Brake Conversion Suggestions

[markreed]

I am sure this topic has been beat to death, but I searched and found several reputable brake conversion kits. I just wanted to see if anyone had some personal experience as far as ease of installation, PRICE, and durability.
I am a 6 lug truck, so I suppose switching to 5 lug up front does not make too much since. No need to get a drop spindle or anything fancy.


Any inputs would be greatly welcomed. Thanks!!!


Info: Truck is a 64 GMC 1000 series, 6 lug with an olds 350.

[Rich 5150 69]

Get your self a set of spindles ,caliphers and brackets from a `72 to `86, then order the 6 lug rotors from any of the suppliers.

[Cody63]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Get your self a set of spindles ,caliphers and brackets from a `72 to `86, then order the 6 lug rotors from any of the suppliers.

So, am I reading this right? The spindles are all the same you just need rotors that are set up for 6 lug? Where do you get those? Any idea on pricing?

[markreed]

Do I need to pick up a different brake booster?

[Rich 5150 69]

If the donor truck has everything grab it all..master, booster, prop valve, caliphers, spindles. I guess I shoud add that you`ll need to confirm from the supplier of the rotors your buying 1 inch standard duty vs 1.25 HD, then confirm you have the right calipher..from the donor truck

[markreed]

Picked up a set of spindles, calipers, rotors, and brake booster with portioning valve. Now I just need to get some new brake line and a few other things.

For the upper and lower ball joints as well as tie rods, do I get them all to fit a 72 (which is what the brake are off of)...still using stock UCA and LCA?

[joesscamaro]

I have no idea on pricing...but any auto parts store will have them.

[markreed]

I am not sure about different rotors fitting on different disc brake spindles. I just picked up a set of sock 5x5's...


Any input on this question, or mine about the ball joints?

[Captainfab]

oops, double post

[Captainfab]

If you have '72 spindles, you will have to change your ball joints to the '71-'72 ball joints. Yes they will fit into your original control arms. See my post above regarding the rotors. I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Here is one of many useful threads found in the '60-'66 FAQ' section at the top of the page. This one is long but it will tell you most everything you need to know about upgrading to front disc brakes.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

Originally Posted by markreed

Picked up a set of spindles, calipers, rotors, and brake booster with portioning valve. Now I just need to get some new brake line and a few other things.

For the upper and lower ball joints as well as tie rods, do I get them all to fit a 72 (which is what the brake are off of)...still using stock UCA and LCA?

Originally Posted by markreed

I am not sure about different rotors fitting on different disc brake spindles. I just picked up a set of sock 5x5's...


Any input on this question, or mine about the ball joints?

[markreed]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you have '72 spindles, you will have to change your ball joints to the '71-'72 ball joints. Yes they will fit into your original control arms. See my post above regarding the rotors. I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Here is one of many useful threads found in the '60-'66 FAQ' section at the top of the page. This one is long but it will tell you most everything you need to know about upgrading to front disc brakes.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

"1: purchase the adapter sleeve that mates your original inner tie rod to the later model outer tie rod - cost for adapters about 50 bucks "

This sounds like the best option to me. Do you know a good source for this, or what sizes are needed? The donor truck is a '71, mine is a 64. I am buying it for the 64 correct?

[Captainfab]

I don't know anything about those adapter sleeves, I have never bought them. I believe the typical parts suppliers have them, such as CPP, ECE, POL, etc.

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Originally Posted by markreed

"1: purchase the adapter sleeve that mates your original inner tie rod to the later model outer tie rod - cost for adapters about 50 bucks "

This sounds like the best option to me. Do you know a good source for this, or what sizes are needed? The donor truck is a '71, mine is a 64. I am buying it for the 64 correct?

[Captainfab]

Your local auto parts store will not have 6 lug rotors to fit the '71-'87 C10 spindles. Those are aftermarket only and available from CPP, ECE, POL, etc. The only 6 lug 2wd rotors your local auto parts store will have are for the '88-'98 light duty C2500. Those will not work correctly on the '71-'87 C10 spindles

Originally Posted by joesscamaro

I have no idea on pricing...but any auto parts store will have them.