Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

FINALLY have the ability to start rebuilding my ‘69 GMC. I have 6 bolt drum brakes all around and want to go to 5 bolt disc brakes in front. Who makes/sells the best kit for this conversion?

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

I used Right Stuff on my 67 Camaro...I assume they make a C10 kit also.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

I have always just bought all the pieces...

Spindles
Rotors
Calipers
Caliper Bolts
Brake Pads
Bearings
Bearing Grease Seals
Spindle Nuts
Spindle Nut Caps
Brake Hoses
Rotor Backing Plates

Last time I checked, it was cheaper doing it this way...

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

Define best.

Are we talking a quality OE kit that's all encompassing

Or Willwood/Baer multi-piston calipers with huge rotors

Or a hydroboost setup?

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

If you want to keep stock height, I'd use factory 71 thru 87 parts. I found getting a donor front cross member that has the cross ink, spindles, tie rod pieces and steering links is the best way to start. Don't for get you'll need newer style master cylinder and a proportioning valve.

If you want lowered spindles, not sure who the preferred brand(s) are.

You'll probably have to go with aftermarket axles (or weld/redrill yours) since the 69 has the narrower rear end and no factory 5 lug axles in the narrow width. You could also use a 71/72 rear from direct bolt in change to 5 lug.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

71-72 parts. Or 73 to early 80s.

Take a look at this thread:

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=837026

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

for my C20 I used a kit from POL. Had everything I needed to rebuild the front end except new a-arm bushings, and did the brakes. Then just bought master cylinder for disc/drum setup as well as a proportioning valve.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

Nothing like that - just want to upgrade my drums to disc.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

Take a look at The Little Shop out of Nashville. Very nice, and complete conversion kits. I have probably converted 50 of them through the years and it's the best one I've found. Highly recommend.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

I agree. Other than the spindles, all other parts can be sourced from a local auto parts store.

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

I found it impossible to contact the "Right Stuff" for any help. Caveat emptor

Do you have power brakes on your set up?
Converting the lines from manual brakes to p/b was the biggest PITA for me.

Remember the lower lines on the factory disc brake trucks feed the calipers from the front of the cross-member. Drum brakes lines feed from the back of the cross-member.
Many conversions have the flexible line feed from the stock drum brake location. This is the simplest method by far. Replacing the drum lines with the factory disc lines is difficult as they feed under the motor mounts. The earlier, drum brake cross-members have the tab on the front and the disc brake trucks have this tab on the rear of the cross-member. To do the front brake line conversion you also need add the tab to the cross-member.

If your truck isn’t lowered and you use the rear flexible line connection and you already have power brakes you should have few issues. Don’t forget the proportion valve will need to be changed to the disc brake style.

I still didn't answer your question, "which is the best." High end kits, like Wilwood, Baer and Brembo tend to be designed for the vehicle and actually fit. The low end stuff it typically just sourced stock components and you will be on your own to get it installed and functioning. All the kits I have installed were of the low end style. They all turned into a cluster for one reason or another. I now own a hydraulic double flair tool to prove my point.
Cheers

Re: Front Disc Conversion: Best Kit?
 

My experience with a Right Stuff drum to disc kit, front, was good. Plug & play but this was on my 67 Camaro

My C10 is a 72 so it had front disc manual. I used a CPP power MC/Booster kit. Maybe they make a drum to disc kit??

Sometimes you need to mate different thread size/pitch to a new system component. Earls, Inline Tube, etc all make those adapters. I needed 2 on my Right Stuff kit to connect my stock lines on Camaro. Simple and part of modding cars, sometimes adapters are needed vs cutting and flaring line with the fitting needed