disk brake conversion kits

[Mark B]

I see conversion kits from $500 to $1000. Some have spindles, tie rid ends, and ball joints. Some use stock spindles. I just want to upgrade my 6 lug - keeping the six lug and stock height. Some have master cylinder, and some doon't.

What do I really need? Do I need spindles? Any difference in quality in kits from Chevy Duty, Classic Heartbeet, Classis Inndustries, and Ealy Classic Enterprieses?

Confused,
Mark
1970 C10 Stepside

[incoma]

If you want to keep stock height, don't change the spindle, just buy the bolt on kit. I lowered mine, and went with the full spindle package. You could save some $ and convert your drum to disc without changing your spindles. I'm willing to bet that some other board members would say that the conversion should use new spindles just from an engineering perspective.

[Tx Firefighter]

Who sells a disc kit that uses a stock drum spindle and a truck bolt pattern?

[Classic Heartbeat]

I would like to know that also, since the spindles have the caliper brackets molded into them. Our complete disk brake kits with either standard height spindles or 2 1/2" drop spindles is $469.95. The rotors that come with the kit are 6 lug rotors so you can use your existing wheels. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

[incoma]

There was a guy in NC that sold those kits. I think he was advertising in Super Chevy. He had a website and charged about $400 for a kit. Basically, he was taking 5 lug discs from trucks and redrilling them for 6 lug. and throwing in a bracket that let you mount a caliper to the drum spindle. Most of his parts were from late 70 trucks except for the bracket for the caliper.

I think mpbrakes and/or stainless steel brakes also sells these kits.

Here's one link.
http://www.performancesuspension.com/TruckBrakesGM.htm

Let me dig through my notes and see if I can find the specific contact info.

[incoma]

Found it. But I was mistaken about the cost. Maybe he raised the prices since I talked to him 4 years ago.

http://www.crussenclassics.com/

[Mark B]

Wes,

I did see your company's kits on the web, and I appreciate your interest to respond to me.

It's Classic Industries that sells a kit #A1268 that uses your existing stock spindles in their 6 lug, standard height conversion (for $939).

I do believe in the adage you get what you pay for. So I am trying to understand the difference between your kit that includes spindles and others that don't.

If I can use my stock spindles, what is the reason to change them?

What size are the rotors in the Classicheartbeat kit? Where are the components in the kit made? Are their made in USA vs offshore differences that are causing the apparent price variations? Are replacement parts proprietary, or everyday off the shelf on these kits?

have a great x-mas everyone
Mark

[67chevytrk]

this is the best of threads for me, I want to convert my 6 lug to 5 lug and do disk brakes all the way around!

I do want my truck with the lowered kit all the way around as well, now all I have is heated springs and let me tell you it rides like crap... I am afraid to go over railroad tracks, a damn spring might pop out.....

[67chevytrk]

I love how low my truck sits, I just want it to have a good ride with disk brakes and lowered the right way.

Here's a pic:

[Tx Firefighter]

Once you calculate the cost of all the parts needed, the kits are usually priced somewhat comparably. I was thrown off by the ECE kit's cost initially, till I realized I didn't need to buy anything else at all. I found the cheaper kits didn't include the master cylinder and prop valve and braket, or brake lines, or hoses, or whatever. Add those costs in, and the price difference decreases.

[krue]

Originally Posted by 67chevytrk

this is the best of threads for me, I want to convert my 6 lug to 5 lug and do disk brakes all the way around!

I do want my truck with the lowered kit all the way around as well, now all I have is heated springs and let me tell you it rides like crap... I am afraid to go over railroad tracks, a damn spring might pop out.....

Don't overlook the crossmember swap from the 73+ trucks.

[67chevytrk]

Originally Posted by krue

Don't overlook the crossmember swap from the 73+ trucks.

Do I need to change the crossmember on the ECE swap?

[ChevLoRay]

No. The ECE kit uses the stock tie rod ends. Some kits have you using their adapted tie rod ends. ECE uses all GM components, short of their spindles. I have the ECE components on my truck, and I am completely satisfied. I didn't want re-drilled rotors and stayed with the six lug bolt pattern. If I ever decide to go to five lug rotors, I can get them locally from almost any auto supply house.

[Mark B]

Thanks to all who replied, but I'm still confused!

Is there a reason to change my spindles if I am keeping the same height and same 6 lug?

Some companies selling disc brake kits say they won't fit stock wheels. Will I have to change my 15" steel wheels?

Can I go with smaller rotors to avoid interferance with my wheels?

thanks and keep the replies comming.

Mark
1970 C10 stepside

[PanelDeland]

The factory 5 lug rotors and the 6 lug ones work with the stock spindle kit. The kit can be bought complete or just as brackets.If you buy the brackets,I beleive the other parts are from a stock 73-87 truck.I can't find the link I had but the Brackets were like $179.00.I don't remember if the bearings were different or not but if you do that much work you will want new seals and bearings anyway.If can find the link I will post it back to this thread.