70 C20 4x4 front brake drums

[jmrobertson30]

HI,
I'm looking for some brake drums for my 70 4x4. They are 8 lug drums and I can't find them anywhere. I was told if I found a 71 and got everything from the knuckles out, I could convert front end to disc brakes. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff

[B. W.]

I don't believe front drums are available. I converted my '70 K20 to disc but I used a complete donor axle from a '71. I believe you just need the parts from the knuckle out but am not sure.

It may be just as cheap to buy a complete disc D44. GM put them under square bodies until the mid '70's. The bonus with the later 44's is you get the larger axle u-joints.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by B. W.

I don't believe front drums are available. I converted my '70 K20 to disc but I used a complete donor axle from a '71. I believe you just need the parts from the knuckle out but am not sure.

It may be just as cheap to buy a complete disc D44. GM put them under square bodies until the mid '70's. The bonus with the later 44's is you get the larger axle u-joints.

And a better turning radius.

[kwmech]

1971 to 1976 will work

[jmrobertson30]

Originally Posted by B. W.

I don't believe front drums are available. I converted my '70 K20 to disc but I used a complete donor axle from a '71. I believe you just need the parts from the knuckle out but am not sure.

It may be just as cheap to buy a complete disc D44. GM put them under square bodies until the mid '70's. The bonus with the later 44's is you get the larger axle u-joints.

Did you just find your donor axle from a junk yard? And what is a complete disc D44?

Thank you all for your suggestions and help.

[B. W.]

I used the axle from a 71 gmc K25. I have the whole truck, I've just about stripped all of the good parts off of it. (bought 2 worn out trucks to make one worn out truck!)

What I meant by a complete disc D44 is just the whole axle. I've seen them for sale pretty cheap ($100) but it depends on condition, etc.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by jmrobertson30

Did you just find your donor axle from a junk yard? And what is a complete disc D44?.

D=Dana. The manufacturer. 44 is the model.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_44

You would be looking for an open knuckle disc brake version. From a 1971 to 1975 Chevy/ GMC truck, Blazer or Suburban.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by jmrobertson30

HI,
I'm looking for some brake drums for my 70 4x4. They are 8 lug drums and I can't find them anywhere. I was told if I found a 71 and got everything from the knuckles out, I could convert front end to disc brakes. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff

yes, you can just change from the knuckles out, I did this on a 70 gmc Jimmy i had, but i also had to use the axles too, I had a complete front housing at the time so I had all the parts, I didnt just change complete housings, because they were different axle ratios...

[Furno68C20]

I Just converted my 68 c20 to front disc. I have the old drums and knuckles 8 lug.

[Ol Blue K20]

I have a 72 Dana 44 HD that I'm getting ready to put ont the parts board.

[Hotcorner]

Originally Posted by B. W.

I don't believe front drums are available. I converted my '70 K20 to disc but I used a complete donor axle from a '71. I believe you just need the parts from the knuckle out but am not sure.

It may be just as cheap to buy a complete disc D44. GM put them under square bodies until the mid '70's. The bonus with the later 44's is you get the larger axle u-joints.

What? The drums are unavailable for a D44?
Posted via Mobile Device

[B. W.]

'70 was a "one year only" open knuckle, drum brake. Guess the drums are different from '69 back? Just looked on Rock Auto, no front drums listed for a 70. Front drums listed for a 69 but out of stock.

[palallin]

Before this conclusion becomes Internet Truth, does anyone have '69 drums and '70 drums to compare? Rock Auto's listings are not infallible.

[B. W.]

That would be good to know. The 69 & 70's do share the same brake shoes & wheel cylinders (CQ shows 69 has a standard & HD wheel cylinder, 70 only lists a HD)

I would think the only difference in the drums (if there is a difference) would be the center bore. Or, maybe the mounting surface is a different height?