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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 15
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Budget disc brake conversion
I'm looking to convert the fron't brakes on my 69, GMC 2500. Can any body tell me exactly what parts I need to get and if I can find them on another truck at the pick a part or what???
P.S. when I say budget I mean like under 200 dollars in my pocket right now. |
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#2 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Can we assume that you want to stay with 8 lug? Besides an economical conversion, what are your goals?
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#3 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere
Posts: 3,938
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
you could always get the whole front suspension setup from a 73-87 c20-30
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#4 | |
just can't cover up my redneck
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I agree with project 67 sub, do some junk-yardin' for a total front suspension from a later model truck or 'burb. You may still need to deal with the brakes themselves as far as pads and rotors, but it is the simplest way. The entire crossmember is a bolt in situation and then you don't have any "adapting" going on. Every part is from the same year truck and that simplifies later maintenance.
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Yay Area CA
Posts: 2,329
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Quote:
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 17
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Quote:
73-87?????? I am new to all of this so correct me if I'm wrong. Isn't 71-72 front disc w/ x-member our only option for full front end unbolt/pull/rebolt?? I also have a 69' c20, and wish to keep 8 lug. A friend has a 76-78 (he wasn't sure exact year) 3/4T 2wd front end I can get from him. Is this front also a full x-member swap for disc brakes?? If not, what is usable and what needs to be done to swap it in? |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I have heard the holes in the cross member won't line up with the newer style cups that hold the lower arm on...although I don't have specific experience with it....yet
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 15
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with the 8 lug but I eventually want to lower the front end with the use of drop spindles and possably al light set of bags when I'm able to afford it. I really want to see If I can do this conversion with out to much modification. I'd like to be able to get it working properly in a few hours.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Yay Area CA
Posts: 2,329
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I think project 67 has the right idea get the complete front end hub to hub if I read pick your parts price list correctly they have drum to drum listed at $159.99 plus $20 core.. best part is they are having a half price sale this weekend I'm hitting them up for c10 front end (can't beat the price if it's right)
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#10 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Before you make you final decision, research your options for 8 lug lowering components. Right now the options are very limited.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
1/2 ton and 3/4 ton 73-87 pickups, 73-91 burbs and crew cabs cross members will bolt in...
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#12 |
Happy to be here
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Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Correct...2wd only.
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 17
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
Ok, this is GREAT news. What's the catch??
Nothing I do is ever this simple so there has to be more to it than this. No other parts or anything else needed?? A brake line or two would be expected. Would the 76-78 master cylinder / booster be a required swap?? OR possible bolt in upgrade?? Ok, hope I'm not hi-jacking here. I think me and original poster or on same page so I'd like to think I'm helping ![]() Thanks already for all the good info. And thanks to the original poster for starting this thread. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
here is a thread specific to the 60-66 frames, but the 67-70 frames are nearly identical...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=disc+brake
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![]() ![]() Last edited by joe231; 05-30-2009 at 10:56 PM. |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern AZ
Posts: 7,271
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
It is easier than a whole crossmember swap. The upper A-arm and ball joint are the same 1/2 or 3/4 and disk or drum, so you really only need the spindle and rotor, calipers and the spindles should bolt up to the A-arms, maybe new balljoints since you are taking it apart anyways, but yeah that simple and if you watch the board, most guys swap 8-lug for 5 or 6-lug and toss the 8-lug stuff, so free is possible!?
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
Posts: 582
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
any updates on this topic?
Last edited by Steve-W; 08-29-2010 at 12:23 PM. |
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#18 |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I've been reading, and searching.
Yes, there are many threads on this subject. My question is specific to a 66 2WD 3/4 Ton and using a 73-87 3/4 Ton doner. I've read differing answers regarding how the 3/4 Ton swaps. Do I just unbolt everything and move it over to the 66 Frame?
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I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
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#19 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,543
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
My experience has been for the 63-66 swaps to 71-72 and also 73-87 1/2 ton, however the 3/4 will be the same.
I would get the upper and lower a-arms ( rebuildable shafts, opp to paint/clean), the spindles and rotors and calipers from the donor replace the worn parts as needed and bolt them up to your 63-66. If you swap the whole crossmember, you will have to enlarge a couple holes and if memory serves, the 63-66 have 12 bolts and the 73-87 have 14 for mounting the cross member. If I am mistaken on the last someone please correct me but I think that is right.
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 ![]() ![]() ![]() support our troops! |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
One other issue with a 73-up crossmember swap is that the engine mounts are different. This isn't necessarily bad if you want the later type mounts, but it's just something else to keep in mind.
When I swapped 73-up control arms and shafts to get the rubber bushings I had to enlarge the holes for the U-bolts. This was on a 1/2 ton, so I don't know if it is necessary on the 3/4 ton too. Ray
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Live more responsibly. Eat lower on the food chain. Eat vegetarians. |
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#21 |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
This had some interesting reading:
http://www.classicperform.com/TechBo...t.htm#testprop
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I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 3,728
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I found a whole crossmember on Craigs List for $100 for a 1/2 ton. I decided there wasn't enough options for the 3/4 ton, so I am converting the whole thing over to 1/2.
There is a little bit of work, but it's a pretty clean swap. Pull a junk unit, rebuild it while it's out, then slide it in. You will have to support the motor somehow if it isn't pulled to get it in/out.
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New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210 |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: grants pass, oregon
Posts: 390
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
joe 231 i have a 67 with p/s you say the swap is nearly identical (comment # 15 ) for the 67.....what are the problems and will reconnecting my p/s bring any addtional problems & what has to be done with my motor mounts to fit thanks
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1990 chevy 4x4 with a 1940 IHC body Last edited by peglegs; 12-15-2010 at 10:36 PM. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
I'm not familiar with the '67 power steering gear box.
You should be able to keep your inner tie rods and center link and just swap outer tie rods to fit the newer spindles.....but I'm not 100% sure Posted via Mobile Device
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: grants pass, oregon
Posts: 390
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Re: Budget disc brake conversion
thank you joe but its beginning to look like the 67 , w/ps , has a few unsolved areas with most of these disc brake swaps i guess and justly so as many different years come into play sounds like the weekend warrior should be looking at a bolt on kit for the 67's and its just not any fun that way lol, thanks again
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1990 chevy 4x4 with a 1940 IHC body |
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