front disc brakes for '66 4x4

[pete68camaro]

Brand new to the forum. Recently aquired my first classic 4x4- a 1966. After reviewing some of the postings and other info, it looks like it has the factory front end with closed knuckles and drums. I have a'66 two wheel that I converted to front disc (along with the Camaro), but four wheel drive is obvously different. Is it possible to convert the 4x4 to front disc and if so, how? Thanks for any help and suggestions!

[CrashEd]

You would be better off finding a new axle to swap. I never messed with the closed knuckle front ends so i don't know if it would work to just change to a disk breake spindle like you can on open knuckle fronts.

On the open knukle fronts you can just change everything from the knuckle out to convert to disk breakes

Ed

[pete68camaro]

Thanks Ed. That is a good idea. I know from reading in the forum that in '71 ( I think) 4x4 came with front discs. Any help on what later front ends will fit?

[CrashEd]

I have a 86 blazer that has a 10 bolt front and it will fit my 72 that has a dana 44 right now. If you go with the newer 10 bolt make sure to grab the ubolts and top plate too there diffrent.
I think the fronts were the same from 71all the way up till thay made the IFS setup.
The front springs are longer on the 73 and up.
Ed

[jeffspower]

I had a '64 K20 I done the swap on years ago. Switching to power steering at the same time would be advisable, since the drag link won't work. The tapered stud on the end that attaches to the steering arm is a different size. And I'm sure you know about the brake hoses/ prop. valve/ master stuff. Funny thing was, on mine, I found some hoses that fit & left everyhing else alone, one lunger master & all so I could move it around until I could find/ afford all the other brake parts. Ends up the brakes worked great as- is. That truck had better braking power/ balance/ and feel than any old truck I have ever seen

[1969k10stepside]

Blackbirds does make a front disc brake conversion for a closed knuckle axle but the cheaper and better way,IMO, is to switch to a open knuckle front axle.A 10 bolt from the mid 70s on up to when they went IFS will work or a 71-mid 70s dana 44 will work.As CrashEd said,take the top plates and u-bolts from the 10 bolt front axle donor too if you get a Corp. 10 bolt front axle.You could also use a 1970 front axle.They are drum brakes but are a open knuckle axle so they can be easily converted to discs.
Blackbirds Custom Trucks Closed Knuckle Disc Brake Conversion

[pete68camaro]

Thank you guys very much! Very helpful information! After reading the replies I looked closely at my front axle. In addition to steering, it looks like a critical fit question is how the assembly fits on the leaf springs. I found a truck locally that is a 74 Chevy 4x4 and measured it from the outside edge of one leaf spring to the outside edge of the other (in the same direction that the axle sits) and it was about 34 and 1/2 inches. I then measured my truck and it is 34. I also found an '80 Blazer and it is the same as the '74-that is 34 and 1/2 inches. Is this an issue? Nothing on the front axle area of my truck (sping mounting points, frame, etc.) looks like it has been changed from what was original.
again, thanks for the help. I have located a wrecked '75 front axle to buy-just don't want to have to explain to my wife why I bounght it if it won't work!
Pete
P.S How do you join the various clubs? I'm definitely an unfinished project guy!

[msgross]

I just swapped a 10 bolt in my 68. All the same except the 10bolt pinion is 1" inboard from the dana44 (= no issue). Should be 31.5 - 32" center to center. YOur springs might be slightly narrower so measure the centers if possible. Shouldn't have an issue. I would find a junkyard truck and strip all components, should be able to get them for $225 or less I bet. be sure to match your rear gears or you will have to spend more money swapping gears....

[pete68camaro]

Well I found a front end out of about an '84 truck and got it for $75 , but it is missing the backing plate on the driver's side and the hub . Any suggestions on where to find those?
thanks
Pete

[msgross]

Pete, PM sent

but be careful about asking for parts without subscribing. Mods frown on that. Nonsubscribers (pink name) can't post WTB (want to buy) ads or for sale items. Only cost $25 a year to be a full member and I have received my money's worth over the last year. Just letting you know since you are a newer member.

[1969k10stepside]

Any hints of the thread becoming a for sale or WTB and it's closed...

[pete68camaro]

Sorry. I did not realize that I was treading close to WTB-that's not what I intended. I was really looking for any info on retailers to buy the parts from new because I spent a couple of hours looking and came up empty. Again sorry for the mistake.
Pete

[1969k10stepside]

No problem,I see the thread as o.k. right now.As for the parts,I doubt you can get the backing plate new(You might,but I havent seen any).Your best option is to search the junkyards or subscribe and post a WTB.

[pete68camaro]

Thanks Dustin
Fixed the subscriber part-I'm a site supporter! Already been worth the $25!
Also, for what it might be worth to anyone, since my 5:02 post yesterday I did actually stumble on to a website offering new backing plates for sale-but for the '73 and up 1/2 ton 4x4 they ain't cheap!
Pete

[msgross]

Is this what you are looking for?

[msgross]

your measurements might have been slightly different but it will work. your springs might be slightly narrower than the 84 but center to center is about 32" You will need the top laef plates and new u-bolts. Dana44 tubes are 2.75" and corp 10's are 3". I did make my plates work but it was a PITA. New U-bolts run $35-45. Don't forget the steering arm, box, pump and brackets since your old steering box won't work....

[pete68camaro]

Indeed. Thanks Mike. PM sent too.