1970 k20 front brake drums

[tj_1970_k20]

I have found a machine shop that will make these drums. They quoted $260 a piece and the minimum order is 8. I'm trying to put together a group to make a bulk order. If you need some and would like to get in on an order send me a PM.

[jeffahart]

I am very torn over this, that amount for drums is not trivial. To me drums are $50, and probably should be for two. Drums are supposed to be cheaper.

I am looking very seriously at getting a newer Dana 44 or 60. And the truth is, for this truck and how I drive, drums are fine. I just don't want grief every time I need a component for the brake system. I just don't like part hunting for something like brakes for a 1970 vehicle. I've been lucky because my drums are still OK(only OK). All I did when I got the truck is a bleed and adjustment. But I did purchase and squirrel away two wheel cylinders for the rear eaton, because I know my day is coming.

['63GENIII]

I'm all for keeping it original, but two of those buys a good 3/4 ton Dana 44 while 4 of those could purchase a kingpin 60. Both having better stopping than the drums would ever have. I'd be torn too... or looking on eBay for good used drums.

[vectorit]

I have told myself, that when the drums on my all 1968 OE spec restoration have come to a point of being dangerous or unable to repair I would upgrade to disc.

I've been collecting parts to do this already, so when the day comes I will be ready for the upgrade. Until then, my drums stop just fine for how often and style I drive.

[chevytruckguy70]

I had the same problem finding drums for my 70 K20. My truck has been converted to disc already but I do have my original front axle which is missing the drums. I have been considering putting it back under the truck because I do not like the wide berth of disc brakes.

In researching the drums I couldn't find them listed anywhere so I called to a few places and was surprised to find they do carry them, they just don't advertise them. I found a set for ~120 ea. I believe it was oldchevytrucks.com who had it but I'm not sure. I can't locate the info right now.

Sometimes it pays to call and not just google. Hope this helps.

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by chevytruckguy70

I do not like the wide berth of disc brakes.

What do you mean by this. I thought disc conversion was a slam dunk axle swap and everything else is the same(except of course lines valve and such). Are you saying the front will have a wider footprint or something, or are you saying the actual disc takes up more space inside the actual wheel/rim.

Thanks,
jeff

[derotoreut]

My '70 K10 is 3-1/2" wider in the front then across the rear with stock drum brakes all the way around. I dropped all four tires and took measurements from one side to the other on both front and rear. That's 1-3/4" on each side! I am running 8" stock rims. You can check my pictures listed below if you want.

[chevytruckguy70]

Sorry, I'm just now getting back to this. I'm curious as to why my 69 K20 front axle was not as wide as my 70 K20? My 69 had a closed knuckle front end and drum brakes. Although I did not measure them the front and rear tires (10" wide) did sit the same in the fender wells while my 70 front tires stick out.

Since I do have the stock drum brake axle for my 70 I measured the distance from the end of one tube to the other and compared that to the disc brake axle. Since they measure the same I came to the conclusion the difference must be in the Disc brake assembly. I've had others in the forum also tell me the disc brake axle is longer so I'm a little confused as to what to believe.

Could there be some axles out there of different lengths?

[millerme]

Hello all,

Sorry I'm late to the party. I found the forum while searching info on converting my 70 K20 to all disk brakes. I'm not sure where you all are located, but I live just outside of Louisville Kentucky. Any way, I have four brand new drums two are currently installed on the front of my truck, two are on the shelf. I don't drive my truck very often. I rebuilt the front end and was getting ready to do the rear, when I went to find the self adjusters for the rear, I couldn't find them anywhere. So I welt to a local salvage yard and got an entire full float axel out of an 84 3/4 ton chevy and converted the rears to 13"s. Anyway if someone would be interested in swapping some parts contact me.