70 c10 front disc conversion question

[footbraker]

I bought a 1970 c10 that's already been converted to 5 lug fry and rear with disc on front. I don't know what they used for the conversion since I didn't do it.

The upper ball joint has NEVER been changed so this confuses me. If they used 1971 parts, wouldn't they had to replace upper ball joints? I am looking to rebuild the front end, replace all brake hoses and all bushings but don't know what to buy.

Any hints or will something have a part number I can check?

Or should I buy a front disc conversion and start over? Rather not so i could save money. But what about the original upper ball joint? How's that possible?
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[dennislbrooks]

Moog K6124 front upper

Moog K6117T front lower


most likely 72 parts will be correct

buy local so you can easily return if other

[footbraker]

I need to order a lot of parts lol. Basically want everything new except the spindle. Ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, rotors, pads, calipers, and mainly brake hoses. This truck has sat for a long time.

I hope I can order 71-72 parts and it all be right.
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[dennislbrooks]

Take parts with you to the parts store for comparison.

72 is a good bet.

[footbraker]

And where can I get the bushings that go in the front upper a-arm or control arm? Local parts store?
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[lolife99]

Rubber "press in" bushings (73-87) or steel "screw-in" bushings? (71-72)

[footbraker]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Rubber "press in" bushings (73-87) or steel "screw-in" bushings? (71-72)

I will know more this weekend when we tear it apart. Looks to be pressed in though, what's that mean? The front stuff on my truck could be 73-87 model? A arms and all?
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by footbraker

I will know more this weekend when we tear it apart. Looks to be pressed in though, what's that mean? The front stuff on my truck could be 73-87 model? A arms and all?Posted via Mobile Device

yes.
And probably steering, tie rods and maybe the entire crossmember.
Take plenty of pics.

[footbraker]

I will take and post plenty of pics this weekend. I'm kinda leaning toward 73-87 also. Without tearing it apart, I was able to see a part number on the caliper. From searching, it said 79-86 2wd blazer. The brake hoses are very long also and that bugs me more than anything. IF it turns out to be 73-87, how could I go about getting shorter brake hoses. I hate going in behind someone elses mess. Thanks for the help thus far.
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[lolife99]

You can use 71-72 brake hoses.
They are shorter.

Also measure the rotor width.
It will be 1" or 1-1/4".
The 73-87 trucks could have been either.
They take different spindles, calipers, and bearing,... depending on the rotor width.

[footbraker]

not apart yet but the suspense is killing me. Can you tell anything at all by the following pics? I know it isnt much, and I will take more pics when we disassemble. There is a part number on the spindle, but it doesnt pull up online. its kinda dirty and rough looking, but its getting a frame off restore so bare with me lol.

[lolife99]

Here's what I see.

1) Rubber bushed 73-87 upper a-arms and steel bushed 63-72 lower a-arms.
My guess is they changed the lower ball joint to match the spindles.
Or the lower a-arms are 71-72.
They take the same lower ball joint as the 73-87 trucks.

2) Upper a-arms have the original rivets holding in the upper ball joint.
So that means they are 73-87 Upper ball joints.

3) Must be 73-87 spindle.
They are stock height,... not drop spindles.

4) Crossmember has the steel line connect to the rubber brake hose on the BACK side of the crossmember like the 63-70 trucks.
My guess,... it's the original '70 crossmember.

I think you have 73-87 parts.
Measure the width of the rotors before you buy new rotors, calipers or bearings.
Drop spindles will need to match the LIght Duty or HD with rotors also.

[footbraker]

Ok I will measure rotors when we take it apart tomorrow. What brake hoses can I use that are shorter or should I have some made? What tie rod ends?

I already have lowering springs for my year truck, are they gonna work?

Is what I got safe or half assed? I want it to be right.
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by footbraker

Ok I will measure rotors when we take it apart tomorrow.

What brake hoses can I use that are shorter or should I have some made?
71-72 are shorter.
ECE makes conversion 63-70 hoses.
Also measure the size of the steel nut on the steel brake line.
71-72 hoses are 2 different sizes, and may require an adapter..

What tie rod ends?
73-87 outer tie rods.
I assume all the steering is 73-87.
So the inner tie rods would be the same.

I already have lowering springs for my year truck, are they gonna work?
Yes.

Is what I got safe or half assed?
Not half assed.
It will be fine.

See above^^^.

The lower ball joints and outer tie rods look fine in these pics.
The upper are original, and probably need to be replaced.

Does it need to be rebuilt?
Loose components or loose feel when driving?

[footbraker]

Honestly I never drove the truck. Bought it and found the motor to be cracked so immediately started an off frame restoration. We were going ahead and replacing any worn looking suspension pieces while the body was off the frame so we can get it looking good and frame painted before body goes on. I mainly wanna replace upper ball joints, upper a arm bushings, brake hoses and of course calipers, pads, and rotors.

Thanks for all your help. This board is lucky to have you.
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[lolife99]

Look at member 72BlckButy's "Blank Slate" thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=353633

We used the ECE conversion hoses that were included in his ECE disc brake conversion kit.
It shows the clip that hold the brake hose to the metal tab on the crossmember.
For some reason. we had to make a metal "spacer" to make the clip tight.
No big deal.

[footbraker]

just a little update.

Thanks to the help of the board, and especially lolife it appears he was correct and I have 73-87 HD parts. I've ordered conversion hoses from ECE (which is a GREAT company to deal with) and am awaiting for them to arrive. My tie rod ends and lower ball joins was already all new. My rotors looked good, as well as the calipers, and the brake pads were even new. So I am getting out with just having to replace the hoses, and the upper ball joints as well as the swaybar bushings.

Still got a long ways to go, but will start a build thread soon. Probably wont have the truck on the road for 2, maybe 3 months.