drum to disc brake conversion

[Robertc10]

I have a 1971 C10 with drum brakes up front. From what I am reading and my memory tells me 71 changed to disc so I am thinking I have earlier model frame or something of that nature correct me if I am thinking wrong! I am wanting to convert to front disc. I have been looking at drop spindles but I am confused what year model to buy for any help would be greatly appreciated. I think if I have drum brakes I will need to buy spindles for 1970 and earlier?

[Hidesertchevy]

They don't make drop spindles for drum brakes.

[Robznob11]

Sounds like an earlier frame to me....

[bigmac73]

Originally Posted by Hidesertchevy

They don't make drop spindles for drum brakes.

Read the post again he wants to convert to disc with drop spindles


I would buy the conversion kit with drop spindles for a 69 to 70

[Robznob11]

I would buy your choice of 71 up drop spindles...and find a doner truck for parts or just source them from a auto parts store that carries good moog parts!

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

Read the post again he wants to convert to disc with drop spindles


I would buy the conversion kit with drop spindles for a 69 to 70

Thanks bigmac73!

I'm with you I think that 69-70 is what I need to buy for but it always feels good to have another opinion or thoughts before I spend the money! The cab is a 71 but I am thinking the frame is 70 or earlier because of the 6 lug and front drum brakes. I may have to buy the drop spindles first and then later on buy the rest due to the price or save awhile.

What brand would be recommended by you or others? I would like to stick with a brand that uses say 73 up rotors and brake components due to availability! Would not care for a brand that I have to buy some specific rotor etc. that costs a fortune every time I have a problem!!

Thanks in advanced for any advice!!

[zicc1835]

WELCOME TO THE BOARD if in fact its a earlier frame?.. the ball joint size is different 71-72.... with drums in front i would I would assume you would need spindles that fit 70 and down you need to do some research. i find when i type what i want to research into the search box at the top right and google 67-72 chevytrucks instead of web , I get a lot of info from past posts so type in front drum to disc conv and see what you get ...i am sure you will get a lot more responses on here from folks who have a lot more knowledge than i do

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

WELCOME TO THE BOARD if in fact its a earlier frame?.. the ball joint size is different 71-72.... with drums in front i would I would assume you would need spindles that fit 70 and down you need to do some research. i find when i type what i want to research into the search box at the top right and google 67-72 chevytrucks instead of web , I get a lot of info from past posts so type in front drum to disc conv and see what you get ...i am sure you will get a lot more responses on here from folks who have a lot more knowledge than i do

As posted earlier if he wants drop spindles he needs 70 up conversion. Now you can buy a kit....in my .02 overpriced or source the parts you want. All of this info is on suspension section. Look up lolife! He will line you out!

[Robertc10]

I have been a member of this group for a while now but never could ask ?s but I finally got approved to post or I finally figured it out lol either way I'm new to posting here so I'm sure I am doing something wrong! Please look over me until I figure it all out!!

My plan was to purchase the drop spindles and hopefully I can source my rotors, calipers etc from a donor or parts store at a better price!

I have been doing some research for a year or so now off and on but never got much help. I am in several groups on FB but seems like every time I ask a ? I never get a straight answer lol But I do appreciate everyone's help here. This is the most replies I have ever got on this subject!

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by Robertc10

I have been a member of this group for a while now but never could ask ?s but I finally got approved to post or I finally figured it out lol either way I'm new to posting here so I'm sure I am doing something wrong! Please look over me until I figure it all out!!

My plan was to purchase the drop spindles and hopefully I can source my rotors, calipers etc from a donor or parts store at a better price!

