stay 3/4 or change to 1/2

[gikken20]

I keep finding tons of suspension and brake parts for 1/2 tons but not a whole lot for 3/4 tons. I have a 68 GMC 2wd lwb 3/4T and when I get back from deployment I need to redo the brakes and eventually the suspension, I really would like to keep it 8 lug but I cant afford $2000 just for disc brakes. Even getting new drums is gonna be a little costly, ive found drums anywhere from $30-$90 each. So on to my ?'s

does anybody know a cheaper alternative to go 8 lug disc?

would it just be easier to change over to 5 lug?

what does switching over to 5 lug consist of?

for the rear axle can I just use a newer axle that already has discs on it or are the widths different?

Thanks, Jake

[special-K]

I never spent what I would consider a whole lot of money to do 8-lug brakes. $2,000??? What's that all about? Why not buy used 71/72 parts? Especially with so many changing C/20s to C/10s I would think you could get a set-up for nearly nothing. You can have all new suspension,steering,and brakes all around for far less than that. The used parts may not even need replacement. Most take perfectly good parts off just to get 5-lugs. Personally,the only 1/2t I have ever liked is a shortbed. I wish more people would learn to appreciate the C/20s for the great trucks they are rather than just see them as a way to get a slammed no-duty cruiser.

[eagleuh1]

Yeh, what he said. But its your truck. I'm looking at a disk setup from an 80's 3/4 Suburban for mine. It has a D60 rear also with disk. Gotta go measure for width to see. I know I'd have to move pads for leaves, but thinking of going to swing arms and coils anyways. The front spindles and disks should swap with new ball joints to fit the 80's spindles to the 68 a-frames, and new outer tie rods also.

[lolife99]

http://www.performanceonline.com/196...LUXE-COMPLETE/

'63-70 C20 kit from Performance Online:These systems not only upgrade your truck to discs, they also use 1973-87 ball joints and tie rod ends making future replacements a snap.

Kit includes:
• Stock or 2.5" Drop Spindles
• 12" Rotors
• Calipers
• Performance Brake Pads
• Bearings
• Seals
• Rubber Brake Hoses
• Grease Caps
• Spindle Nuts
• Upper and lower ball joints
• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Adjusting sleeves
• All necessary hardware
• 9" Booster
• Master Cylinder & Prop valve
• Lifetime Warranty
$1099.00

[LockDoc]

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I had my 1/2 ton drums turned at NAPA for 8 bucks apiece and they work great. I'm not sure why everyone thinks they have to buy new. Unless the drums are too worn have them turned and install new brake shoes. Any good automotive shop/auto parts store can measure and inspect your drums for you to see if they can be turned. Check with a couple of different shops/stores on this. If the drums can't be turned then consider your other options.

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

[too much stuff]

I hate to say it, but i just crushed a 72 sierra 3/4 ton and left all the front suspension and disc brakes in it. Nobody wants to pay to ship that heavy stuff. There are deals out there for those parts if you look.
Eric

[LockDoc]

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I called for a shipping quote on this kit from California to Iowa and it was $160, just for the info.

LockDoc

Originally Posted by lolife99

http://www.performanceonline.com/196...LUXE-COMPLETE/

'63-70 C20 kit from Performance Online:These systems not only upgrade your truck to discs, they also use 1973-87 ball joints and tie rod ends making future replacements a snap.

Kit includes:
• Stock or 2.5" Drop Spindles
• 12" Rotors
• Calipers
• Performance Brake Pads
• Bearings
• Seals
• Rubber Brake Hoses
• Grease Caps
• Spindle Nuts
• Upper and lower ball joints
• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Adjusting sleeves
• All necessary hardware
• 9" Booster
• Master Cylinder & Prop valve
• Lifetime Warranty
$1099.00

[lolife99]

A 73-87 donor front stub is the way to go, especially if you don't want drop spindles.
But look at the list of parts from POL.
How many of those parts can you actually re-use?
1) stock spindles
2) stock rotors (if they will turn)
3) calipers? (maybe. new calipers are cheap)
4) dust shields and caps

The rest of the stuff on that parts list I would want new.
Maybe buying parts locally would make it cheaper.
(especially considering the $160 shipping charge)
Just my opinion.

[darush01]

My 72 is 3/4 ton and is staying that way, but im lucky they made disk brakes standard up front so i dont have to worry about that and ill keep my drums in the back i really dont mind
Posted via Mobile Device

[dmack91]

I just went through the brakes on my 68 C20. Rebuilt everything with NAPA parts, turned drums, replaced 5 damaged wheel studs,etc. Less than $200 total.

The best thing I did was find a used power brake booster set-up used for $30. Direct bolt in that took less than an hour. Stops like my 99 Dodge diesel now.

[gikken20]

lolife99, thats what I was looking at and thats where I had got about $2000 from $1000 for the front and around $1000 for the back?

special-K, I want to keep it 8-lug, Its already lowered but wasnt done correctly, and im planning on using it to tow/haul atv's around, and you know once everyone finds out you have a truck they want you to help them move, with me being in the military we do alot of that so im always helping someone. I have found a couple ads on CL for 3/4 ton 2wd with discs being parted so I am looking into that.

LockDoc, its been 5 years since ive seen the truck, ill have it back this summer, but as far as I remember I had it taken in to check the brakes out and all the drums were cracked, so im just looking worst case scenario till I can get back and look at it.

Im just trying to get a plan of what I need to plan for when I get back cause ill be using it as a DD when I get home, still need to find a tailgate and rear bumper, I want to do a hidden hitch but I want to do move the tank between the frame rails too, so Im not sure if that will work, im also looking into a toolbox/fuel tank combo for the bed, my main plan when I get it back is replace the fluids, tires and make sure the brakes are good till I can afford to do more. Thanks everybody for the help