66 k10 4x4 disc brake/power steering conversion

[66_k10_manny]

I have a 66 k10 4x4 - Love it!!
But. . .I'd like to install disc brakes in the front and while I'm at it get some power steering.
Is there anyone that has done this conversion?
I've already gotten some tips from other sources. . .I've been told that I have to swap out the front axle with a '73 to '87 chevy. And that my power steering gear box has to come from pre 1980 chevy because after that year they switched to metric threads.
Does any chevy lover out there have any additional info that might help my project go as smoothly as possible?

[smartjaw]

Funny, I just bought a K10 which has been converted to disc brakes, and am in the process of trying to figure out what's been added, and from where. I'll try to keep you posted on what I find regarding mine.

[msgross]

easy swap... look for any axle (that matches your rear gearing) from 72-87... when you find a donor pull EVERYTHING including power steering pump, brackets, all pulleys and look at when kind of water pump s on it (long or short)

you'll also need a new brake proportioning valve

[Captainfab]

Yes switching the complete front axle would be the easiest. As already mentioned, you'll just have to match the gear ratio to your rear axle. You can use any year steering box from '69-'87 4x4. The 2wd boxes are the same, it's the sector shaft that is different between the 2wd and the 4wd. It will be easiest if you get the pump from the same vehicle. And yes in about 1981 GM switched to metric threads with an O-ring on the PS hoses. So it's just easier to keep the same style of fittings on both the box and the pump. When you need the adapter plate for the steering box, let me know.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

I have a 66 k10 4x4 - Love it!!
But. . .I'd like to install disc brakes in the front and while I'm at it get some power steering.
Is there anyone that has done this conversion?
I've already gotten some tips from other sources. . .I've been told that I have to swap out the front axle with a '73 to '87 chevy. And that my power steering gear box has to come from pre 1980 chevy because after that year they switched to metric threads.
Does any chevy lover out there have any additional info that might help my project go as smoothly as possible?

[suburbangeorge]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Yes switching the complete front axle would be the easiest. As already mentioned, you'll just have to match the gear ratio to your rear axle. You can use any year steering box from '69-'87 4x4. The 2wd boxes are the same, it's the sector shaft that is different between the 2wd and the 4wd. It will be easiest if you get the pump from the same vehicle. And yes in about 1981 GM switched to metric threads with an O-ring on the PS hoses. So it's just easier to keep the same style of fittings on both the box and the pump. When you need the adapter plate for the steering box, let me know.

I disagree that swapping the entire axle is easiest especially if you retain the original steering. Later axles are not a complete bolt in especially the steering arm. Converting the original closed knuckle is entirely bolt in and you can do it on jack stands as opposed to moving around that several hundred pound donor axle.

[66_k10_manny]

Thanks for all the info guys, very helpful! So a 2wd or 4wd steering box will work, huh? What about the pitman arm? Mine is a whole 90 deg out from the power steering version. I had received some info that I have to cut it and re-weld? Is that true for the sector shaft as well?

[Captainfab]

What you need is a power steering box from a '69-'87 4x4. A 2wd box will not work unless you're doing crossover steering....that's a whole different deal. Just get a 4wd box with the pitman arm and the draglink. And if you get the disc brake front differential, the draglink will bolt right up to the steering arm. With this setup the pitman arm will swing in a horizontal plane instead of a verticle plane as yours does now. I sell the adapter plate that allows you to bolt the power steering box onto your frame.

An alternative to the GM truck steering box is one from a mid to late 70's Dodge. They also use a Saginaw box, but they have a bracket that mounts the box at 90* so that the pitman arm swings in a verticle plane like yours does now.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Thanks for all the info guys, very helpful! So a 2wd or 4wd steering box will work, huh? What about the pitman arm? Mine is a whole 90 deg out from the power steering version. I had received some info that I have to cut it and re-weld? Is that true for the sector shaft as well?

