Disc brake conversion and replacing (rusty) front cross member : Questions

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

I’m a new Member (up here in Maine) and really like this Website/online resource. This is my first Post so please be patient

I have a 70 GMC 1/2 ton short bed stepside with a 383 stroker - very fun ! I've had this truck since high school (27 years ago) – It's not a show truck but in good condition. Due to rust, I'm replacing my front crossmember, A-arms (plus ball joints, tie rods, shocks, idler + pitman arms, coil springs, etc.) and converting to front Disc brakes.

It’s nearly impossible to get a good crossmember or any parts actually here in New England (re: rust or crushed), so after years of searching I found a guy (Tom) at 'Tuckers Parts' in Nevada that sold me a nice crossmember for $250 + $60 shipping. Several years ago, I had bought the 4 new Control Arms (on Ebay).

My plan is to buy the disc 'kit' - after a lot of research it seems like Early Classic Enterprises (ECE) knows their stuff the best & they say they’re good quality and American parts ($859 + another $150 in shipping : for spindles, rotors/hubs, calipers, pads, brake lines/hoses, Master Cylinder, Proportion valve, backing plates, bearings). The kit does not include the ball joints or tie rod parts. I believe it's best to get the spindles/kit that fit my original parts/year (ball joints, etc.), and need the 6 lug rotors/hubs. There are many other places (LMC, 'Classic Performance', etc) that sell these kits, but they either want you to buy the ’73-87’ kit (with special tie rod sleeves, etc) and are missing the Master Cylinder, Proportion valve, or ready to install brake hoses/lines.

Questions for everyone please :

1. Where did you get your disc brake conversion parts/kits ? Specifically the rotors/hubs, calipers, and spindles ? I keep thinking I could save a bunch of money by 'piecing' the parts together (the local parts store would save me on shipping costs but might be higher priced to start), but it's been difficult because it's a 1970 & 6 lug, and I want the spindles to fit the original parts. I obviously want quality parts too.

2. When bolting back on the (‘new’) front cross member : do you use a washer on the bolt head side (it appears GM didn't originally) and on the other/nut side do you use a 'washer/ then lock washer/then regular nut' or do you use a 'washer and lock nut' ?

3. I’m looking to buy the ball joints, tie rods, shocks, idler + pitman arms, and coil springs from a place called 'RockAuto.com' which seems to have nice parts/brands with great prices. Has anyone used them – your thoughts ?

Thank you in advance for your support - much appreciated !

Ralph

[mmiddle]

I love RockAuto! The best prices and great selection. Just remember, they carry the complete offerings by many brands. The LOW grade and the HIGH grade. You get what you pay for!

Buying suspension parts just be sure to buy MOOG only! Top quality brand.
There are other brands that are great, but MOOG is always great.

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

Thank you (mmiddle) - I was looking at the MOOG parts too

[Fish68]

Check with gmc Paul's. I have found he has the best price on disc brake kit conversion and also seems to have everything needed to convert in his kit. Paul has been great the times I have needed something. He went above and beyond to make sure I got what I needed
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

Thank you (Fish68) - I will check him out

[Tom Vogel]

You know, I beleive ECE sells all that, as well as a 6 lug disk brake setup.

[1970 Bowtie]

Rock Auto is great,but be careful of the shipping costs.The tie rods may come from the east coast and ball joints from the west coast,shipping can add up fast.I rebuilt my front end with all Moog parts and found buying them locally was cheaper.Almost forgot to the board and post some pics when you get chance..Mike.

[PanelDeland]

Check with the BB vendors.They know the trucks,will only carry the best they can get and support the BB.Most have comparable pricing and all I have spoken to are very knowledgeable and will share that knowledge.

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

Tom : ECE is my front runner right now - thanks

Mike : I appreciate the heads up on 'Rock Auto' shipping - I did notice that when I was selecting different parts. My plan is to go with Moog too. I will get some photos soon. Thanks for the welcome to the board

Guys : Any thoughts on which (bolt/washer/nut) method I should use on putting my new cross member on - which combination works best so it's strong and will last ?

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

PanelDeland : my apologies but what does 'BB' stand for ?

[Tillik]

When I bought my 67 this year, the guy thru in a ton of extras. He gave me the entire front suspension from a 71 2wd (Cross member, Spindles, Rotors, Calipers, Brakebooster-MC, Proportion Valve, all the Steering Components). Of course it was all weathered sitting outside a bit. It's cleaning up really nice, little blasting and degreasing. My brother is going to paint it all for me.

I've been told i'm better off just getting a conversion kit for my current suspension. I will eventually make the decision on which way to go. I save all these forum topics on my favorites so I can review them later. Curious to see which way you go.

[Tinkermc]

Welcome to the Forum,ggood luck on the truck.

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

Tillik : when I learned that the 71 + 72's had disc brakes I wanted to get the parts but they rust out so bad up here, plus I need 6 lug for my GMC. Good luck with your truck !

Tinkermc : thank you and I hope this conversion (& new cross member install) goes well

[davidfre21]

I don't know if you plan on lowering it any but I priced a mcgaughy complete big brake kit for my jimmy @$750
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

davidfre21 : I don't plan on lowering it, but thanks for the 'kit' info

[Ralph (1970 GMC)]

Should I use 'backing plates' on disc brakes ? I've heard in conflicting thoughts.