New Member With Lots of Questions

[maverickmk]

Well, I am finally able to post here. Refer to the Welcome Area for specifics.
I have a 1969 GMC that I recently purchased and need some assistance with a few things.
First being the addition of disc brakes. From what I have been told a cross member from a next gen of Chevy/GMC's will bolt in with only enlarging a couple of holes. I got one from a 1984 and did a rough measurement of the bolts holes that are right above the upper control arm and it appears that the original holes are closer together than the assembly I have. Is this possible, or did I measure incorrectly? I did a rough measurement on the upper control arms as well, and the originals measure smaller than the one from the '84. What are my options? Any ideas or suggestions?
Here is a picture of what I picked up today.



If I can get the 5 lug disc brake setup figured out, I would like to get 5 lugs in the rear as well. I found a site that sells axles that are supposed to fit. Here is the link: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/1965-...MaAqtzEALw_wcB

Any idea if this will work? It has a 12 bolt, but I haven't looked at the casting numbers yet to verify what exactly I have.

I have more questions, but will wait until I get into the brake situation right now.
Here is a picture of my truck.

[cornerstone]

Welcome aboard and cool truck! The first disc brake front end with the 5 lug was 1971 or 72 and that would be a direct bolt in. I am not aware if the 84 will be a direct fit.

[Sheepdip]

Read This
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4
And here's the whole thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444815

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

Read This
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4
And here's the whole thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444815

Excellent, bookmarked. Thank you.

[maverickmk]

I'm starting to rethink the disc brake conversion using the '84. After installing it and replacing most of the brake components, I think it might be money better spent on a complete upgrade kit like this one from Brothers: https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1963-.../DBC5LOE/DROP/

The only thing I will be giving up is the rubber bushings on the control arms. The other thing I saw on the upgrade kit is that it says "will not work on stock wheels" - ? Anyone know if I have to get something like 17" wheels? Brothers page doesn't say what wheel will be required.
On a side note, I miss Sam Memmolo, he is a very smart guy (he's in the video).

[Steeveedee]

You would need to get wheels for the disc brakes. 15" works, but the shape of the wheel for the old drum brakes doesn't allow clearance for the caliper. Stock wheels off the '84 that you snagged the k-member from would work, of course.

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

You would need to get wheels for the disc brakes. 15" works, but the shape of the wheel for the old drum brakes doesn't allow clearance for the caliper. Stock wheels off the '84 that you snagged the k-member from would work, of course.

I see, thanks. It seems pretty much that any new wheel I would look at will fit then.

[jocko]

If you want to keep the stock look, 71 or newer K5/10 6 lug steelies will clear disk brakes.

[Jason Banks]

If you go 5 lug and want to keep the same look in a steel wheel you can get the Wheel Vintiques 62 wheels

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...app%3A5-x-5-in

[Jason Banks]

You can also get out cheaper on the rear end conversion with these axles:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AXLE-SHAFT-...72.m2749.l2649

You would then need to select some 71-72 rear drums(from rockauto), get 1/2 inch lug studs, I would also get some Yukon replacement bearings for the rear end and a cover gasket will end up about $250

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

If you go 5 lug and want to keep the same look in a steel wheel you can get the Wheel Vintiques 62 wheels

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...app%3A5-x-5-in

I was thinking of something more along the line of these: https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-co...ion_PQMS=Steel

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

You can also get out cheaper on the rear end conversion with these axles:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AXLE-SHAFT-...72.m2749.l2649

You would then need to select some 71-72 rear drums(from rockauto), get 1/2 inch lug studs, I would also get some Yukon replacement bearings for the rear end and a cover gasket will end up about $250

That's fantastic! Thanks. Man, you guys are all over it for me. I really appreciate it.

[Warrens69GMC]

https://daytona.craigslist.org/wto/d...034202980.html

[Jason Banks]

Originally Posted by maverickmk

I was thinking of something more along the line of these: https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-co...ion_PQMS=Steel

That would look good too!

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

If you go 5 lug and want to keep the same look in a steel wheel you can get the Wheel Vintiques 62 wheels

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...app%3A5-x-5-in

or a salvage yard trip for 1978-1990 B-Body wagon (caprice, impala, pontiac)

WWW.car-part.com

[LockDoc]

-
I have done 3 complete swaps. the one with an engine in it I just jacked my engine up and blocked it while I swapped the entire cross member. The other two didn't have engines in them. I had to re-drill one hole on each side and enlarge one hole on each side. I think the front cross member is the only assembly that will swap in with a minimum of modifications.

LockDoc

[maverickmk]

If I wasn't in the middle of a divorce and living in an apartment complex I would buy this truck and swap the drive train and cross member over

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/pts...020226114.html

All of my tools are in storage and I'm reduced to using a small set of 3/8" sockets, a few end wrenches and crappy screwdrivers.

[maverickmk]

When I put this cross member in, will I need some other parts for the steering gear box to connect it up?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by maverickmk

When I put this cross member in, will I need some other parts for the steering gear box to connect it up?

If you find the conversion you are working with in member "lowlife99's" thread (the link that Sheepdip posted) it should explain everything needed. Mainly brake line difference and maybe pitman arm difference. (depends on year)

LockDoc

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I have done 3 complete swaps. the one with an engine in it I just jacked my engine up and blocked it while I swapped the entire cross member. The other two didn't have engines in them. I had to re-drill one hole on each side and enlarge one hole on each side. I think the front cross member is the only assembly that will swap in with a minimum of modifications.

LockDoc

Also, thank you for posting these pictures. I cancelled an order for a disc brake upgrade kit after looking at them. I realized that swapping the cross member will not be near as bad as I thought.