any money personally. There's been WAY too many threads about LMC type customer service and rippin people off and stuff.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

Here's a link to a guy who used the newer 6 lug rotor/spinldel.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=35042

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

I've got the same 5-lug, 6-lug dilemma on my '67 and will go 5-lug since I need to change to narrower wheels to get the monster drop I want. It's a minimalist truck anyway so mixed up steel poverty wheels will fit right in. 5-lug rotors are $44.95/ea. at Schucks on-line-parts!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

Not just the rotors for that price. That includes the calibers/bearings, hoses and all the hardware. Or $84 ea. for the rotor & hub assemblies.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

Thanks For All The Help Guys, Longhorn Man Is Gmc Pauls Realy That Bad Cause They Have The Deluxe Kit For $620 And It Comes With Everything It Seems Like That Seems Like A Good Deal

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

70c10 bought that kit from GMC Pauls last year, and I help him put it in. Nice kit and went in without any problems. All new parts, no rebuilt stuff.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

Did He Get A New Power Brake Booster Or Just Used The Stock One Cause The Kit Comes With The M/c But No Booster Would I Need To Get One

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

FYI on the '73 -'87 spindles. Get the Heavy Duty spindles. Look at the rotors wideth. The HDs are 1.25" wide. The standard rotors are 1" wide. The after market 6 lug rotors work on the HD spindles. McGaughys are $80.00 apiece. Yea, that is a lot, but you do not have to mess with the rear axel this way, saving you alot more money.

By the way, take every thing you can off the donner including the tie rods and drag link.

Re: Converting to front discs on the cheap?
 

I forgot to mention your rims. The factory rims will not clear the new disc calipers. All "rally" rims will work as they were all made after disc brakes made the scene.

Good luck.