6 lug brake questions

[Darinc74]

I hate to beat a dead horse but I have a couple of questions about the 6 lug front disc brake conversion using stock parts. Actually the horse ain't dead yet, I read all of the posts in the faq's page and they are clear as mud when it comes to the 6 lug convert. One guy says this will work while another says it won't. Anyway, to my question.

If I use a newer 3/4 ton 6 lug brake rotor and spindle, do I have to change my lower control arm to a newer one or will the ball joint fit in my 66 control arm? Do I have to have the 3/4 ton spindle or will a 1/2 ton work? I have found a 74 3/4 ton truck but it has 8 lug rotors, is there a 6 lug rotor that will work on the 74 setup?

It would be very helpful if someone could give a complete detailed list on how to do this conversion with facts and not opinions. When I do my conversion I am going to document it so I can post it for all to see.

[kdrodworks316]

I just played this game, I found it to be the most cost effective to buy CPP 6 lug rotors for a 71 up app. I used my 65 control arms and put 73 up ball joints in them and also had to change to the 73 up steering rack. I looked and looked for 6 lug rotors and came close with a Nissan rotor, they will work but are not quite right.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by Darinc74

I hate to beat a dead horse but I have a couple of questions about the 6 lug front disc brake conversion using stock parts. Actually the horse ain't dead yet, I read all of the posts in the faq's page and they are clear as mud when it comes to the 6 lug convert. One guy says this will work while another says it won't. Anyway, to my question.

If I use a newer 3/4 ton 6 lug brake rotor and spindle, do I have to change my lower control arm to a newer one or will the ball joint fit in my 66 control arm? Do I have to have the 3/4 ton spindle or will a 1/2 ton work? I have found a 74 3/4 ton truck but it has 8 lug rotors, is there a 6 lug rotor that will work on the 74 setup?

It would be very helpful if someone could give a complete detailed list on how to do this conversion with facts and not opinions. When I do my conversion I am going to document it so I can post it for all to see.

I've started collecting parts for a 6 lug disc brake conversion using the '88 and newer light duty (7200#) 3/4 ton rotors. I too read the FAQ but did some research of my own. The parts needed to do the swap are as follows.

Spindles from any '88-'98 1/2 ton or light 3/4 ton 2wd pickup or suburban. Rotors from a 7200# GVW 3/4ton from '88-'98 (for some reason there is one part # for '88 & '89 and another for '90-'94. There are only minor differences between the two) I bought the one for the '90-'94 which is Raybestos #56915RGS. The ball joints you need to use are the ones for the '88-'98 spindles. The uppers will fit '63-'87 1/2 ton upper a-arms. The lowers will fit '69-'87 3/4 ton lower a-arms. The '69-'72 are prefered because of the shorter bump stop bracket. The newer ones could be easily modified. For steering you will need to use the '88-'98 outter tierod ends and the adjuster sleeves with ES2020 inner tierod ends to mate up with the drag link. The calipers to use are the '88-'98 ones. Other than some minor things and replacement parts like bearings and seals, etc, I think that's about it.

From a cost standpoint on this conversion, it depends on how resourceful you are. For me it is economical since I scored a complete '94 1/2 ton front suspension and frame clip for free, and I have several 3/4 ton a-arms. Then the rest besides the rotors is just normal rebuild parts like bearings, seals, brake pads, etc. I was planning on doing a writeup when I do it as well, but now I don't know when that will be since this is on the back burner for now. I hope this was at least a little helpful.

[MickMc]

[quote=Captainfab;2848127]I've started collecting parts for a 6 lug disc brake conversion using the '88 and newer light duty (7200#) 3/4 ton rotors. I too read the FAQ but did some research of my own. The parts needed to do the swap are as follows.

Spindles from any '88-'98 1/2 ton or light 3/4 ton 2wd pickup or suburban. Rotors from a 7200# GVW 3/4ton from '88-'98 (for some reason there is one part # for '88 & '89 and another for '90-'94. There are only minor differences between the two) I bought the one for the '90-'94 which is Raybestos #56915RGS. The ball joints you need to use are the ones for the '88-'98 spindles. The uppers will fit '63-'87 1/2 ton upper a-arms. The lowers will fit '69-'87 3/4 ton lower a-arms. The '69-'72 are prefered because of the shorter bump stop bracket. The newer ones could be easily modified. For steering you will need to use the '88-'98 outter tierod ends and the adjuster sleeves with ES2020 inner tierod ends to mate up with the drag link. The calipers to use are the '88-'98 ones. Other than some minor things and replacement parts like bearings and seals, etc, I think that's about it.





I'm have a hard time finding this part number.
Any one have an idea.
CapitanFab?


Mick

[Captainfab]

Sorry about that, my fault I left off the 'L' at the end. The correct part number is: ES2020L

Here's a link....
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...Number=ES2020L

[MickMc]

thanks

I'm collecting all of the parts this week for my conversion, spindles should be here thursday too.

Mick

[Captainfab]

If you have the time post up some pics of the conversion when you do it.

[kdrodworks316]

What a guy, part numbers and everything. you rule Captain

[Darinc74]

Now that's what I've been looking for. Thanks

[kizer]

Yeah anything you post would be great. I'd like to do this same project some day.

[dean29]

The part# for the replacement tierod is ES2020RL

[Frizzle Fry]

I've had a complete 69 3/4 ton front clip waiting around to do this (along with a pancaked crossmember). Continuing with the parts gathering I scored a set of 88-98 Beltech drop spindles with rotors and calipers off craigslist this past Wed for $120. I want to keep my 15x8 steelies so I'll have to pick up some six lug rotors.

Was wondering if anyone can confirm that 15" steelies fit over the 88-98 brakes? Need to know before I drop more $$$ on rotors.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Captainfab]

As long as they are disc brake compatable wheels they will fit. However on the 15 x 8 Ralley wheels you might want to grind just a little on the 2 most outboard points of the calipers. It is the machined part that slides in the spindle. They come very close to where the center is welded into the hoop.