I'm sure its been done...brakes

[jott_06]

I have an idea that i'm sure someone on here has done so let me know if it's possible and what all new parts i'd have to buy/make. I want to buy a set of spindles with the complete disc brake assembly off of a 73-87 c-10 and use them on my 68 gmc and i want to convert my rear to 5 lug while i'm at it to match the new front. What all do i need to use the newer spindles on my truck?

[davidh]

you want to pull the a arms, spindles, steering box etc. some just pull the whole front end, crossmember and all and bolt it to the 67-72 frame. I think even most of the bolts line up on the crossmember.

[jott_06]

Oh thats a little more into it than i wanna get. I was hoping maybe it was just changing the ball joints or something pretty simple like that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by jott_06

Oh thats a little more into it than i wanna get. I was hoping maybe it was just changing the ball joints or something pretty simple like that.

You don't have to do the whole enchilada.

Use the 73 & later spindles w/your original a-arms by installing 73~87 ball-joints (HD 1.25" rotor application). Use a 71~72 drag-link w/71~72 tie-rods or use the easier to find 73~87 drag-link w/73~87 tie-rods.

The idler & pitman are specific to the build: manual or pwr steer.

For power disc brakes, use the 67~72 pwr brake bracket for the firewall, a 71~72 pwr booster & a 71~72 disc brake mstr cylinder. For manual disc brakes, use a 73~80 manual disc brake master cylinder.

You can use 71~72 rubber brake lines & 71~72 hard lines that snake along the rear of the engine crossmember (you'll need the 71~72 prop valve that is located under/by the master cyl) or..... you can use the 73~87 rubber & hard lines (you'll need a 73~80 prop valve that's located on the front splash shield). The 73~80 hard lines require slight 'tweaking' but they will work no-probs.

For the rear, just get new aftermarket axles in 5-lug. They're typically 30% stronger than factory axles & don't have 35+yrs of bearing wear. Add some 71~72 drums & don't forget the 1/2" lug nuts (x20) 'cause the studs go from 7/16" to 1/2" when upgrading to discs. Axles are available from Early Classics, Classic Perf Products, Moser & prob others too.