6 lug front disk brake conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tommyd241 · 03-22-2010, 05:41 PM

I’ve read that sometimes stock 6-lug wheels won’t work with a drop spindle/disk brake conversion, but I’m wondering if it’s just the 15” stockers that don’t work.

Will 16” stock wheels work with a 6-lug front disk brake conversion using modular drop spindles?

Also, I have A/T tires on my 16” stock wheels. Size 235/70/16. Will I need to purchase a lower profile street style tire to run about a 3/5 drop? I will be using modular drop spindles and a flip kit and may cut the front springs a little bit or get some 1” drop springs.

Thanks.

cparman · 03-22-2010, 06:08 PM

I have disc brakes, 15x8 wheels, and drop spindles. Works just fine

ERASER5 · 03-22-2010, 07:05 PM

Factory 15" steel rims made pre-1971 will not clear the calipers on disc brakes. The shape of the inside of the rim interferes. If you want steelies, look for later model 4X4 steelies or all the aftermarket rims will clear.

If you find some 16" pre-1971(most likely they would be 16.5") rims, make sure that the rims are not the 2 piece type. A 16.5" rim might clear, but I am not sure.

Us fellows running "factory Rallies" all got them from '73 and up trucks, either 5 lug or 6 lug. "Corvette" type Rallies are all after market. (The slots are different)

72BlckButy · 03-22-2010, 10:35 PM

tommyd241 · 03-31-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERASER5

If you find some 16" pre-1971(most likely they would be 16.5") rims, make sure that the rims are not the 2 piece type. A 16.5" rim might clear, but I am not sure.

My wheels are 16" pre-1971 rims. I believe they are the original wheels that came on my 68. I'm pretty sure they are the 2 piece type though. Anybody running drop spindles and disk brakes with these?

SCOTI · 03-31-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyd241

My wheels are 16" pre-1971 rims. I believe they are the original wheels that came on my 68. I'm pretty sure they are the 2 piece type though. Anybody running drop spindles and disk brakes with these?

Those pre-71 6-lug wheels won't work w/disc brakes. You need 6-lug wheels that will work w/discs (post-72 4wd stockers or ralleys work).

tommyd241 · 03-31-2010, 07:20 PM

I was afraid of that. Looks like I need to buy wheels and tires then. I really need to address those drum brakes too. They are scary!

I guess I could go with LCA's, a flip kit, and power drum brakes but, I think the booster will interfere with the stock air cleaner on the 250.

tcb-1 · 03-31-2010, 07:24 PM

however, I think that pre-71 stock steel rims will fit disc brake setups when spacers are used.

tommyd241 · 03-31-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcb-1

however, I think that pre-71 stock steel rims will fit disc brake setups when spacers are used.

Hmmmm. There's an idea I need to look into. Didn't you use some spacers with your FJ wheels to clear the calipers?

tcb-1 · 03-31-2010, 08:33 PM

the FJ rims cleared without spacers, but since I plan on going back to stock steelies, I assume spacers will need to be used.

tommyd241 · 03-31-2010, 08:35 PM

What size spacers do you think are needed to clear the calipers.

03-22-2010, 05:41 PM	#1
tommyd241 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: 505 Posts: 447	6 lug front disk brake conversion I’ve read that sometimes stock 6-lug wheels won’t work with a drop spindle/disk brake conversion, but I’m wondering if it’s just the 15” stockers that don’t work. Will 16” stock wheels work with a 6-lug front disk brake conversion using modular drop spindles? Also, I have A/T tires on my 16” stock wheels. Size 235/70/16. Will I need to purchase a lower profile street style tire to run about a 3/5 drop? I will be using modular drop spindles and a flip kit and may cut the front springs a little bit or get some 1” drop springs. Thanks. __________________ '68 SWB Fleetside '98 K1500 Silverado

03-22-2010, 06:08 PM	#2
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion I have disc brakes, 15x8 wheels, and drop spindles. Works just fine

03-22-2010, 07:05 PM	#3
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion Factory 15" steel rims made pre-1971 will not clear the calipers on disc brakes. The shape of the inside of the rim interferes. If you want steelies, look for later model 4X4 steelies or all the aftermarket rims will clear. If you find some 16" pre-1971(most likely they would be 16.5") rims, make sure that the rims are not the 2 piece type. A 16.5" rim might clear, but I am not sure. Us fellows running "factory Rallies" all got them from '73 and up trucks, either 5 lug or 6 lug. "Corvette" type Rallies are all after market. (The slots are different) __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

03-22-2010, 10:35 PM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

03-31-2010, 07:20 PM	#7
tommyd241 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: 505 Posts: 447	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion I was afraid of that. Looks like I need to buy wheels and tires then. I really need to address those drum brakes too. They are scary! I guess I could go with LCA's, a flip kit, and power drum brakes but, I think the booster will interfere with the stock air cleaner on the 250. __________________ '68 SWB Fleetside '98 K1500 Silverado

03-31-2010, 07:24 PM	#8
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion however, I think that pre-71 stock steel rims will fit disc brake setups when spacers are used. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

03-31-2010, 08:33 PM	#10
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion the FJ rims cleared without spacers, but since I plan on going back to stock steelies, I assume spacers will need to be used. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

03-31-2010, 08:35 PM	#11
tommyd241 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: 505 Posts: 447	Re: 6 lug front disk brake conversion What size spacers do you think are needed to clear the calipers. __________________ '68 SWB Fleetside '98 K1500 Silverado

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