73 up disc brakes for 68?

[mild68]

I'm looking for parts to do a disc brake conversion on a 68. The 68 has 6 lug drums on the front. I'm going to use 5x5.
I'm not interested in spending the money for a kit from a vendor.
I have searched though posts but haven't found anything related to my question.

I was told I could use the disc brake set up from a 73 up truck. The thing to make it work is using the control arms and spindles from a 73 up since the ball joints are different in a 68.
Can anyone confirm this for me?
Basically, what I plan to do if it will work is get 73 up control arms and get dropped spindles and put together the rotors, calipers hoses etc. from a local store.
Thanks

[SoCoC10]

Take a look in the suspension area. You will find lots of info there.

[Acorn]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

[hugger6933]

There are thousands of those truck with the updated front stuff on them running around right now. So yes count it confirmed.

[68Gold/white]

A very do-able deal. Things you have to do:
1. Use all the 73-up steering linkage, tie rod ends, center link, idler arm, pitman arm. They will all bolt up to frame. Tapers are different, so you cannot mix and match. Use the upper ball joint from a 71-72 or possibly even a 73-up.
I like the earlier grease-able control arms, I plan to do this on a 67 C-10. Another good thing about using all the 73-up steering linkage, the tie rod ends are physically larger and stronger than 72 earlier.

[hugger6933]

If I'm not mistaken the 73 -87 stuff is way CHEAPER than the 71-2 disc brake stuff and thing that require replacement like the steering components and suspension stuff as well. Jim

[mild68]

Thanks for the replies. I read through a lot of posts last night and today. I'm not less then buggy eyed. lol

I've considered a lot of choices. To find a donor 73-78 truck and use that. Going to a 5x5 rotor. Then I would have to change the rear axle to match.
I don't think I need to go the donor route, especially that I would most likely get new rotors, calipers and hose. Then I thought I would just get the upper and lower arms, get aftermarket dropped spindles and go from there.

I think I would be able to use my 68 upper n lower arms if I use 73-78 spindles and change ball joints to match. Larger Tie rods and center link too.

Will different year ball joints fit in 68 arms??

Now I'm considering using my 68 arms and getting a kit. ( http://www.mcgaughystore.com/1960-19...-kit-mcgaughys ) and keep the 6 lug. I would use factory 15" steel rims. I would have liked to found late model 18" or 20" take offs to use , but found the center hub is too small.

Would spacers be a bad choice to use with late model wheels to be able to clear the hub?

Thanks again for steering me in the right direction to find what I need.

[brad_man_72]

There's a lot of info in the FAQ index.