Brakes....need opinions......limited budget... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cat Fuzz · 07-02-2005, 10:04 PM

Ok, I've been putting this off too long. I really need to get on the ball and do something about the front end on my truck.

I have a 69 C20, 8 lug wheels. My drums are shot as well as the hub and spindle on one side. Also have at least one bad tie rod end. New drums cost about $140 each, then along with the hub and spindle I need to replace and the tie rod, it seems like too much money to mess with the old drums. I'd really like to convert to power disks but I need to do it as cheaply as possible. I thought about buying a rusted out 74 C20 from this car lot for $300, but I couldn't be sure if all the parts were good (doubt it). I guess the best thing would be for me to compile a list of all the parts I need so that I can aquire them over time. I know I need spindles, rotors, calipers, MC and PB booster and prop valve. Do I need later a-arms as well? Ball joints?

I'm just a bit confused here on which way I should go. Thanks for the help.

*Randy70C-10* · 07-02-2005, 10:07 PM

You can remove the entire front crossmember from the 74 and bolt it to your 69, complete, hub to hub.

Cat Fuzz · 07-02-2005, 10:50 PM

I know, but this truck is in very rough shape and I have no way of knowing if the rotors are any good. I'd rather not risk it.

*Randy70C-10* · 07-02-2005, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

I know, but this truck is in very rough shape and I have no way of knowing if the rotors are any good. I'd rather not risk it.

5 lug rotors are generally less than $40 each new.

Cat Fuzz · 07-03-2005, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy70C-10

5 lug rotors are generally less than $40 each new.

Mine are 8 lug. $80 each new. New drums for current set-up = $140 each.

69 longhorn · 07-02-2005, 10:58 PM

Its too bad that you are so far from Illinios, I have all the pcs you need collecting dust on the garage floor! YOU DONT NEED TO SWAP IT ALL, your crossmember & a arms will work. on the 20 series, the spindles , ball joints, tierod ends work from 71-87. Swap the later balljoints into your a arms, & bolt the disc spindles up......from there, you need the center link from the later truck(71 on), & also the tierod assys(inner,outer, & sleeves). Best of luck......crazyL

GloryHound · 07-02-2005, 11:03 PM

I know Hotrodmtodd would have what you need, but the shipping from PA would be the killer. I got a used set of rotors, spindles, booster, prop valve, master cylinder, and calipars for I think it was $90. New pads are going to cast about 30 but then you will also need all new tie rods and adjusting sleeves also. Their is a post on the board about attaching 71/72 spindles to 67-70 draglink. You use 71/72 outer tie rods and adjuster sleeves and then some other type of inner tie rod. Then also you would need to put 71/72 ball joints in. I plan on having my calipars rebuilt but looking at them with a little work I think I could make them good again. The last thing you will need are new front brake lines and hoses. On the disc brake set up these lines are a different diameter. You would probably be well ahead to take the junker truck use what you can and then get what you need in the end since it will probably end up being cheaper.

GloryHound · 07-03-2005, 09:18 AM

If you get the junk truck and the rotors are bad you should be able to go to a salvage yard and tell them what you need and pick a pair of good rotors for $20 and then get them turned for another $20 if they need it.

Cat Fuzz · 07-03-2005, 10:33 AM

Ok, sounds like buying that donor truck might be the best thing to do. Unless a bunch of the steering linkage is wasted, then it would be pointless. The add said that the motor runs good but the tranny is going bad. If the motor DOES run good I could sell it for what I paid for the truck.

Cat Fuzz · 07-06-2005, 05:28 PM

I got a better look at the truck today. Rotors are shot as well as an outer tie rod and maybe the idler arm. One side has really loose wheel bearing. The truck has leaf springs in the back and 16" white spoke rims. 6 cylinder engine in front of a TH350 that might not be any good. The guy claims it runs but has been sitting for almost 2 years. Not a good body panel on the truck. Rusted bad.

I rechecked the price for new drums @ Napa and they are only about $70 each there but I still need a replacement hub for one side. Anyone have some 3/4 ton parts they want to unload?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 07-06-2005, 06:14 PM

If you want to make the trip over to Olympia, WA. I have a complete disk brake fromt end over here from under a 71 from rotor to rotor. You can have it free of charge, but you have to remove it... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

*Randy70C-10* · 07-06-2005, 06:51 PM

You can't get a better deal than that!!

