How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HUEVUDO · 11-03-2005, 04:53 PM

I have all the tools and a limited mechanical abilities. It is on my 67SWB yellowbone. How many hours after I get the whole kit out of the box until I take my first brake test?

jlmtrout · 11-03-2005, 05:43 PM

Changing the ball joints and spindles is the most time consuming portion of the swap, especially if the upper ball joints have never been replaced. The factory upper ball joints are riveted in and require a lot of elbow grease to remove unless you have a torch. The master cylinder has to be for disc/drum brakes, and must match the brake booster brand. Also, besides bench bleeding the disc brake master cylinder, you may have to pressure bleed it. If you don't get a strong stream of fluid from either system, you should pressure bleed the master cylinder. To pressure bleed, take the line off, place your thumb over the master cylinder fitting hole and have someone slowly press the brake pedal. Don't remove your thumb. You should feel fluid and air come out. Keep your thumb over the hole and repeat until you don't feel any more air. Connect the hard line to the master cylinder and you're done with the master cylinder. You can borrow a tool from most auto parts stores to remove and install the lower ball joints. Good luck and keep on truckin'...........Jerry

truckster · 11-03-2005, 05:51 PM

Huevudo? That's an interesting user name.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-03-2005, 06:00 PM

Depends on several things.

1. Are you any good with taking apart/putting things back together?
2. Is your suspension rusty or rust free?
3. Do you have a shop really close by that can press the lower ball joints for you?
4. Are you going to be cleaining/painting any parts?

AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:

5. How much beer do you consume while working on your truck

Seriously, it all depends on your truck, your skills, and the quality of parts and tools you have. Be really carefull taking those ball joints off, don't let that coil spring get loose and fly around the garage. I would expect at least a good weekend to do it right.

Jim_PA · 11-03-2005, 06:03 PM

I would say a weekend, depending on how much time you put in each day, maybe longer if you hit any hurdles. There's a bit of a learning curve when removing the old spindle, and it'll take you a while to get the first one apart. The 2nd side should come apart in half the time or less.

The way I did it after hours of head scratching was this:

Remove outer tie rod from the old spindle. I cut the boot of the old TRE and used a 2 jaw puller after removing the key and nut. I then cut my brake hoses because they were rotted and being replaced anyway...

Make sure the lower control arm is supported and tie up the spring with a chain, then remove the cotter pins and nuts from the upper and lower ball joints. Using the biggest hammer you have, pound the upper ball joint, and the control arm will come lose.

Use the hammer again to pound on the lower ball joint to separate the bottom of the spindle from the lower ball joint. It will eventually let lose, and you can pull the old drum/spindle off and out of the way.

I ended up drilling through the head of the rivets on the upper ball joints with the biggest drill bit I had, then using a chisel to remove the head of the rivet. I'm sure it would be better with an air chisel, but overall, it only took a half hour or so to get all the rivets drilled out.

After you get the heads off the rivets, it ain't over yet... my upper ball joints were still a big PITA to get out, lots of prying, pounding and a few broken screw drivers to finally set them free.

Press out the lower ball joint ( I had to jack up the truck by the control arm to gain enough clearance for my c-frame press ).

At this point, you're all done and ready to put on the new stuff... Which is where I'm at. I have 1 disc spindle installed, and I'm ready to put the new ball joints in the other side.

HUEVUDO · 11-03-2005, 06:40 PM

Thank you people. So what I got outta all the was save the money , buy all the beer, cook the bar b que and ask my mechanic friend to do the job. hahaah keep sending me information I need it all. and my name has a good meaning if your spanish.

PanelDeland · 11-03-2005, 08:35 PM

Huevudo, the last post you made should let them know what the nic means.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 11-04-2005, 02:14 PM

Ok, I'm not Spanish, but my curiosity is killing me. What does it mean?

69TowRig · 11-05-2005, 02:40 PM

However long you take, I don't think you can beat my time, I started tearing mine apart in January. The other night I finally installed the calipers and routed some new hard lines. I still have a couple things to tidy up, including the power-brake style pedal I didn't know I needed until a week ago. I was wondering what was wrong with the pedal, it wouldn't come all the way up to the stop.

