69 4x4 disc brakes

[f16crewdawg]

does anyone know where i could find a good disc brake conversion kit for my 69 4x4. i can find all kinds of kits for 2 wheel drive but not for a four by. i want a complete kit because im in the air force stationed in italy so i only get to work on it when i'm back in illinois so finding parts from donor trucks is out of the question. thanks for any replies

[tcb-1]

welcome to the board, f16. there are several parts savy 4x guys on here. I'll keep my eyes out for you!

Thank you for your service. Keep those birds in the air!!!

[1969k10stepside]

Blackbirds can set you up with a front disc conversion for a closed knuckle dana 44 axle (Which a 69 would have) but it's alot cheaper to get a newer open knuckle front axle with discs.Any GM front axle from 71 till they went IFS will work.With the corp 10 bolts you will need different spring plates and u bolts though.Usually you can pick up a front axle for $100-150.Just make sure you get the right ratio..But the brake line routing on trucks with discs is also different than on ones with drums.Where you at in Ill?

[wibilly]

why not swap out the front axel to one from a71-87 92 on blazer and burbs then you get the shorter turning radius of the open knuckels as well

[f16crewdawg]

sounds good i'll have my dad and uncle look for a a new axle back home the gears don't matter because i'm gonna regear it for bigger tires and a lift anyway. as far as where in illinois its a little town called ipava near peoria

thanks guys

[shelby987]

I had to swap my 3/4t 1970 front axle (first year open knuckle, last and only year drums) for a late model corp. 10 bolt because I couldn't find brake parts....for $400 I got a locker, a rebuilt axle, and new brakes.....I would say swap rather than replace....front axles that aren't d60's seem to be a dime a dozen!
Be SURE to get the spring plates though.......they do not seem to be as readily avail. (at least not in MI).

[shelby987]

oh, one more thing......depending on how much you want to spend, if I were to do it again, I would have also gone out and bought new brake lines and a prop. valve at the same time......it will save you a LOT of headaches in the long run......I had a 1/2t disc. brake prop valve and bent my own single line.....I needed a bunch of fittings to make the other lines fit....save yourself the hassle, its worth $200!

[jerry moss]

some dana 44s also have larger tubes (3 inch as opposed to 2 3/4 inch) so get the plates for whatever axle you get. you will also need a different pitman arm and draglink along with a master cylinder/prop valve for discs. it really is an easy swap and much more user friendly.

[Yukon Jack]

Welcome to the board! Looks like the guys above have given lots of good info on your question.

[lawest]

I've learned a lot from reading your thread. I also have a '69 4X4 and am looking to switch to discs and power steering. Is your a long bed? Does anyone know if the steering box, linkages, and axle will all swap over from the 71-87s?

[earl87gta]

Just my take on this but if your going to regear it 2 4:10 or 4:56 i would not waist time with a d44 find a d60 and be done with it. By the time you buy the new axle the gears and pay some one to put the gears in you could buy a d60 and hava 1 ton front end that can take any thing you through at it.

[earl87gta]

Originally Posted by lawest

I've learned a lot from reading your thread. I also have a '69 4X4 and am looking to switch to discs and power steering. Is your a long bed? Does anyone know if the steering box, linkages, and axle will all swap over from the 71-87s?

Yes its all a bolt in swap.

[lawest]

Cool, thanks.