Can we talk brakes?
 

Hi guys,

‘69 c10 here with drum brakes at all four corners (manual).

I have a set of 2.5” drop spindles sitting in the garage and I’d like to do a front disk brake swap. I’m hoping you guys can steer me in the right direction taking into account performance and value. Few things:

a.) I have 15x8 rally wheels which I’d like to keep. Any brakes I go with should fit under those wheels.

b.) I’m undecided whether to stay manual or go power. I’m ok to stay manual as long as the pedal isn’t too crazy. I’ve heard some guys say that manual brakes can result in a decent user experience if they are set up right.

c.) If you were in my shoes, what route would you go? Looking for recommendations on booster/MC, rotors, calipers/pads… or a simple kit.

Also, for my reference, do 71-72 disk brakes fit the ‘69 with aftermarket drop spindles intended for the ‘69?

Thank you

Thank you!

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

Read these links

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=444815

As far as manual verses power I plan to run manual and some people do. Most people prefer power.

Good luck, Rg

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

I swapped my 67 to disc and stayed with the manual set up and they work good..

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

Thank you

What MC / caliper setup did you go with?

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

Thank you for the link, helpful info! I will be staying 6-lug.

What about calipers, will the 71-72 calipers work with my drop spindles? I don’t recall if the calipers just bolt up to the spindle or if an additional bracket is needed between the spindle and caliper.

Debating between

a.) Wilwood MC and calipers

Vs

b.) 71-72 stock calipers and MC

Or if there is any other popular options that people here recommend, glad to consider that as well. Would like the truck to stop well without blowing the bank.

Thank you.

PS: if I stay manual brakes (disk front, drum rear), is there any particular MC size I’m looking at to have a pedal effort that won’t make the truck a chore to stop?

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

If you stay with the size caliper that came on the '71-'72 and if those rotors will fit with the drop spindles, then the manual master cylinder for those years will work. I've driven trucks and cars with manual disc brakes when I worked for Chevrolet dealers. Pedal effort is higher, but not by that much. It's just a surprise at first when you jump in to drive and it's not assisted.

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

Thanks Steven, is the 71-72 MC a direct bolt on?

Just remove my MC and bolt on the 71-72?

Then I always think, is there any later year “upgrade” I should consider that will offer improved performance?

I ask because other than the spindles, I’m starting from scratch. So now is the time to piece together a plan. Thank you

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

I don't know that answer. Maybe find someone with a '71-'72 with manual disc brakes and compare?

Someone on here probably knows.

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

If you do wade into the power vs manual threads, kits have changed over the aeons and you probably won't need to worry about pedal leverage and rod angle because of the cantilever aka bell crank in the MC mount. I chased my tail for a while
https://mpbrakes.com/bellcrank-classic-cars/

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

These guys put nice clear tech info out there:
https://mbmbrakes.com/tech/

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

I used McGaughy’s spindles and all other parts are stock 71-72 parts so I can go to the local parts store and not have to order replacement parts online. One thing to note, your drop spindles may require the use of 71-72 tie rod ends. Mine did not. Also I went the power route.

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

All stock 72 stuff

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

I recommend manual brakes. I have 71 brakes on my 69 and it works just fine. This is the thread I recommend for the master cylinder, https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...39#post9169739. Counter people at 99.999% of car parts stores and online suppliers are not going to find the "correct" master cylinder, that is my opinion. Use NAPA part M36280 new master cylinder for manual-brake 1/2 ton C-10 disc/drum setup.
For proportioning valve I used a stock 72 combination valve and sent it to White Post restorations. I bought it by posting a want-to-buy thread in the parts section. There is a thread somewhere on this forum showing pictures and describing how the spring in the back end of the valve is different for 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton, it affects how much braking the rear drum brakes will get with the different gross weight trucks. I can't find the thread again. I don't know if my combination valve is from a 1/2 ton, but I suspect it is because the braking feels like it is evenly distributed. If you don't know the pedigree of a combination valve you buy used, there is some risk of ending up with one from a different gross weight truck.

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

The 71 72 style brakes work great either power or manual. I have converted a few. I had not done a non-power set up until the last one and am very pleased how well they work.

I had and LS swap with a cam, with a power brake booster. Because of the cam it didn't make much vacuum at low RPM and I always felt like it required tons of brake pressure. For my next one I went manual(no booster) and it's way better. I did recently upgrade to the EBC yellowstuff pads which are a higher friction pad, but haven't driven on them enough to say it was a great upgrade...

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

I just put a adjustable proportion valve in the rear at the T.

Re: Can we talk brakes?
 

Did you need any adapters for the adjusting valve? Im going to add one to my truck as the rear end locks up way to easy compared to the front. what proportion valve did you go with?