Cat Fuzz · 07-06-2005, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WES

If you want to make the trip over to Olympia, WA. I have a complete disk brake fromt end over here from under a 71 from rotor to rotor. You can have it free of charge, but you have to remove it... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

Just to clarify: It is an 8 lug 3/4 ton front end? I'd have to figure out how this would work. Thank you!! Now I just need to work out the logistics and maybe take a couple days off.......Can I haul anything over there from here for you?

drink2mny · 07-06-2005, 09:57 PM

Hey Cat Fuzz.. Remember the Spokane Swapmeet is this weekend 8-9-10 at the fair grounds...( I gots me a booth)

Could very well find what your looking for there..

07-02-2005, 10:04 PM	#1
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	Brakes....need opinions......limited budget... Ok, I've been putting this off too long. I really need to get on the ball and do something about the front end on my truck. I have a 69 C20, 8 lug wheels. My drums are shot as well as the hub and spindle on one side. Also have at least one bad tie rod end. New drums cost about $140 each, then along with the hub and spindle I need to replace and the tie rod, it seems like too much money to mess with the old drums. I'd really like to convert to power disks but I need to do it as cheaply as possible. I thought about buying a rusted out 74 C20 from this car lot for $300, but I couldn't be sure if all the parts were good (doubt it). I guess the best thing would be for me to compile a list of all the parts I need so that I can aquire them over time. I know I need spindles, rotors, calipers, MC and PB booster and prop valve. Do I need later a-arms as well? Ball joints? I'm just a bit confused here on which way I should go. Thanks for the help. __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

07-02-2005, 10:50 PM	#3
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	I know, but this truck is in very rough shape and I have no way of knowing if the rotors are any good. I'd rather not risk it. __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

07-02-2005, 10:58 PM	#6
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Its too bad that you are so far from Illinios, I have all the pcs you need collecting dust on the garage floor! YOU DONT NEED TO SWAP IT ALL, your crossmember & a arms will work. on the 20 series, the spindles , ball joints, tierod ends work from 71-87. Swap the later balljoints into your a arms, & bolt the disc spindles up......from there, you need the center link from the later truck(71 on), & also the tierod assys(inner,outer, & sleeves). Best of luck......crazyL __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

07-03-2005, 10:33 AM	#9
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	Ok, sounds like buying that donor truck might be the best thing to do. Unless a bunch of the steering linkage is wasted, then it would be pointless. The add said that the motor runs good but the tranny is going bad. If the motor DOES run good I could sell it for what I paid for the truck. __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

07-06-2005, 05:28 PM	#10
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	I got a better look at the truck today. Rotors are shot as well as an outer tie rod and maybe the idler arm. One side has really loose wheel bearing. The truck has leaf springs in the back and 16" white spoke rims. 6 cylinder engine in front of a TH350 that might not be any good. The guy claims it runs but has been sitting for almost 2 years. Not a good body panel on the truck. Rusted bad. I rechecked the price for new drums @ Napa and they are only about $70 each there but I still need a replacement hub for one side. Anyone have some 3/4 ton parts they want to unload? __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

07-02-2005, 10:07 PM	#2
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	You can remove the entire front crossmember from the 74 and bolt it to your 69, complete, hub to hub.

07-02-2005, 11:03 PM	#7
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	I know Hotrodmtodd would have what you need, but the shipping from PA would be the killer. I got a used set of rotors, spindles, booster, prop valve, master cylinder, and calipars for I think it was $90. New pads are going to cast about 30 but then you will also need all new tie rods and adjusting sleeves also. Their is a post on the board about attaching 71/72 spindles to 67-70 draglink. You use 71/72 outer tie rods and adjuster sleeves and then some other type of inner tie rod. Then also you would need to put 71/72 ball joints in. I plan on having my calipars rebuilt but looking at them with a little work I think I could make them good again. The last thing you will need are new front brake lines and hoses. On the disc brake set up these lines are a different diameter. You would probably be well ahead to take the junker truck use what you can and then get what you need in the end since it will probably end up being cheaper.

07-03-2005, 09:18 AM	#8
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	If you get the junk truck and the rotors are bad you should be able to go to a salvage yard and tell them what you need and pick a pair of good rotors for $20 and then get them turned for another $20 if they need it.

07-06-2005, 06:14 PM	#11
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	If you want to make the trip over to Olympia, WA. I have a complete disk brake fromt end over here from under a 71 from rotor to rotor. You can have it free of charge, but you have to remove it... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

07-06-2005, 06:51 PM	#12
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	You can't get a better deal than that!!

07-06-2005, 09:57 PM	#14
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Hey Cat Fuzz.. Remember the Spokane Swapmeet is this weekend 8-9-10 at the fair grounds...( I gots me a booth) Could very well find what your looking for there.. __________________ Support The Board Last edited by drink2mny; 07-06-2005 at 09:57 PM.



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