disc brake rotor question?

[bowtieguy61]

im doing the crossmember a-arm swap from a 84 truck for disc brakes. i want to get some drop spindles, but i keep seeing listings for spindles that fit 1" rotors, and others that fit 1 1/4" rotors. is that the thickness of the rotor? did 1/2 tons come with the 1" and 3/4 ton with the 1 1/4". or am i way off.

[thekid54]

Yes, that is the thickness of the rotor. I was told that starting in '82 there was a "heavy duty" version of the 1/2 ton, but I'm not sure. I had the thicker rotors on the cross member I swapped in. Don't know what the calipers ended up being, but the brake hoses were for a 3/4 ton.

[62ChevyStep]

Originally Posted by bowtieguy61

Is that the thickness of the rotor? .

Yes, as "thekid54" stated it is the thickness of the rotor, just measure the ones you have on the crossmember and go with that.

[bowtieguy61]

i have to get new rotors and calipers anyway. if i get the spindles meant for the 1 1/4" rotors, can i just get the bigger rotors and calipers to match? the spindles arent different where they attach to the balljoints are they? im assuming the only difference is the bearing surface?

[thekid54]

Not sure about the bearing surfaces, but you just want to make sure you match up the parts. For example, if you get the spindles for the 1-1/4" rotors make sure you get those rotors and brakes. If you mismatched the parts they may not all fit together (calipers won't fit around rotor, caliper may not line up with rotor, etc.)

If you're going to get new rotors and calipers anyway, might I suggest getting all 1/2 ton stuff...unless you really want the beefier 3/4 ton parts. Those beefier 3/4 ton parts tend to have a beefier price too. It's not a lot when you compare each component, but it all adds up.

[Fastrucken]

My buddy told me that the 1.25" rotor was stock on the 1/2 untill about 73 (maybe later but definatly 70-72) when for some reason they made a rotor that was 1" and then starting calling the 1.25" HD was an option on the 1/2 ton and standard on the 3/4.

Everything has to match, Spindle, Rotor, caliper and brake hose,which you already figured out. Go with the 1.25 if you have to buy everything, There is no real cost difference.

My buddy swapped another friend for the drop spindles and went from the 1.25" to the 1" and noticed a big difference for the worse..

Graham

[mercman1951]

Does anyone know if the pads are the same for both rotor thicknesses? I assume so...

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by thekid54

Not sure about the bearing surfaces, but you just want to make sure you match up the parts. For example, if you get the spindles for the 1-1/4" rotors make sure you get those rotors and brakes. If you mismatched the parts they may not all fit together (calipers won't fit around rotor, caliper may not line up with rotor, etc.)

If you're going to get new rotors and calipers anyway, might I suggest getting all 1/2 ton stuff...unless you really want the beefier 3/4 ton parts. Those beefier 3/4 ton parts tend to have a beefier price too. It's not a lot when you compare each component, but it all adds up.

Quite a few of the 1/2 ton trucks had the heavy duty brake option. IMO, since you only buy these parts every 20 years or so if that, for the small price difference, it is worth it!

[badriand]

The 87 i got my front end parts out of had the larger rotors, so when i ordered drop spindles i and mounted up i noticed that the rotors would not fit so i had to go down to the local part store and get the smaller rotors. Orginally calipers still fit thou.

[billydonn]

A note at one of the major parts suppliers (Perf. Online) says: "Note: 1973-80 trucks use 1.25" wide rotors. 1981-87 C10 trucks had the option of 1.25" rotor or 1" rotor..."