3/4 ton brake question

[FireTyrant]

Hello, I am new here and I have searched high and low to find some answers. I've read a lot of threads regarding the 8 lug brake conversion on the 47-59 trucks and it leaves me with one particular question. I see on LMC and Brothers website that they have a 5 & 6 lug conversion, my question is if I were to purchase one of these kits, couldn't I just buy an 8 lug rotor that matches the same dimensions as either of those two kits. I know more about import cars and I'm sure basic stuff from either type of car can be applied. I am building a 59 chevy long bed step side in dedication of my dad.

[mr48chev]

I don't think that will work as the spindles are different on the 3/4 tons.

I've never done anything with 3/4 ton front axles except load them in the back of my daily to haul off for scrap years ago when I bought a couple of 3/4 tons for parts but I'd think that a guy might be able to take a 73/87 K20 front rotor and caliper and using and or modifying a caliper bracket intended for rear wheel disk brake swaps set up disks on the front using your stock hubs.

I bought these off a guy on Ebay to mount disk brakes on the rear axle on my 71 GMC 3/4 ton but if a guy were to find someone who would cut him out a set that just had a hole big enough to slip over the spindle so he could line it up right he might be able to fashion his own setup.

[mr48chev]

My Edit function is acting up on my laptop so I can't edit but here is another set by the same guy that welds to a rear axle rather than bolts on.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-12-Bol...item3ca9fee4a9
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-12-Bol...item3ca9fee4a9
If it were me I'd find a scrap 73 through mid 80's 3/4 ton 4x4 front rotor to play with and see how the rotor lines up with the spindle and if there is enough room to put a caliper bracket on and get the rotor on. A friend in a brake shop could probably come up with an old rotor to play with and most of those old big GM front calipers are the same.

[FireTyrant]

First off I would like to thank you for not putting me down for asking an overly asked about topic. I know in the import scene you get "flamed" for asking those type of questions.

I know that reason why they they made the 5 and 6 lug brake conversion kits (demand), but isn't the only real different between the two is the rotor. Are the spindles for the two all that different? Aren't the spindles the same diameter and would except the same bearings used in the kit?

I ask a lot of questions like these cause there is a lot I don't understand.

[mechanixman]

Originally Posted by FireTyrant

I know that reason why they they made the 5 and 6 lug brake conversion kits (demand), but isn't the only real different between the two is the rotor. Are the spindles for the two all that different? Aren't the spindles the same diameter and would except the same bearings used in the kit?

I don't believe so. The kingpin for the 3/4 and 1 tons are larger, I assume the rest of the system (spindle-out) is slightly larger.
So maybe the 6 lug version may fit. But then you have to make sure the rotors are the same size, otherwise you're making the bracket from scratch.
Then, you have to make sure the rotors are the same thickness! Because if they aren't, you'll need need new calipers to match.

What kind of fabrication equipment do you have access to?
If you have the right tools, making your own kit is usually a helluva lot cheaper than buying theirs.

Originally Posted by FireTyrant

I ask a lot of questions like these cause there is a lot I don't understand.

That's fine. Otherwise how would we learn?

[FireTyrant]

Unfortunately nothing right now cause I'm in the process of purchasing a home, I live in an apartment and don't have storage for anything more then basic tools. My friends aren't mechanically inclined. I have some knowledge with fabrication though.

Curious if I could mount something off a newer chevy 2500 hd on these trucks...

[55dude]

Ask the guys over on the Stovebolt site as I have seen this discussed many times there.
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[G&R's57GMC]

Originally Posted by FireTyrant

Hello, I am new here and I have searched high and low to find some answers... I am building a 59 chevy long bed step side in dedication of my dad.

First Welcome to the club.

So what is the theme of you build ? Dead Stock, Stock with mild mods, custom.

Do you intend to haul heavy loads ? If not, why not change out the axles to 1/2 ton ?

This would open up a larger selection of wheels and hub caps, disc brakes and tires. 5 lug would have more choices then 6 lug.

Food for thought.

[G&R's57GMC]

Some ideas...

[G&R's57GMC]

more...


BTW how about some pictures of your truck ?