Brake Conversion Suggestions

[markreed]

I am sure this topic has been beat to death, but I searched and found several reputable brake conversion kits. I just wanted to see if anyone had some personal experience as far as ease of installation, PRICE, and durability.
I am a 6 lug truck, so I suppose switching to 5 lug up front does not make too much since. No need to get a drop spindle or anything fancy.


Any inputs would be greatly welcomed. Thanks!!!


Info: Truck is a 64 GMC 1000 series, 6 lug with an olds 350.

[Rich 5150 69]

Get your self a set of spindles ,caliphers and brackets from a `72 to `86, then order the 6 lug rotors from any of the suppliers.

[markreed]

Do I need to pick up a different brake booster?

[Rich 5150 69]

If the donor truck has everything grab it all..master, booster, prop valve, caliphers, spindles. I guess I shoud add that you`ll need to confirm from the supplier of the rotors your buying 1 inch standard duty vs 1.25 HD, then confirm you have the right calipher..from the donor truck

[markreed]

Picked up a set of spindles, calipers, rotors, and brake booster with portioning valve. Now I just need to get some new brake line and a few other things.

For the upper and lower ball joints as well as tie rods, do I get them all to fit a 72 (which is what the brake are off of)...still using stock UCA and LCA?

[Cody63]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Get your self a set of spindles ,caliphers and brackets from a `72 to `86, then order the 6 lug rotors from any of the suppliers.

So, am I reading this right? The spindles are all the same you just need rotors that are set up for 6 lug? Where do you get those? Any idea on pricing?

[joesscamaro]

I have no idea on pricing...but any auto parts store will have them.

[markreed]

I am not sure about different rotors fitting on different disc brake spindles. I just picked up a set of sock 5x5's...


Any input on this question, or mine about the ball joints?

[Captainfab]

Your local auto parts store will not have 6 lug rotors to fit the '71-'87 C10 spindles. Those are aftermarket only and available from CPP, ECE, POL, etc. The only 6 lug 2wd rotors your local auto parts store will have are for the '88-'98 light duty C2500. Those will not work correctly on the '71-'87 C10 spindles

Originally Posted by joesscamaro

I have no idea on pricing...but any auto parts store will have them.

[Captainfab]

oops, double post

[Captainfab]

If you have '72 spindles, you will have to change your ball joints to the '71-'72 ball joints. Yes they will fit into your original control arms. See my post above regarding the rotors. I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Here is one of many useful threads found in the '60-'66 FAQ' section at the top of the page. This one is long but it will tell you most everything you need to know about upgrading to front disc brakes.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

Originally Posted by markreed

Picked up a set of spindles, calipers, rotors, and brake booster with portioning valve. Now I just need to get some new brake line and a few other things.

For the upper and lower ball joints as well as tie rods, do I get them all to fit a 72 (which is what the brake are off of)...still using stock UCA and LCA?

Originally Posted by markreed

I am not sure about different rotors fitting on different disc brake spindles. I just picked up a set of sock 5x5's...


Any input on this question, or mine about the ball joints?

[markreed]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you have '72 spindles, you will have to change your ball joints to the '71-'72 ball joints. Yes they will fit into your original control arms. See my post above regarding the rotors. I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Here is one of many useful threads found in the '60-'66 FAQ' section at the top of the page. This one is long but it will tell you most everything you need to know about upgrading to front disc brakes.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

"1: purchase the adapter sleeve that mates your original inner tie rod to the later model outer tie rod - cost for adapters about 50 bucks "

This sounds like the best option to me. Do you know a good source for this, or what sizes are needed? The donor truck is a '71, mine is a 64. I am buying it for the 64 correct?

[Captainfab]

I don't know anything about those adapter sleeves, I have never bought them. I believe the typical parts suppliers have them, such as CPP, ECE, POL, etc.

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I would switch to the complete '72 steering linkage as well. However you will have to drill 2 new holes to mount the idler arm. This is the simplest way to convert to disc brakes without expensive tierod adapters. This is how I've done it for 25+ years.

Originally Posted by markreed

"1: purchase the adapter sleeve that mates your original inner tie rod to the later model outer tie rod - cost for adapters about 50 bucks "

This sounds like the best option to me. Do you know a good source for this, or what sizes are needed? The donor truck is a '71, mine is a 64. I am buying it for the 64 correct?

[markreed]

I have to re-plumb the whole front brake lines...Is it worth saving the penny and doin it myself?

Other option is the brake kit from CPP which is supposed to fit my truck and be an upgrade for the disc brakes..~$90