Front Suspension Q's

[Indyuke]

So I'm wanting to rebuild the front suspension on my 1970 C10, and I'm also thinking I should go to disc brakes in the process.
I've been looking at the kits from random companies for six lug disc brake conversion... they're nice, but out of my current price range. So my question is: Can I use the disc brake components from a 71 or 72 (which I already have) with the exception of the five lug rotors, instead substituting new six lug rotors from ECE or CPP? Are the six lug rotors a direct replacement?

OR, would it be wiser to rebuild the front end and stick with the drums, albeit with new shoes and springs until I can swing the disc kit?

Let the experts wade in...

[aaronr]

Originally Posted by Indyuke

So I'm wanting to rebuild the front suspension on my 1970 C10, and I'm also thinking I should go to disc brakes in the process.
I've been looking at the kits from random companies for six lug disc brake conversion... they're nice, but out of my current price range. So my question is: Can I use the disc brake components from a 71 or 72 (which I already have) with the exception of the five lug rotors, instead substituting new six lug rotors from ECE or CPP? Are the six lug rotors a direct replacement?

OR, would it be wiser to rebuild the front end and stick with the drums, albeit with new shoes and springs until I can swing the disc kit?

Let the experts wade in...

Yes I have 71 chevy spindles and disc brakes on a 5 lug.

[ERASER5]

I read the "except 5 lug", so that is a maybe. You must measure the 71 rotor. The rotor must be 1.25" wide. That is considered "heavy duty" and that is the size of all the aftermarket 6 lug rotors. The spindle length is the deal here. The 1" rotor version fits a shorter spindle.

I did tons of research before I converted my 70 to 6 lug disc. Bottom line, 6 lug discs are 1.25" wide and must be installed on an HD spindle. Grab you ruler and measure.

[mr48chev]

I don't know if it will work at all but has anyone looked into putting a 70 something Chevy 4x4 rotor on a 70 or earlier C-10 front hub?
A spacer ring to go on the hub and mate up to the 4 inch id of the rotor's center hole would have to be made and one would have to make or have someone make caliper brackets but both of those things would be somewhat simple operations.

It might be worth investigating. The good thing would be no rare of off the wall parts that might be damaged on the road as loosing a custom made front hub would be.

[ERASER5]

Your idea trades a ready-made part for a one-of-a-kind part and a lot of work lining up a disc and caliper. True, a 6 lug rotor is not available from standard box stores, but they can still be at your door in only a few days. Rotors seldom die quickly.

[Indyuke]

I will measure. I didn't know there were two sizes. If I can use all the components from a 71 or 72 with the exception of the the rotors, I think disc brake conversion would be a snap. Buy new six lug rotors and you don't have to swap out the rear end!