Disc Brakes and lowering

[joe22883]

Ok so have a few questions. I want too lower my c-10. I was looking at the 4/6 drop kit from early classics and searching around on here i found some info about disc brakes. And what i got from it is that i can use the 73 to 87 rotors and calipers with the spindles from the kit? Any extra info anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated. I would like to start ordering the brake components and order the drop kit within the next week or two.

[mclairmo]

What is the question?

[BCOWANWHEELS]

Just use 71&72 genuine parts with lowering springs or droped spindles for same.

[lolife99]

73-87 rotors and calipers are cheaper. Just make sure you get the 1.25" wide rotors. (tell your local parts guy that you are working on a '73)
Then buy the ECE drop spindles that are the correct year for your truck.

[joe22883]

Ok so go with the wider rotors. Are all the calipers the same for the 1" and 1.25" rotors? Also do i have to get a new master cylinder? Or can i run what i have?

[joe22883]

Oh and one other question.. what can i do too convert the back to 5 lug as well without breaking the bank?

[Ole Blue 68]

1) Calipers- I think the calipers are different for the 1.25 rotors.

2) Master cylinder- Do you have power brakes on the truck now?

3) 5 lugs for the rear- You just need the axles and they can usually be found used for pretty cheap. Oh, and the drums too.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Ole Blue 68

3) 5 lugs for the rear- You just need the axles and they can usually be found used for pretty cheap. Oh, and the drums too.

If you mean the WHOLE rear end, then yes, that will work. If you are talking about just swapping the axles and drums, the '70 and earlier axles are narrower then the '71-'72 ones. You can't swap these as the outer bearing will not ride in the correct place and the drums will be out too far compared to the backing plate and shoes.

There are conversion axles available, which are the correct '70 and early lenght and 5 lug. Then you can use the drums off a '71-'72.

Hope that helps some.

[Ole Blue 68]

I did mine 2 years ago so my memory may not be 100% but i'm pretty sure mine came off of a '75.

[Ole Blue 68]

I stand corrected Chevy Mike, I went back and looked through my paperwork and found a receipt from the machine shop for re-drilling my 6 lugs so I must have run into the exact problem you were talking about with those '75 axles.

Sorry for the bad info. But the good info is you can get a machine shop to convert your 6 lugs to 5.

[joe22883]

How would i know if it has power brakes? Sorry for the dumb question but my generation only have seen disc brakes i am unfamiliar with drums.

When you say can convert my 6 to a 5 lug. Do you mean i can have whats there drilled and put in some new studs and thats that? If so that would be great i dont really want too have too mess with the rear end right now until im ready to sway it out.

[Ole Blue 68]

Power brakes have a booster that sits between the master cylinder and the firewall. I'm attaching a picture for you.

As far as the axles go, yes you are correct.

[joe22883]

Originally Posted by Ole Blue 68

Power brakes have a booster that sits between the master cylinder and the firewall. I'm attaching a picture for you.

As far as the axles go, yes you are correct.

Thanks for taking the time too post a picture for me. Yea there isnt a brake booster. Just the master cylinder. What are my options then for running a disc brake set up? I dont want too run a booster because eventually i will be running a v-8 with a fairly big cam.

[Ole Blue 68]

Sorry Joe, you mentioned the master cylinder earlier and I just assumed you'd be going with power brakes.

You can run manual discs and I believe you could use your master cylinder (although probably with a different prop valve). I'm sure there's members who have done it and can give a definite answer.

[joe22883]

Thanks Blue appreciate all the info. That would be nice if i coudl use my master cylinder!