1962 GMC 4x4 Front Axle with disk brakes.

[JPBrecheisen]

Thanks, Guys. I'm hoping to have it standing on all 4 sooner or later. Some progress is better than no progress.

[61K10]

JP--napa drum brake hose # front #34466 24" long (tip to tip) rear #25629 21 3/8 long any part # for your lock-out hubs? off something else?

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by 61K10

JP--napa drum brake hose # front #34466 24" long (tip to tip) rear #25629 21 3/8 long any part # for your lock-out hubs? off something else?

I ended up with the same part number for the front brake hoses. #34466. They are still available from a few suppliers.

Mine do require and adapter though. Not sure if you have that issue with yours. The male thread on the end of the hose where it goes to the wheel cylinder is 7/16-20, and the adapter drops it down to 3/8-24 thread. The wheel cylinder ports are 3/8-24 thread. The hoses on the 1963 parts axle were the same way when I took them apart. I posted a picture so you can see what I'm talking about. I suspect that since the parts axle was the same way that its possible that's just how these truck were set up, but I'm not 100% certain.

The locking hubs are stock Warn M8 style hubs. To my knowledge, the application on these hubs are 60-68 (closed knuckle dana 44 1/2 ton application). I have found they are very scarce. I was able to find a service kit on Ebay that has some snap rings and O-rings. I did a search for "Warn M8 hubs" or "vintage warn locking hubs". Not sure if the guy has any more, but the kit was like 20 bucks. The service kit part no. is L7310. If you want to find a set, you'll have to search for old trucks that have spare parts. The truck originally had the HUB LOK style hubs, but the previous owner pitched them in the trash after he had disk brakes put on. He also tossed the hubs and the spindles. All of these parts are super hard to find since I've been looking. The correct spindle for this axle is the 22137X spindle. My Dana books indicate this spindle was used from 1960-68. Its basically the closed knuckle dana 44 spindle. I know this probably isn't much help. I'll post anything additional as I find it.

[vectorit]

Regarding the brake lines.

I wanted a couple more inches in length compared to what the OE style reproductions offered, so I took my old ones to a local industrial hose supply shop. They cut off those metal fittings, and then re soldered them to a new flare. Once that was done, they just put new hose on them per my requested length and then crimped them just like the OE ones were done.

Now there is plenty of slack in them when my axles are at full droop, and when the front wheels are locked left or right. The new OE replacement ones were just too taught for my comfort, since I am running with a 2" lift and taller tires.

(I am running the OE 1968 closed knuckle drum brake D44 up front, and the have the same fittings as depicted in your picture - just not with the adapter).

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by vectorit

Regarding the brake lines.

I wanted a couple more inches in length compared to what the OE style reproductions offered, so I took my old ones to a local industrial hose supply shop. They cut off those metal fittings, and then re soldered them to a new flare. Once that was done, they just put new hose on them per my requested length and then crimped them just like the OE ones were done.

Now there is plenty of slack in them when my axles are at full droop, and when the front wheels are locked left or right. The new OE replacement ones were just too taught for my comfort, since I am running with a 2" lift and taller tires.

(I am running the OE 1968 closed knuckle drum brake D44 up front, and the have the same fittings as depicted in your picture - just not with the adapter).

Thank You for this information. I will see how these ones I picked up work out, and keep your tips in my back pocket. I thought it was strange that the OE replacement brake hoses came in a different thread size than the wheel cylinders.....then I noticed my parts axle had the adapters. I thought this was strange, especially as a stock set up.

I just installed OE spec springs, so I don't have a lift on mine. I did install 31x10.5s with some old wagoneer slot wheels though.

I will see how these hoses work and possibly go the custom route like you did. I know the guy at the local Car Quest and do custom power steering hoses, I wonder if they can do brake hoses too.

Thanks for lending the information. Much appreciated.

Jonathon

[61K10]

my 61 does not have those adapters and the guy i bought the tk from just rebuilt all the brakes (new cyl's-master-shoes and drums) will let you know what i find when i rebuild my axles and brake lines.

[maxwoof]

My 62 k20 has 7/16 hoses and wheel cylinders. There is a 3/8 wheel cylinder as well - I believe they are for those trucks with "heavy duty" brakes. I bought the 3/8 version cylinders before I realized I had 7/16.

