Disc brake conversion

[bagolfpro73]

I just bought a 64 chevy longbed on want to convert the drums to disc brakes. What is compatible out there at the pick and pull yards for this job. I am very green when it comes to this restoration process.

[siggyfreud]

Did you get a C10, C20? A 73-87 front cross member with disc brakes swaps in rather easy. Have to drill two holes, and elongate two holes. With that approach you can drop in a full updated suspension with disc brakes. Depending on what model truck you have you may be able to get away with swapping in less.

[bagolfpro73]

Thank you for the quick reply, I bought a C10 longbed. I eventually may convert the bed to a short someday as well.

[Lowl!f3]

There is a full list of what swaps out on your truck within this site some where. I dont recall the link

[LostMy65]

In the FAQ's

[Woogeroo]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

In the FAQ's

yup.

60-66 FAQ Index

under Brakes, which is currently in Section 2B.

read all about it or just call up Early Classic Enterprises and have them ship you their kit.

also, there is also the truck tech FAQ which also happens to be linked in the 60-66 FAQ Index.

happy reading,

... and if you were doing a restoration, you'd leave the drums on there. You are doing a rebuild/modification/custom...

-W

[tincan1966]

you do not have to change the crossmember to install the 73-87 brakes, just bolt the components onto your truck.

[Lowl!f3]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

you do not have to change the crossmember to install the 73-87 brakes, just bolt the components onto your truck.

That may be all true. However... The A arms are wider then the 64 and 65 A arms.
I just measured them last week. The back of the newer A arm looks like it will be really close to the frame on the upper because of this. The shock will definitly hit the upper.

[tincan1966]

Originally Posted by Lowl!f3

That may be all true. However... The A arms are wider then the 64 and 65 A arms.
I just measured them last week. The back of the newer A arm looks like it will be really close to the frame on the upper because of this. The shock will definitly hit the upper.

Have you actually done this swap or just going by measuring and what it looks like MIGHT be a problem?

Never had any clearance problems at all in 20+ years of doing this very simple conversion. Changing the crossmember will not change the location of the parts, anyway.

Just trying to save a guy some extra work that isn't a necessity, is all.
Thousands of swaps like this have been done over the years, if there was an epidemic of parts not fitting, someone would have brought it up by now.

[Budget63]

Originally Posted by bagolfpro73

I just bought a 64 chevy longbed on want to convert the drums to disc brakes. What is compatible out there at the pick and pull yards for this job. I am very green when it comes to this restoration process.

Hey man, I'm in Roseville also! I have a complete 5 lug front suspension from a 73-87 that I bought for my 63 C10. I am in the process of building the motor for it and won't be using the front suspension in the immediate future. It is taking up valuable space in my little garage! I would be willing to sell it for what I bought it for, if you are interested.

Ty