I'd say doing the swap on my 4x4 is probably harder than doing the 2wd swap though. Good luck with it.

Tx Firefighter · 11-05-2005, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUEVUDO

How many hours after I get the whole kit out of the box until I take my first brake test?

It sound like you're buying a kit?

If so, it's cake. I did an Early Classic disc brake conversion kit on my 64 Suburban in about 3 hours. With the kit, there is no hassle with changing ball joints or any of that. You simply remove the old drum brake spindles and replace them with the disc brake stuff. Then, install the master cylinder and lines. The ECE kit came with prebent lines. It's cake

HUEVUDO · 11-11-2005, 01:29 AM

The nickname is man of endowment. Man with good qualities.

HUEVUDO · 06-11-2006, 09:22 PM

I was leaning towards a complete kit. I have two trucks so I can really work on one and go to the parts store with the other. My next big addition will be a/c that I will not install. thank you guys

hugger69SWBCST · 06-12-2006, 08:22 PM

Huevon, huevudo, cojonudo, timbaludo: Whom got"Big Balls"

HUEVUDO · 09-01-2006, 11:39 PM

that is exactly right..

jimmydean · 09-02-2006, 12:49 AM

I get to do a kit in a week or so. I got the drop spindle kit with new ball joints and tie rod ends. I got my power brake booster with master cyl and prop valve off a '71 suburban for $20.

I figure if I do it in less than a 6 pack, I'm good to go. The test drive I will save for the next day when I recheck my work.

11-03-2005, 04:53 PM	#1
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? I have all the tools and a limited mechanical abilities. It is on my 67SWB yellowbone. How many hours after I get the whole kit out of the box until I take my first brake test? Last edited by HUEVUDO; 11-03-2005 at 05:15 PM.

11-03-2005, 05:43 PM	#2
jlmtrout Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 194	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Changing the ball joints and spindles is the most time consuming portion of the swap, especially if the upper ball joints have never been replaced. The factory upper ball joints are riveted in and require a lot of elbow grease to remove unless you have a torch. The master cylinder has to be for disc/drum brakes, and must match the brake booster brand. Also, besides bench bleeding the disc brake master cylinder, you may have to pressure bleed it. If you don't get a strong stream of fluid from either system, you should pressure bleed the master cylinder. To pressure bleed, take the line off, place your thumb over the master cylinder fitting hole and have someone slowly press the brake pedal. Don't remove your thumb. You should feel fluid and air come out. Keep your thumb over the hole and repeat until you don't feel any more air. Connect the hard line to the master cylinder and you're done with the master cylinder. You can borrow a tool from most auto parts stores to remove and install the lower ball joints. Good luck and keep on truckin'...........Jerry __________________ '68 c-10 long wheelbase fleetside, been in family since new, originally 250 3 speed Now (389) 350 .060 over 3.75 stroke,Edelbrock Performer RPM 70cc heads and Intake 600 cfm Edelbrock,Small Comp Cams retro-roller cam and roller rockers,9:1 cr, headers, HEI,Old Air a/c, 72 power disc brakes w/stainless lines, 3.42 gear,T-56 6-speed, original paint(what's left of it). Dakota Digital Dash

11-03-2005, 05:51 PM	#3
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,978	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Huevudo? That's an interesting user name. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

11-03-2005, 06:00 PM	#4
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Depends on several things. 1. Are you any good with taking apart/putting things back together? 2. Is your suspension rusty or rust free? 3. Do you have a shop really close by that can press the lower ball joints for you? 4. Are you going to be cleaining/painting any parts? AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: 5. How much beer do you consume while working on your truck Seriously, it all depends on your truck, your skills, and the quality of parts and tools you have. Be really carefull taking those ball joints off, don't let that coil spring get loose and fly around the garage. I would expect at least a good weekend to do it right. __________________ 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!

