Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

5W0P3 · 10-21-2009, 09:23 PM

Well, I ran into a guy today two months behind on his mortgage selling his 68' shortwide. Needless to say, its in my driveway now, so first things first (and 1st post) BRAKES! This thing takes YEARS to stop. What's the economical or mainstream way to go to power disc and how much should I expect to spend?

This will be part 1 of the truck. Not sure on part 2 yet. But I gotta be able to stop!

67ChevyRedneck · 10-21-2009, 09:26 PM

Junkyard!

I got my entire set up from hub to hub (center cross member and all) WITH the power booster and all the lines from a 'yard for $125-150, can't remember anymore. I then spent a couple hundred on new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc and had a nice new front end. This will give you a 5 lug front end, so you'll need to buy 6 lug rotors (they're like $150) or figure out something for your rear axle.

You can also use 73+ stuff, but I'm not 100% on what you need to get.

Of course, if you want drop spindles and stuff too... you might be better of with the kit from ECE?

5W0P3 · 10-21-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Junkyard!

I got my entire set up from hub to hub (center cross member and all) WITH the power booster and all the lines from a 'yard for $125-150, can't remember anymore. I then spent a couple hundred on new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc and had a nice new front end. This will give you a 5 lug front end, so you'll need to buy 6 lug rotors (they're like $150) or figure out something for your rear axle.

You can also use 73+ stuff, but I'm not 100% on what you need to get.

Of course, if you want drop spindles and stuff too... you might be better of with the kit from ECE?

AWESOME! What's up with the ECE kit?

67ChevyRedneck · 10-21-2009, 09:33 PM

Wow, it's gotten pretty expensive!!!

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

Go to "catalog" then use the drop menu for Disc Brake Conversion kits, then there is a drop menu on the bottom for the specific kits under "Options."

5W0P3 · 10-21-2009, 09:44 PM

I plan to lower the truck, and i think i'll be getting spindles with the lowering kit. Would I still use the ECE kit?

67ChevyRedneck · 10-21-2009, 09:48 PM

It depends on what you use. If you use junkyard stuff, like a 71-72 disc brake set up, you would need to buy drop spindles for a 71-72 truck. Same thing if you use 73+ stuff.

When I buy the spindles for my truck, I'll have to get the 71/72 drop spindles.

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2009, 10:08 PM

You can get a full front suspension from a junkyard (Elliot Reeder road in Haltom City has a bunch). Then buy the drop spindles for whatever year front end you buy. Cheap and easy.

5W0P3 · 10-21-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

You can get a full front suspension from a junkyard (Elliot Reeder road in Haltom City has a bunch). Then buy the drop spindles for whatever year front end you buy. Cheap and easy.

What years work?

westofb · 10-22-2009, 02:29 AM

depends what you want...if you want the easiest method, get parts off a 71/ 72...the 73 to 87 stuff will work also but the brakelines are routed totally different. Either way, you will have to change out the hard lines on the front to go to disks, the hard lines attach to the calipers on the front side of the cross member, your drum system has the hard lines on the back side of the cross member. I used 85 parts because my 71 front x member and control arms were junk (rust...a four letter word that causes the use of other four letter words...lol). However, I did use the original hard lines from the 71 to make the install much easier. I can get some pics to show you how it looks tomorrow.

5W0P3 · 10-22-2009, 02:41 AM

pics would be great! Thanks!

5W0P3 · 10-22-2009, 12:55 PM

So does any spindle (71-87) bolt up to these A Arms?

Tx Firefighter · 10-22-2009, 01:24 PM

You must have ball joints to match whatever spindle you use. But, ball joints interchange freely in the different control arms.

So, if you got a set of 85 spindles, you'd need 85 upper and lower ball joints to put in your arms.

Interchange is 71-72, and 73-87 trucks. That's the beauty of 73-87 swap. The same ball joints fit 14 year range. You can find the spindles and such everywhere. Brake rotors, pads, calipers, all of that is stocking part in any parts store.

5W0P3 · 10-22-2009, 01:28 PM

What about tie rod ends? I found a 73 full suspension for $75 on CL in duncanville, gonna go check it out tonight. Also found 85' spindles and rotors for same price.

what about the Booster/Master Cylinder? The guy with the 73 has it all, but I would prefer just buying a new master.

Tx Firefighter · 10-22-2009, 03:32 PM

You're golden then. Get it all though. That way you can turn the old master cylinder in on a core at the parts store.

Check out my blog in my signature. I did the same swap in my 63. I bought an 84 Suburban front clip off Craigslist Dallas for 100 and rebuilt it and installed it. There are good pictures in there, near the bottom of the page.