I have been doing some research for a year or so now off and on but never got much help. I am in several groups on FB but seems like every time I ask a ? I never get a straight answer lol But I do appreciate everyone's help here. This is the most replies I have ever got on this subject!

just keep asking and doing rasearch as i said before there are a lot of members who are more knolegable than i and i have learned a lot but keep asking if your not sure and make sure you can identify what year you have before you start buying parts you cant return MY 2 cents good luck ill be waching your progress im kinding of going thru some of the same challenges and this board has been a great resource for me
thanks
Jess

[zicc1835]

robznob earlier post .....
I would buy your choice of 71 up drop spindles...and find a doner truck for parts or just source them from a auto parts store that carries good moog parts!

robznob
As posted earlier if he wants drop spindles he needs 70 up conversion. Now you can buy a kit....in my .02 overpriced or source the parts you want. All of this info is on suspension section. Look up lolife! He will line you out!

someone is smarter than Rob and I ....I have 2 questions for the experts
1. how does he identify what year frame & front steering / suspension he has and ( should he )2. are 67 & 68 front steering / suspension different ball joint and all from 69-70 . just sayin

[Robznob11]

Its hard starting out....this is the low down. 1st are you willing to go to 5 lug? Because using factory parts you will need to.... in 70 (I think mid) they went from 6 lug drum to 5 lug disc. The spindle , ball jts, tie rods and drag link changed. In 73 the control arms went to rubber bushings but i believe most of the parts interchange. No one offers drop spindles to accommodate the pre 70 drum set up. Beyond that these write-ups should help you!
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456889

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by Robznob11

Its hard starting out....this is the low down. 1st are you willing to go to 5 lug? Because using factory parts you will need to.... in 70 (I think mid) they went from 6 lug drum to 5 lug disc. The spindle , ball jts, tie rods and drag link changed. In 73 the control arms went to rubber bushings but i believe most of the parts interchange. No one offers drop spindles to accommodate the pre 70 drum set up. Beyond that these write-ups should help you!
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456889

It can be hard lol I started on this truck a little over 3 years ago and really I am not in the shape financially or physically but I'm not going to let it stop me hopefully lol

I started this truck backwards really. I built the motor first with intentions of driving it through the summer months and nothing seems to go as planned. I saved money and really went further with the motor than originally planned. Now I wish I would have went at it differently but either way I will get it eventually!!

Thanks to everyone for the help and advice and hopefully I will learn this forum better and keep participating and following along hopefully being able to help others along with getting help!

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

robznob earlier post .....
I would buy your choice of 71 up drop spindles...and find a doner truck for parts or just source them from a auto parts store that carries good moog parts!

robznob
As posted earlier if he wants drop spindles he needs 70 up conversion. Now you can buy a kit....in my .02 overpriced or source the parts you want. All of this info is on suspension section. Look up lolife! He will line you out!

someone is smarter than Rob and I ....I have 2 questions for the experts
1. how does he identify what year frame & front steering / suspension he has and ( should he )2. are 67 & 68 front steering / suspension different ball joint and all from 69-70 . just sayin

You beat me to it lol but that is exactly what I need to know!

From my research I understand 70 earlier has different ball joints etc. than 71-72 but can never figure out what I have. I even researched what year started using front disc breaks I get 1971 but I've had others tell me they had 71 c10s with drum brakes! I don't know how truthful that is but either way it would be great to know this info!!

I was going to buy a donor truck/front end but either way I want to buy drop spindles so really I hate to invest to much in a donor if I'm going to buy drop spindles and lowering springs. Someone heated the front coil springs on my 71 so either way I have to buy springs. Example what if I spend X amount on a donor truck or front end and the rotors, calipers etc. are not the best and end up having to buy new. That is what I worry about lol I'm on a super tight budget to begin with I really need to make wise decisions the first time around!!

[Robznob11]

Now this is my .02 only. If I had it all to do again....I would save and buy a complete front kit like poterbuilt or chopping block.....I went the conversion way, then body drop, all new parts, thwn porterbuilt narrowed/forward arms. In the end the money I have spent would have been better with a full front end with correct geometry to work together and give me what im looking gor in look and performance. Lessons learned. Even better than that would be to wheel and deal and get a fully set up chassies. By the time you do bags, rearend, crossmember......a chassies is a better end product with better driving experiance....