11-03-2005, 06:03 PM	#5
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? I would say a weekend, depending on how much time you put in each day, maybe longer if you hit any hurdles. There's a bit of a learning curve when removing the old spindle, and it'll take you a while to get the first one apart. The 2nd side should come apart in half the time or less. The way I did it after hours of head scratching was this: Remove outer tie rod from the old spindle. I cut the boot of the old TRE and used a 2 jaw puller after removing the key and nut. I then cut my brake hoses because they were rotted and being replaced anyway... Make sure the lower control arm is supported and tie up the spring with a chain, then remove the cotter pins and nuts from the upper and lower ball joints. Using the biggest hammer you have, pound the upper ball joint, and the control arm will come lose. Use the hammer again to pound on the lower ball joint to separate the bottom of the spindle from the lower ball joint. It will eventually let lose, and you can pull the old drum/spindle off and out of the way. I ended up drilling through the head of the rivets on the upper ball joints with the biggest drill bit I had, then using a chisel to remove the head of the rivet. I'm sure it would be better with an air chisel, but overall, it only took a half hour or so to get all the rivets drilled out. After you get the heads off the rivets, it ain't over yet... my upper ball joints were still a big PITA to get out, lots of prying, pounding and a few broken screw drivers to finally set them free. Press out the lower ball joint ( I had to jack up the truck by the control arm to gain enough clearance for my c-frame press ). At this point, you're all done and ready to put on the new stuff... Which is where I'm at. I have 1 disc spindle installed, and I'm ready to put the new ball joints in the other side.

11-03-2005, 06:40 PM	#6
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Thank you people. So what I got outta all the was save the money , buy all the beer, cook the bar b que and ask my mechanic friend to do the job. hahaah keep sending me information I need it all. and my name has a good meaning if your spanish.

11-03-2005, 08:35 PM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Huevudo, the last post you made should let them know what the nic means. __________________ 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"

11-04-2005, 02:14 PM	#8
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,424	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Ok, I'm not Spanish, but my curiosity is killing me. What does it mean?

11-05-2005, 02:40 PM	#9
69TowRig Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 894	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? However long you take, I don't think you can beat my time, I started tearing mine apart in January. The other night I finally installed the calipers and routed some new hard lines. I still have a couple things to tidy up, including the power-brake style pedal I didn't know I needed until a week ago. I was wondering what was wrong with the pedal, it wouldn't come all the way up to the stop. I'd say doing the swap on my 4x4 is probably harder than doing the 2wd swap though. Good luck with it. __________________ -Chris Building a stripper, one part at a time: 1969 K5, 307, 3spd, 3 seats, hard top. Added Pwr Discs, Pwr Steering, Aux Battery, T-case Skid, Lighted Sidemarkers, HEI, Lock-Right Diff, ECE Class IV Hitch, 32" MT/Rs. Parts to Install: Hand Throttle, Console, Tow Hooks, Dual Horns, AM-FM, Dealer Swing-Away Tire Carrier, Gas Tank Skid. Also building a 1950 Willys CJ-3A and off-roading a 2001 Nissan Frontier on 1-Ton Portals...

11-11-2005, 01:29 AM	#11
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? The nickname is man of endowment. Man with good qualities.

06-11-2006, 09:22 PM	#12
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? I was leaning towards a complete kit. I have two trucks so I can really work on one and go to the parts store with the other. My next big addition will be a/c that I will not install. thank you guys

06-12-2006, 08:22 PM	#13
hugger69SWBCST Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Rogers, Arkansas Posts: 52	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? Huevon, huevudo, cojonudo, timbaludo: Whom got"Big Balls"

09-01-2006, 11:39 PM	#14
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? that is exactly right..

09-02-2006, 12:49 AM	#15
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: How long does it really take to switch from drum to disc? I get to do a kit in a week or so. I got the drop spindle kit with new ball joints and tie rod ends. I got my power brake booster with master cyl and prop valve off a '71 suburban for $20. I figure if I do it in less than a 6 pack, I'm good to go. The test drive I will save for the next day when I recheck my work.



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