swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

So I have a 1965 c10 factory 4x4 with the origional "6 lug" front axle and it has drum brakes up front. I was wondering if there is a kit, OR BETTER YET a newer truck I can steal brake parts off of from the junkyard to swap mine over to disk brakes up front? Im in the middle of doing my brakes. It needs a new Master cyl. Drums. Shoes. And front hubs(cus previous owner seriously jerry rigged the hubs) and while im in there i though about swapping it over since im running 38" tires and I dont want to rearend someone on the street.. If there is a truck to steel them from. What Year, Make, and Model do I need to get the parts off of???
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Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

I believe you'll have to swap the entire axle over to a disc-brake equipped axle out of a newer truck, plus match the gear ratio. I'm not aware of any drum-to-disc kits for the front on a 4x4.... ?
I have a '68 K10 with front drums, I recently acquired a disc-brake D44 out of a '76 truck for a donor. Plus the open knuckle axle has a bit tighter turning radius too.

Also, you'll have to swap m/cyl and brake prop valve for the disc too.
Maybe someone else will chime in with some other options...

Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

This should be what you need.

http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index25.html

Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

I agree with Permafrost...best way is to find a 71 to 87 Dana 44 or 10 bolt, as long as it matches your rear ratio. On a side note the 73 up axle shafts and u joints are a little stronger...might help since your gonna be running 38s

Also the kit from Blackbirds is for an 8 lug conversion..they didnt list a kit for the 6 lug 1/2 ton axle...and I know they have some quallity stuff since I've used it myself but at 535.00 I think anyones best bet is to get away from the closed knuckle front, unless you want to keep it stock in which case you wouldnt be wanting discs anyway.

Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

x3

A disc brake Dana-44 or 10-bolt can be had for under $100. You would be lucky to find the disc brake parts you need to convert yours for that.

Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

Up here you can get a D44 8 lug for 100-400 in good shape. The six lugs are even cheaper because they seem to be more abundant. I'd be looking in that direction.

Re: swapping from drums to rotors? 1965 4x4
 

Find a Craigslist open knuckle front axle instead of sink a bunch of money into a junk one (closed knuckle).