[zicc1835]

just trying to share some info i have recievd from the board... I have some 71 -72 original front end parts that i stripped off a SWB frame that i am rebuilding for my latest project i will not be using... if there is something i can help with LMK I have a number of used front end parts from 69 to 72 that i can look at and take pictures measure for you to help identify if yours if that helps again there are some other folks on here that i hope chime in they may be able how to do a positive ID on your frame

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

just trying to share some info i have recievd from the board... I have some 71 -72 original front end parts that i stripped off a SWB frame that i am rebuilding for my latest project i will not be using... if there is something i can help with LMK I have a number of used front end parts from 69 to 72 that i can look at and take pictures measure for you to help identify if yours if that helps again there are some other folks on here that i hope chime in they may be able how to do a positive ID on your frame

That would be a big help I may hit you up one day I get to work on mine and see if we can figure some stuff out from measuring various parts!!

Thanks so much for the help!!

[zicc1835]

one last thing... for now Rob metioned and i would have to agree Lolife he is one of those members that i would highly value his input... dont be afraid to drop him a private message

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Robertc10

I have a 1971 C10 with drum brakes up front. From what I am reading and my memory tells me 71 changed to disc so I am thinking I have earlier model frame or something of that nature correct me if I am thinking wrong! I am wanting to convert to front disc. I have been looking at drop spindles but I am confused what year model to buy for any help would be greatly appreciated. I think if I have drum brakes I will need to buy spindles for 1970 and earlier?

Lots of info here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

Sounds like you have a 67-70 frame.
Without pics it’s hard to tell.
If there’s no indent behind the steering box it a 67 frame.
If there is it’s a 68-70 frame.
These trucks are old.
Lots of parts have been changed.
Please post several pics of your suspension.
Steel brake lines connect to the rubber hose behind the crossmember on 67-69 trucks..
In front of the crossmember on 71-72 truck.

I’ve been preaching “63-70 conversion spindles” for many years now.
I’m not sure why this info is not getting out.
There’s no need to use 71-72 or 73-87 spindles.

These conversion spindles are the same price and require no balljoints or tie rod changes.
Buy from places like Summit Racing that offer free shipping.
I like ECE (www.earlyclassic.com) for 67-72 parts.
But wilwood, mcgaughys, western chassis, belltech, and even CPP make good spindles.
Hope this helps.

Get the word out to use Conversion spindles!

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Lots of info here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

Sounds like you have a 67-70 frame.
Without pics it’s hard to tell.
If there’s no indent behind the steering box it a 67 frame.
If there is it’s a 68-70 frame.
These trucks are old.
Lots of parts have been changed.
Please post several pics of your suspension.
Steel brake lines connect to the rubber hose behind the crossmember on 67-69 trucks..
In front of the crossmember on 71-72 truck.

I’ve been preaching “63-70 conversion spindles” for many years now.
I’m not sure why this info is not getting out.
There’s no need to use 71-72 or 73-87 spindles.

These conversion spindles are the same price and require no balljoints or tie rod changes.
Buy from places like Summit Racing that offer free shipping.
I like ECE (www.earlyclassic.com) for 67-72 parts.
But wilwood, mcgaughys, western chassis, belltech, and even CPP make good spindles.
Hope this helps.

Get the word out to use Conversion spindles!

Thanks for the reply lolife99 I will try to get some pics tom. it is currently 14 degrees and about 6" of snow out here now and dark lol I do not have a garage but do have a carport I am working on the truck under. I would much rather buy the correct year model conversion spindles to start with that is why I have put it off for so long now doing my research.

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Lots of info here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

Sounds like you have a 67-70 frame.
Without pics it’s hard to tell.
If there’s no indent behind the steering box it a 67 frame.
If there is it’s a 68-70 frame.
These trucks are old.
Lots of parts have been changed.
Please post several pics of your suspension.
Steel brake lines connect to the rubber hose behind the crossmember on 67-69 trucks..
In front of the crossmember on 71-72 truck.

