Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

drink2mny · 02-03-2006, 06:41 PM

Seeing this is the #1 board for our year trucks. Blackbird's was curious..
What are your thoughts on trying to make a front disc brake kit for the Dana 44 closed knuckle axle..

We have recently been asked to make one for the F*rd fronts(they made closed knuckle untill around i think 74 or 76 can't remeber what Randy told me)
So he was curious what kind of support would their be in the early GM truck side of the house for a kit...

Now don't flame this post with things like .. Why don't you go and get a later 44 out of a 70's and put it in... Some guys don't want to...

This is a what do think post...

Thanks guys and gals

mjrmn · 02-03-2006, 11:16 PM

I may be interested depending on $$$. I actually emailed Blackbirds a while back to see if they offered such a kit.

drink2mny · 02-03-2006, 11:20 PM

He is putting one together for the Ferd D44.
He would definately keep it in the acceptable price range..
He just wants to get a feel for it, if this would be something people wanted.

shelby987 · 02-04-2006, 10:46 AM

I would be interested....but again, what would the cost be........if it ends up being anywhere close to an axle swap cost....I would rather hunt around for a built axle with the brakes already attached....I am actually in the process of doing something along these lines....any idea of a time frame here?

*wolfthing2000* · 02-04-2006, 03:10 PM

It's all about the cost as far as I'm concerned. probably a good market for em.

**Yukon Jack** · 02-06-2006, 11:02 AM

The turning radius doesn't bother me to much on my closed knuckle axle but I sure would like the option of disk brakes. I would definitely consider one when it is time for me to do my front brakes. Would much prefer adding disk rather than finding a good axle with the right gear ratio that already has disks.

*FormerMember* · 02-06-2006, 11:34 AM

Might also be a hit with the mudding crowd. Closed knuckles keep the ick out better.

drink2mny · 02-06-2006, 12:07 PM

Thanks guys for the input..

Blackbird's would definately do his best to keep prices down.. he prides himself in trying to have the lowest price for the components he sells to your door..

I know I'm a Mod here but just want ro reassure the guys, I am not trying to sell ...... YET..LOL

These aren't even in production .. just trying to get a feel if this is something people would want...

boundstaffpress · 02-06-2006, 12:32 PM

I would probably drool over such a kit, and not ever spend the money to put it on. I'm with Yukon Jack. I don't really want to try to find a posi font axle with my gearing. I would rather buy a kit.

cheyenne10 · 02-06-2006, 01:04 PM

Which years did these axles come stock? Isn't the late 1969, 1970 both have the newer "open" knuckle frontend but with drum brakes? There is not a kit for these either is there? Closed version was 69 and earlier if I'm not mistaken.

1969K10 · 02-07-2006, 03:45 PM

Keep us posted, I'd be interested, but I'll have to gain clearance from the checkbook when the time gets here!!!

drink2mny · 02-07-2006, 05:06 PM

When he is done withe the ferd kit I will post some pics.. This will give you a generalized idea what it would look like..

**Canadian694x4** · 02-09-2006, 10:42 PM

I can say I'd be Interested. I'm adding a small lift and larger tires to my truck and one thing I'd really like to have is front discs to replace the worn out old front drums. Like what was said earlier too is I'd like to be able to avoid an Axle swap...I like my #'s matching axles just fine.

mdepot · 02-10-2006, 10:27 PM

I might be interested as well, depending on the cost...

*1969owner* · 02-10-2006, 10:39 PM

i think that would be good.

qksilver · 02-22-2006, 11:36 PM

Went to look at some parts this week end. The interesting part was when he showed me his project.
A 68 SWB 4X4 with a closed knuckle front axle. The orginal one, I looked closer and it had disc brakes on it!
No kit, just all the parts off of a 1980 blazer.
He pulled everything off of both axles from the steering knuckle out and swapped them. easy and cheap.
I went and pulled one side off of my 85 blazer and one side off of my 67 1/2 SWB 4X4.
They fit.
So a cheap and easy swap with factory parts!

**Canadian694x4** · 02-23-2006, 12:43 AM

So it mates right up without modification? So would any 71-87 front disc brakes fit then?? That's a great tip.

qksilver · 02-23-2006, 03:21 AM

seems like at least 73 on up or so.
I didn't bolt it up because of the rust dirt etc. too much of a pain but did slide the bracket and spindle hub on and on the other guys truck the caliper and everything else lined up. Of course you have to deal with brake lines, proportioning valve and master cyclinder but I know that those swap easy.

drink2mny · 02-23-2006, 01:05 PM

Would that work for the 3/4 tons???

Now I know ferds have a larger closed knuckle. do any 67-68 have larger closed knuckles??

qksilver · 02-23-2006, 01:42 PM

I am not sure but certain 3/4 front axles use the same knuckle but with 8 lug hubs. A junk yard in this case would be your best friend. With the price of any aftermarket disc brake set up, the only thing you can do is use a little time to save some money.

boundstaffpress · 02-23-2006, 02:35 PM

3/4 ton closed knuckle axles have a larger pivot ball, but I don't know about the hub.