I thought I saw 3/8 hoses as well. Don't remember. I got everything from rockauto.com.
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[61K10]

LMC shows two different ft wheel cyl's one 3/8 and one 7/16. how about the rear? 3/8? I guess i could just look--lol

[maxwoof]

I found out when I had the new parts in hand and noticed the brake hoses were too big for the wheel cylinders.

If anyone wants, I have a set of 3/8 wheel cylinders, free for the asking.
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[JPBrecheisen]

I did notice that LMC truck sells a wheel cylinder with each size thread for the brake hose.

I noticed that the 7/16 one says it was for truck without locking hubs and the larger 11-5/32 brakes. The year range also indicates 64-66.

The 3/8 one says with locking hubs with year range of 60-63.

I did not get my parts from LMC, but it should work out. If I have trouble out of it, I'll look for the 7/16 wheel cylinders again.

Not sure why they are different, but I did at least reference the LMC book, and by the notes, it looked like I had the right ones after reading the notes for those specific year range and locking hub applications.

Thanks for the information though. its good to know the larger size ones are available.

Jonathon

[61K10]

my tk has the org locking hubs--i think LMC has it backwards?

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by 61K10

my tk has the org locking hubs--i think LMC has it backwards?

I'm not sure if they have it wrong or not. Its hard to tell what is "original" on these truck since a lot of the stuff is probably assumed to have been replaced at one time or another in the history of the truck. It could the LMC book is correct, and the trucks may or may not have the "original equipment" they were assembled with in the first place.

[JPBrecheisen]

Got the drivers spring in a while ago. Never posted pics since the thread was about disk brakes on a closed knuckle unit.

Figured I'd put a plug in on these. I ordered these from McVeighs Truck Springs in Mio, Michigan. I talked to Tom. He's been in the business forever, and I try to keep stuff purchased in the USA if I can help it. These springs are built in Harrisburg, PA, and they even beat LMC's prices.

I'd give them a call if you're looking for the same. Once I get the hub/knuckle done I'll know more about how they ride. So far, the fit is perfect, and the appear to be of high quality. Here is the link to their website.

http://mcveighstruckspring.com/

[JPBrecheisen]

Finally got the front axle all put back to original equipment. Just have to set the toe and do final adjust on the brakes.

[Bigdav160]

Looks good.

I'd like to see another pic of the assembled brakes. It doesn't make sense not to have Duo servo brakes; especially on the front axle.

Was there an anchor at the bottom of the backing plate? Where does the adjuster go?

[61K10]

JP--nice job--looks great under your tk.

BigDav--I am doing my ft brakes today and will post up pics an another thread. JP might have pics also.

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Looks good.

I'd like to see another pic of the assembled brakes. It doesn't make sense not to have Duo servo brakes; especially on the front axle.

Was there an anchor at the bottom of the backing plate? Where does the adjuster go?

From 60-63, there is a single anchor pin/plate at the bottom of the backing plate for each shoe.

64-68, maybe 69 have the self adjusting brakes which will lack the lower anchor due to the installation of a self adjuster mechanism. The wheel hubs are specific to the type of backing plate you have due to the backing plates having different offset.

These brakes are perfectly fine for a vehicle that was intended for a 55 mph top speed. I have had just fine luck with this set up so long as you keep them adjusted and maintained.

There are pics elsewhere in this thread of the brakes, but I'll post another one. This is of my Willys Wagon, but the set up is identical. The ones I have of the truck aren't as clear.

The Non servo brakes have adjusting cams for each shoe. Its and eccentric shaped cam that you adjust periodically to keep the shoe/drum distance within spec and minimize pedal travel. I included a pic of the backside also so you can at least see the cam on the front shoe.

Jonathon

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by 61K10

JP--nice job--looks great under your tk.

BigDav--I am doing my ft brakes today and will post up pics an another thread. JP might have pics also.

Thanks. Wish it didn't take so long, but I'm happy with the results so far.

[Bigdav160]

Definitely leading - trailing.

I've owned many an old car even going back into the 1930's. I remember them all having dou servo

[JPBrecheisen]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Definitely leading - trailing.

I've owned many an old car even going back into the 1930's. I remember them all having dou servo

Well, these brakes didn't last after 63 on the GM stuff.

I think it has to do with 60 being first GM production units as they dropped the NAPCO stuff for 3/4 and down. I think they just used what was already out there as they were sort of figuring out the 4x4 stuff. There were a lot of changes in the light duty 4x4s in the front axle area the first few years of production. My drag link is an example. they only used that 2 years. Same with the steering gear.

But, I'm only guessing.