5W0P3 · 10-22-2009, 10:30 PM

Just picked up the complete front suspension - A arms and everything, shocks, springs, even the break master and booster all of it from a '73 for $75 - i love craigslist. Then bought some cragar 597 black wheels and tires for $200 woohoo!

Clearwaterfire · 10-23-2009, 01:34 AM

Hey I'm new to these trucks and don't know snot. I recently purchased a '68 longstep to restofy with manual drum brakes. I also got another 67-72 chevy (not sure the year due to being STRIPPED) in the deal with power assist disc brakes for parts. The 68 has 6 lugs, the ?? is 5. I plan on swaping the discs to the 68 and noticed someone mentioned replacing the 5 lug discs with 6 luggers. What does it take to put 6 lug discs on the power set up? ...or is it a direct swap? Thanks to anyone with some help, like I said Im new to this chevy truck world.

5W0P3 · 10-23-2009, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clearwaterfire

Hey I'm new to these trucks and don't know snot. I recently purchased a '68 longstep to restofy with manual drum brakes. I also got another 67-72 chevy (not sure the year due to being STRIPPED) in the deal with power assist disc brakes for parts. The 68 has 6 lugs, the ?? is 5. I plan on swaping the discs to the 68 and noticed someone mentioned replacing the 5 lug discs with 6 luggers. What does it take to put 6 lug discs on the power set up? ...or is it a direct swap? Thanks to anyone with some help, like I said Im new to this chevy truck world.

That's a very good question. Not sure you can pull old parts like you can for the 5 lug. It's almost a toss up if you want to keep 6 lug. Not sure if there are more 5 lug or more 6 lug wheels out there as far as selection. I have $275 (so far) in my swap. Going to buy all new balljoints, rotors and pads tomorrow.

westofb · 10-22-2009, 04:47 PM

Sorry bur raining here all day so no pics. Maybe tomorrow or next day.

PanelDeland · 10-23-2009, 06:00 AM

6 lug rotors are available from most of the vendor on the BB.IIRC they are a direst swap.Be aware that your stock wheels will not clear the caliper on the discs,you will need to go to aftermarket wheels or 73-87 4X4 rallies.There may be others that fit.

**N2TRUX** · 10-23-2009, 09:44 AM

Lots of very good info here. Just a couple of minor things I wanted to ad.

While all 73-87's will work for the conversion, be aware that there were two different spindle, rotor calipers used during these years.

There was a 1" and a 1.25" or HD system. You must use the same spindle, rotor, bearings, calipers for what ever system you have.

Clearwaterfire · 10-23-2009, 04:54 PM

BIG thanks to PanelDeland. My whole plan for keeping the six lug was to save some cash by keeping the wheels I have. So iwith having to get different wheels for the discs to work I'm going to keep everything from the donor truck intact and rock the 5 lug. That said, anyone know how hard it is to swap the coil spring 6 lug rear end to 5 lug to match?

10-21-2009, 09:23 PM	#1
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Well, I ran into a guy today two months behind on his mortgage selling his 68' shortwide. Needless to say, its in my driveway now, so first things first (and 1st post) BRAKES! This thing takes YEARS to stop. What's the economical or mainstream way to go to power disc and how much should I expect to spend? This will be part 1 of the truck. Not sure on part 2 yet. But I gotta be able to stop!

10-21-2009, 09:26 PM	#2
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Junkyard! I got my entire set up from hub to hub (center cross member and all) WITH the power booster and all the lines from a 'yard for $125-150, can't remember anymore. I then spent a couple hundred on new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc and had a nice new front end. This will give you a 5 lug front end, so you'll need to buy 6 lug rotors (they're like $150) or figure out something for your rear axle. You can also use 73+ stuff, but I'm not 100% on what you need to get. Of course, if you want drop spindles and stuff too... you might be better of with the kit from ECE? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 10-21-2009 at 09:29 PM.

10-21-2009, 09:33 PM	#4
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Wow, it's gotten pretty expensive!!! http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx Go to "catalog" then use the drop menu for Disc Brake Conversion kits, then there is a drop menu on the bottom for the specific kits under "Options." __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

10-21-2009, 09:44 PM	#5
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' I plan to lower the truck, and i think i'll be getting spindles with the lowering kit. Would I still use the ECE kit?