I’ve been preaching “63-70 conversion spindles” for many years now.
I’m not sure why this info is not getting out.
There’s no need to use 71-72 or 73-87 spindles.

These conversion spindles are the same price and require no balljoints or tie rod changes.
Buy from places like Summit Racing that offer free shipping.
I like ECE (www.earlyclassic.com) for 67-72 parts.
But wilwood, mcgaughys, western chassis, belltech, and even CPP make good spindles.
Hope this helps.

Get the word out to use Conversion spindles!

Here are some pics https://imgur.com/a/fD9Uz

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Robertc10

Here are some pics https://imgur.com/a/fD9Uz

Everything looks original.
Can’t tell about a frame dimple behind the steering box, but I would guess a 68-70 frame due to the location of the rubber brake hose connection point behind the crossmember.
Upper balljoints are original.
I still recommend 63-70 conversion spindles.
I’m guessing someone did a cab swap to this older frame.
I would look at rebuilding the front suspension also.

[Robertc10]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Everything looks original.
Can’t tell about a frame dimple behind the steering box, but I would guess a 68-70 frame due to the location of the rubber brake hose connection point behind the crossmember.
Upper balljoints are original.
I still recommend 63-70 conversion spindles.
I’m guessing someone did a cab swap to this older frame.
I would look at rebuilding the front suspension also.

I'm thinking the same thing. I will try to get some better pics but I wouldn't think drum brake spindles would work with 71-72 tie rods and ball joints if they are different correct me if I am thinking wrong? The truck does have power steering if that makes any difference in determining anything. I thank you for all the help! I have a long way to go I bought a auburn limited slip rear carrier and 373 gears I have to install soon and the trailing are pads/seats on the rear diff housing are about rusted off so I still have plenty to buy. The previous owner already bought rear lowering springs I think 3" but heated the front now I need to determine what springs to buy for the front if I go with the 2.5" drop spindles. I do not really want it slammed just lowered to my liking so I got a lot of figuring to do lol I do have plans of rebuilding the complete front end just buying a few parts at a time as I save the money!

[lolife99]

I normally buy the spindles, then source the other parts myself.
71-87 rotors, calipers, bearings.
The aftermarket makes 6-lug rotors.
CPP through Summit Racing is the cheapest.

I like using conversion brake hoses from a ECE, because they are a bolt on.
71-72 brakes hoses work, but you’ll need one inverted flare adapter on one side.
Someone posted 71 Camaro hoses worked as well. I’ve never tried them.

Then use a 71-72 master cylinder and prop. valve, or aftermarket equivalent.

[lolife99]

From the big thread.
Just choose what situation applies to you.
In your case,... you have what we think is a 67-70 drum brake crossmember,...

67-70 Crossmember Installed:
1) There are many advantage to leaving your 67-70 crossmember in place to add disc brakes.

2) 67-70 truck owners can now purchase "year specific" standard and drop spindles, from many aftermarket suspension vendors.
* No need to change ball joints.
* No need to change tie rod ends.
* These new "conversion disc brake spindles" are a true "bolt-on" mod to add disc brakes to your truck.

3) The 67-70 a-arms can also be used with any other (71-72 or 73-87) spindle, with a simple ball joint change.
* The upper and lower ball joints and outer tie rods must match the correct year of spindle you choose.

4) You will need a "conversion" rubber brake hose to connect your disc brake caliper to your existing steel brake line.
* 71-72 rubber brake hoses can be adapted.
* Much longer 73-87 brake hoses can also be adapted.
* Aftermarket steel braided brake hoses are an option.

5) Keeping your original 67-70 crossmember allows to to leave the engine and transmission in place.
* No need to remove drivetrain.
* No need to temporarily support the engine, while removing the crossmember.
* Complete disassembly of the front suspension also allows you the ability to clean, inspect, replace or rebuild all the individual components.