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Old 03-15-2016, 03:54 PM   #1
cgster
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Converting to front disk brakes

Im wanting to switch to front disk power brakes instead of the power drum brakes. I have the 6 lug factory setup and want to keep it 6 lug, I want to be able to keep my rally wheels and not have to purchase any new wheels.
Im not sure what all I need to do this. I know I can purchase a kit that includes everything im suppose to need, but im not familiar with what that consist of (I have seen different kits that seem to include different things). I see where you can get 2 1/2 drop spindles...etc, but dont know if thats what I need. My truck already seems to sit low so is there a kit that keeps it the same height as it is now? Also want to make sure the 6 lug kit that I use matches my current 6 lug setup. Sorry if these are newbie questions, but not really understanding everything I need to about the disk brake setup process.
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Old 03-15-2016, 04:25 PM   #2
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

I'm not sure if you can keep the 6 lug when going to disk.. I think all the disk brake spindles only work with 5 lug rotors... one of the suspension experts will probably chime in soon. If your suspension is low now, you may have heated springs or a collapsed spring. If you had the money, I'd invest in new springs as well ($100 or so)..
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Old 03-15-2016, 04:35 PM   #3
GASoline71
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

You can swap all of the stuff from a 1971 or 1972 and then just get aftermarket 6 lug rotors to fit the disc brake spindles.

Gary
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My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread.

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Remember Murphys 2nd law of mechanical relationships... "OPPOSING COMPONENTS ATTEMPTING TO OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE, AT THE SAME TIME, GENERALLY END UP OCCUPYING ADJOINING SPACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN"
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Old 03-15-2016, 04:58 PM   #4
cgster
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

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Originally Posted by GASoline71 View Post
You can swap all of the stuff from a 1971 or 1972 and then just get aftermarket 6 lug rotors to fit the disc brake spindles.

Gary
Id rather just buy a kit and not have to worry about getting parts off of an older truck if possible.
Would the following kit work for what im needing?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330946117099
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Old 03-15-2016, 05:12 PM   #5
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

In very short words call Ece trucks and tell them what u are wanting to do.. Im doing the same exact thing at the moment and have already purchased these parts thru them. As a kit..
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Old 03-15-2016, 05:14 PM   #6
GASoline71
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

That kit should do, but you will need to install the correct ball joints into your earlier model control arms, as those probably take the 1971/72 lower ball joint. They will probably need the 1971/72 outer tie rod end as well.

I just used the spindles and control arms from a 1972 C15 and transplanted them onto a 1969 C10 frame. I was going to use the 1969 control arms and install the correct ball joint for the 1972 spindle, but one arm was bent and cracked so I opted for the 1972 arms.

I also used the 1972 steering linkage as well and replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends. I just happened to have both rigs available to do the swap.

There are complete 6 lug front disc brake kits available from ECE or CPP or numerous other vendors out there. Just do your homework to see what you need to complete the swap.

Gary
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My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread.

The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck

Quote:
Originally Posted by LONGHAIR View Post
I would never rebuild a 305.
Quote:
Originally Posted by prostreetC-10 View Post
I love using vacuum gauges as part of the carb tuning process. I hook the gauge to the inside of my garbage can and leave it there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marv D View Post
Remember Murphys 2nd law of mechanical relationships... "OPPOSING COMPONENTS ATTEMPTING TO OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE, AT THE SAME TIME, GENERALLY END UP OCCUPYING ADJOINING SPACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN"
Quote:
Originally Posted by cableguy0 View Post
Its cheaper to listen to advice given when you ask for help than it is to ignore everyone and wait for carnage.
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Old 03-15-2016, 05:21 PM   #7
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

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Originally Posted by cgster View Post
Id rather just buy a kit and not have to worry about getting parts off of anothe truck if possible.
Would the following kit work for what im needing?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330946117099
That kit will not work if the truck is a 71 or 72.. I insist u call ece. . my two cents
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Old 03-15-2016, 05:22 PM   #8
cgster
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

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That kit will not work if the truck is a 71 or 72.. I insist u call ece. . my two cents
Its for a 68 C10
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Old 03-15-2016, 05:41 PM   #9
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

My got complex sense I have pieced up trucks and took some time to figure things out since nothing was originally on my two c10 and c20. Lots of junk yard pulls and criaglist finds parts board buys. .. glad thats all good now....
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Old 03-15-2016, 06:33 PM   #10
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

Call ECE.
www.earlyclassic.com
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Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
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Old 03-16-2016, 10:39 AM   #11
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Talking Re: Converting to front disk brakes

If you were closer to me, I have a set of stock height spindles ('71 disc brake spindles) I'd be happy to give you, shipping these might be expensive.....I'm in Missouri.
Ben Smith

Last edited by snipescastle2; 03-16-2016 at 10:40 AM. Reason: adding
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Old 03-16-2016, 10:46 AM   #12
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230620582265...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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Old 03-16-2016, 05:16 PM   #13
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

I purchased my kit from Performance online. I purchased the complete kit, you can select either 5 or 6 lug. I kept mine as a 6 lug. The kit includes the new flexible brake lines spindles, shoes, calipers, upper and lower ball joints. You will have to replace both upper and lower ball joints. I had to grind mine off as they were still rivited and then used a cheap ball joint press from harbor freight to remove the ball joints. The new ones will need to be bolted in. The only issue that you may have with your ralley rims is that the disc brake caliper assemblies require more space so the rim well will have to be larger as most modern rims are. That is reall the only concern you may have aside from the kit. The power brake booster and master cylinder you can also purchase there and you will need a proportioning valve for the new set up. PM me if you have any questions.
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Old 03-16-2016, 08:40 PM   #14
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

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This is what you need, complete with stock height spindle. Call me at 765-661-1723
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Old 03-16-2016, 11:11 PM   #15
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

Thanks for all of the info!
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Old 03-16-2016, 11:20 PM   #16
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

I got a standard ride kit from mcgaughy. Bolted up perfectly. Check them out. They where the best price I could find. I ended up ordering from summit, they price matched it from a cheaper website. It is 6 lug and standard height
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Old 03-25-2016, 10:30 PM   #17
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

Can I attach the rear drum brake lines after I upgrade to front disc brakes? Booster and all?
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Old 03-25-2016, 10:41 PM   #18
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

No. You need a disc brake master cylinder and the matching proportioning valve.

Tom
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Old 03-25-2016, 10:53 PM   #19
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

Best thing to do is buy the whole kit from Early Classic Enterprises. They have a complete 6 lug kit, uses stock '72 chevy calipers, pads, master, prop valve. They have the right spindles to fit the older ball joints. No guessing, no junkyards. Everything you need in one spot with good instructions.

I put the kit on my truck and could not be happier. I run 6 lug 80's rally wheels and everything fits perfect.
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Old 03-26-2016, 03:09 AM   #20
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Re: Converting to front disk brakes

I just did this. I bought the 8 lug kit from performance online. With a 6 lug u have way more choices I live by ece and I go in there all the time. They r good guys and know their stuff they actually drive these trucks so the have experience. My truck is a 70 so I has to switch to 71 ball joints. The kit come with everything except the control arm bushings which u should get. I didn't get them so when I went to get it aligned they wouldn't do it cause they said they were bad. So I have to take it all back apart and do them. Also I didn't do the master cylinder. I have it it came with the kit I just ran out of time and it stops fine without changing it. But I also put a new one on a few more months ago. Just know it will take you all weekend! Mines my daily so I was stressed I wouldn't finish it. And get a can of penetrant spray for the brake lines!!! Or to be safe get new hard lines u will probably break on off
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