10-21-2009, 09:48 PM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' It depends on what you use. If you use junkyard stuff, like a 71-72 disc brake set up, you would need to buy drop spindles for a 71-72 truck. Same thing if you use 73+ stuff. When I buy the spindles for my truck, I'll have to get the 71/72 drop spindles. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

10-21-2009, 10:08 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' You can get a full front suspension from a junkyard (Elliot Reeder road in Haltom City has a bunch). Then buy the drop spindles for whatever year front end you buy. Cheap and easy. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-22-2009, 02:29 AM	#9
westofb I really hate wet sanding! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brookfield, MO Posts: 601	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' depends what you want...if you want the easiest method, get parts off a 71/ 72...the 73 to 87 stuff will work also but the brakelines are routed totally different. Either way, you will have to change out the hard lines on the front to go to disks, the hard lines attach to the calipers on the front side of the cross member, your drum system has the hard lines on the back side of the cross member. I used 85 parts because my 71 front x member and control arms were junk (rust...a four letter word that causes the use of other four letter words...lol). However, I did use the original hard lines from the 71 to make the install much easier. I can get some pics to show you how it looks tomorrow.

10-22-2009, 02:41 AM	#10
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' pics would be great! Thanks!

10-22-2009, 12:55 PM	#11
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' So does any spindle (71-87) bolt up to these A Arms?

10-22-2009, 01:24 PM	#12
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' You must have ball joints to match whatever spindle you use. But, ball joints interchange freely in the different control arms. So, if you got a set of 85 spindles, you'd need 85 upper and lower ball joints to put in your arms. Interchange is 71-72, and 73-87 trucks. That's the beauty of 73-87 swap. The same ball joints fit 14 year range. You can find the spindles and such everywhere. Brake rotors, pads, calipers, all of that is stocking part in any parts store. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-22-2009, 01:28 PM	#13
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' What about tie rod ends? I found a 73 full suspension for $75 on CL in duncanville, gonna go check it out tonight. Also found 85' spindles and rotors for same price. what about the Booster/Master Cylinder? The guy with the 73 has it all, but I would prefer just buying a new master.

10-22-2009, 03:32 PM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' You're golden then. Get it all though. That way you can turn the old master cylinder in on a core at the parts store. Check out my blog in my signature. I did the same swap in my 63. I bought an 84 Suburban front clip off Craigslist Dallas for 100 and rebuilt it and installed it. There are good pictures in there, near the bottom of the page. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-22-2009, 10:30 PM	#15
5W0P3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 14	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Just picked up the complete front suspension - A arms and everything, shocks, springs, even the break master and booster all of it from a '73 for $75 - i love craigslist. Then bought some cragar 597 black wheels and tires for $200 woohoo!

10-23-2009, 01:34 AM	#16
Clearwaterfire Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Newport, North Carolina Posts: 11	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Hey I'm new to these trucks and don't know snot. I recently purchased a '68 longstep to restofy with manual drum brakes. I also got another 67-72 chevy (not sure the year due to being STRIPPED) in the deal with power assist disc brakes for parts. The 68 has 6 lugs, the ?? is 5. I plan on swaping the discs to the 68 and noticed someone mentioned replacing the 5 lug discs with 6 luggers. What does it take to put 6 lug discs on the power set up? ...or is it a direct swap? Thanks to anyone with some help, like I said Im new to this chevy truck world.

10-22-2009, 04:47 PM	#18
westofb I really hate wet sanding! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brookfield, MO Posts: 601	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Sorry bur raining here all day so no pics. Maybe tomorrow or next day.



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10-23-2009, 06:00 AM	#19
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' 6 lug rotors are available from most of the vendor on the BB.IIRC they are a direst swap.Be aware that your stock wheels will not clear the caliper on the discs,you will need to go to aftermarket wheels or 73-87 4X4 rallies.There may be others that fit. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 10-23-2009 at 06:01 AM.

10-23-2009, 09:44 AM	#20
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' Lots of very good info here. Just a couple of minor things I wanted to ad. While all 73-87's will work for the conversion, be aware that there were two different spindle, rotor calipers used during these years. There was a 1" and a 1.25" or HD system. You must use the same spindle, rotor, bearings, calipers for what ever system you have. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-23-2009, 04:54 PM	#21
Clearwaterfire Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Newport, North Carolina Posts: 11	Re: Power Disc Brake Conversion for my 68' BIG thanks to PanelDeland. My whole plan for keeping the six lug was to save some cash by keeping the wheels I have. So iwith having to get different wheels for the discs to work I'm going to keep everything from the donor truck intact and rock the 5 lug. That said, anyone know how hard it is to swap the coil spring 6 lug rear end to 5 lug to match?

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