Need help making parts list for 1970 K20 front disk brack conversion.

[Krex]

Hello,

I need help make a parts list for a 1970 k20 front disk conversion.

Here is what my truck has:

1970 K20 (only year front drums and open knuckles...I think)
Front Dana 44 open knuckle (first year open knuckle)
Front Drums (last year front drums)
Big Spindles for the external locking hubs.
8 lug hubs for the external locking hubs.
Manual brakes

List of what I think I need:

New brake hoses
Calipers
Caliper bracket set (I have a set front a 71 k20)
Brake booster (heard its not ideal to run disks with manual brake)
Rotors.
Pads.

Am I missing anything? I know I am probably missing bearings seals too. Could someone please list those too.

I am going to try this conversion but it's a daily driver and need to obtain all the parts before I tear the truck down and put it back together over a weekend.

[msgross]

There are some threads or articles on the web but won't you also need new spindles and maybe hubs?

Easiest method would be to go find a 70's K-20 and pull the axle or just the knuckle (with all parts). For $100 or so you'll have plenty of donor parts. If you are adding a booster then you also need the appropriate brackets (donor truck) and possibly the rod that connects to the pedal. Also requires a proportioning valve (part just after the master cylinder) and a new master cylinder. Full axle swap is easy if the gears are the same. Once you have spindles off it's a good time for new wheel bearings, lockout hubs etc... it all adds up and I would have a backup plan for getting to work on monday morning.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by msgross

There are some threads or articles on the web but won't you also need new spindles and maybe hubs?

Easiest method would be to go find a 70's K-20 and pull the axle or just the knuckle (with all parts). For $100 or so you'll have plenty of donor parts. If you are adding a booster then you also need the appropriate brackets (donor truck) and possibly the rod that connects to the pedal. Also requires a proportioning valve (part just after the master cylinder) and a new master cylinder. Full axle swap is easy if the gears are the same. Once you have spindles off it's a good time for new wheel bearings, lockout hubs etc... it all adds up and I would have a backup plan for getting to work on monday morning.

+1 a later model front axle from a gm truck will bolt right up and put you much further ahead.

[msgross]

especially if you find one with the right gears and a sway bar...

[jeffahart]

Get an axle with discs and open knuckle. If you think you are going to save money getting one from a junkyard, make sure you know what our looking at. lots of info on this site in the 4x4 forum. You have choices. So your check list has now turned into choices! And here are some of them.

Crate dana44
junkyard dana44
crate dana60
junkyard dana60
rebuilt axle off Craigslist or ebay... and so on!