Disc Brakes on a 1970 C20

[ViperBlue70]

Hi all,

I bought a 70 C20 over the weekend at the Portland Swap Meet and am excited to get going on some upgrades/repairs for it. I have always loved the look of these trucks so it is fun to finally have one.

The first project I would like to do is a front disc brake conversion (from the drums). I did a quick search on the forum and didn't find anything that jumped out at me for the C20. Is there a certain kit that works well? I see there is a guy out on ebay selling info on how to upgrade using 73-87 parts. Is that the way to go?

[GMCPaul]

Geeze selling the info on ebay. Use the 3/4ton parts for the years 71-87
ball joints upper & lower,
inner & outer tie rods & sleeves
drop spindles for 73-87 "these are a direct bolt in on 71-72 3/4 tons without any mods"
and if my memory serves correct thats it folks other than running new brake lines & hoses for the disc conversion and tossing a disc/drum master cyl. & disc / drum prop valve on for a 71-72 or a adjustable prop valve.
GMCPaul

[ViperBlue70]

Great, thanks for the info.

From what you listed, I just want to confirm one thing: the control arms are not needed from the 71-87?

[ViperBlue70]

Perfect, thanks!

[ViperBlue70]

Does anyone have a good source for the above parts in the Portland, OR area?

[TotalChevy1]

Originally Posted by GMCPaul

Geeze selling the info on ebay. Use the 3/4ton parts for the years 71-87
ball joints upper & lower,
inner & outer tie rods & sleeves
drop spindles for 73-87 "these are a direct bolt in on 71-72 3/4 tons without any mods"
and if my memory serves correct thats it folks other than running new brake lines & hoses for the disc conversion and tossing a disc/drum master cyl. & disc / drum prop valve on for a 71-72 or a adjustable prop valve.
GMCPaul

I've been looking for sometime for drop spindles, just wanted to make sure I understand. The drop spindles for 73-87 are direct bolt in for 72 that already has 8 lug disk brakes? If that's the case you just made my day.

[GMCPaul]

If by control arm you mean upper & lower a-arms no the 67-70 & 71-72 control arm iare identical once you remove the ball joints.
Mentioning the control arm though made me think of the center link, if memory serves me correctly the original worked, but for some odd reason I think we might possibly have used a 71-72 I had sitting there.
GMCPaul

[snacob14]

i've got a set of eight lug disks, calipers, pads and bearings, I was going to do it with some drop spindles but went a different route, let me know if you are interested. pm me

[70GMCer]

Get what you need from GMCPaul. I just finished converting mine with his kit......

[Sinister]

Subscribed...

[oteixeira]

70GMCer,

I have ordered from Paul before and just looked again. I think you may be confused. I do not see any 8 lug conversion kit on his site. I personally am just planning on taking the whole front crossmember with everything on it when I finally find one around here in shape that I like.

Orlando