[msgross]

the 2WD and 4WD boxes are different, as stated, the shafts are the difference. One goes back and forth (4WD) and one goes left and right (2WD). Find a donor and pull everything (including crank pulley, water pump pulley and brackets, safest bet. What engine are you running in your truck?

[66_k10_manny]

i have a 283 with a 2 barrel rochester.

[66_k10_manny]

Captain Fab - Is it safe to say that if I can only find a 1980 or later steering box with metric threads, as long as I get the pump from after 1980 as well, i'll be ok. Or will I have problems matching the threads on the master cylinder and brake calipers as well?

[Captainfab]

The steering box and pump having metric threads doesn't have anything to do with the brakes themselves. The only way that would affect the brakes at all is if you were to go with a hydroboost. If you get the pump and box with the same style of fittings it is just easier. If you don't, it's not the end of the world either, there are ways to correct the mismatch. I won't confuse you with that unless it is needed.

[66_k10_manny]

I just pulled a front axle from an 86 blazer. Its got the wrong gears in it, so I'll probably just change them. How do I identify what model Dana axle it is?

[66_k10_manny]

i just got a front axle from an 78 chevy (newly rebuilt with the right gears), im gonna pull the steering box, master cyl, booster, steering pump, and bracket from an 86 blazer, Will all this be compatible?

[LONGHAIR]

The '78 axle will be fine, as will the stuff from the '86. Like Captainfab said, as long as the box and the pump are from the same truck everything will be fine...just be sure to get the proportioning valve with the booster/master.

For what it's worth, the axle from the '86 is definately not a Dana, assuming that it's original. It would be a GM "corporate" 10 bolt.

1978 was in the range of the "transitional" years when Dana axles were phased out. It could be either a D44 or the same corp 10 bolt as the '86.

[Captainfab]

One thing to be aware of is that the '86 blazer steering pump will be setup for a long water pump. If your '66 still has the short water pump as they originally came with, you're going to have mounting issues. Let us know what water pump you have and we can help you thru that issue if needed.

[66_k10_manny]

captain fab - am i going to be needing your power booster adapter bracket?

[Captainfab]

If you use the booster from the '86 Blazer, then my bracket won't work. You'll have to drill some holes to mount the '86 booster. My booster bracket is 100% bolt on using the factory holes, but you would need a different booster.

You're going to need an adapter plate for the power steering box also.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

captain fab - am i going to be needing your power booster adapter bracket?

[msgross]

you'll need it because your frame is flat and the new power steering box won't mount without it. Same thing I had to do on my 68.

[66_k10_manny]

Captain Fab - so your booster bracket will only work with an 88 or later booster? I was thinking of purchasing a brand new booster/brake combo. Will it be easier if I just go with a 88 or later booster so that I can use your bracket?

[Captainfab]

Yes it would be easier with my bracket since you don't have to line things up and then drill some holes. My booster bracket will work with '82 and up S10 boosters, the '88-'98+ full size truck boosters, or a hydroboost with the corresponding bracket.

Nice looking truck.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Captain Fab - so your booster bracket will only work with an 88 or later booster? I was thinking of purchasing a brand new booster/brake combo. Will it be easier if I just go with a 88 or later booster so that I can use your bracket?

[66_k10_manny]

Here's a few pics of my truck and the set up I have right now. . .

[66_k10_manny]

Captain Fab _ found a brake/booster from an 97 s10 blazer v6 4X4. Would I be able to use that for my truck with your adapter plate?

[Captainfab]

Yes.....

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Captain Fab _ found a brake/booster from an 97 s10 blazer v6 4X4. Would I be able to use that for my truck with your adapter plate?

[66_k10_manny]

This is the 86 Blazer that I pulled my steering box, pump and bracket from. Here's the water pump it had, I think it's a long one, I have the short then. Also, the alternator is mounted on the right side of the motor and mine is on the left. I also pulled the crankshaft and water pump pulley. Am I just going to have to install a long water pump on my truck and switch my alternator to the other side?

[LONGHAIR]

That is probably the easiest way to go.