70rs/ss · 02-23-2006, 03:04 PM

I did this on a 69 Blazer. I used parts off of a 73 up and everything bolted on (with some grinding and cussing!) but in the end I had discs! As for a kit, I'd guess it would be easier to make a braket and then have the buyer scrounge the remaining parts off of a used junker or new from Autozone etc. Brakes are brakes, so to keep the price down make a bracket and allow the consumer to gather remaining parts.

02-03-2006, 11:16 PM	#2
mjrmn '67 K10 Work In Process Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Delano MN Posts: 163	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I may be interested depending on $$$. I actually emailed Blackbirds a while back to see if they offered such a kit.

02-03-2006, 11:20 PM	#3
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? He is putting one together for the Ferd D44. He would definately keep it in the acceptable price range.. He just wants to get a feel for it, if this would be something people wanted. __________________ Support The Board

02-04-2006, 10:46 AM	#4
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I would be interested....but again, what would the cost be........if it ends up being anywhere close to an axle swap cost....I would rather hunt around for a built axle with the brakes already attached....I am actually in the process of doing something along these lines....any idea of a time frame here? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

02-04-2006, 03:10 PM	#5
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? It's all about the cost as far as I'm concerned. probably a good market for em.

02-06-2006, 11:02 AM	#6
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? The turning radius doesn't bother me to much on my closed knuckle axle but I sure would like the option of disk brakes. I would definitely consider one when it is time for me to do my front brakes. Would much prefer adding disk rather than finding a good axle with the right gear ratio that already has disks. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-03-2006, 06:41 PM	#1
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Seeing this is the #1 board for our year trucks. Blackbird's was curious.. What are your thoughts on trying to make a front disc brake kit for the Dana 44 closed knuckle axle.. We have recently been asked to make one for the Frd fronts(they made closed knuckle untill around i think 74 or 76 can't remeber what Randy told me) So he was curious what kind of support would their be in the early GM truck side of the house for a kit... Now don't flame this post with things like .. Why don't you go and get a later 44 out of a 70's and put it in... Some guys don't want to... This is a what do think post... Thanks guys and gals __________________ Support The Board* Last edited by drink2mny; 02-11-2006 at 01:51 AM.

02-06-2006, 11:34 AM	#7
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Might also be a hit with the mudding crowd. Closed knuckles keep the ick out better.

02-06-2006, 12:07 PM	#8
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Thanks guys for the input.. Blackbird's would definately do his best to keep prices down.. he prides himself in trying to have the lowest price for the components he sells to your door.. I know I'm a Mod here but just want ro reassure the guys, I am not trying to sell ...... YET..LOL These aren't even in production .. just trying to get a feel if this is something people would want... __________________ Support The Board

02-06-2006, 12:32 PM	#9
boundstaffpress Jamie Hyneman is my twin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Junta, Colorado Posts: 705	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I would probably drool over such a kit, and not ever spend the money to put it on. I'm with Yukon Jack. I don't really want to try to find a posi font axle with my gearing. I would rather buy a kit. __________________ Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis

02-06-2006, 01:04 PM	#10
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Which years did these axles come stock? Isn't the late 1969, 1970 both have the newer "open" knuckle frontend but with drum brakes? There is not a kit for these either is there? Closed version was 69 and earlier if I'm not mistaken. __________________ Bob

02-07-2006, 03:45 PM	#11
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Keep us posted, I'd be interested, but I'll have to gain clearance from the checkbook when the time gets here!!!

02-07-2006, 05:06 PM	#12
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? When he is done withe the ferd kit I will post some pics.. This will give you a generalized idea what it would look like.. __________________ Support The Board

02-09-2006, 10:42 PM	#13
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I can say I'd be Interested. I'm adding a small lift and larger tires to my truck and one thing I'd really like to have is front discs to replace the worn out old front drums. Like what was said earlier too is I'd like to be able to avoid an Axle swap...I like my #'s matching axles just fine. __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

02-10-2006, 10:27 PM	#14
mdepot Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Plainville, MA Posts: 18	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I might be interested as well, depending on the cost...

02-10-2006, 10:39 PM	#15
1969owner Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: martin georgia Posts: 568	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? i think that would be good.



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02-22-2006, 11:36 PM	#16
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Went to look at some parts this week end. The interesting part was when he showed me his project. A 68 SWB 4X4 with a closed knuckle front axle. The orginal one, I looked closer and it had disc brakes on it! No kit, just all the parts off of a 1980 blazer. He pulled everything off of both axles from the steering knuckle out and swapped them. easy and cheap. I went and pulled one side off of my 85 blazer and one side off of my 67 1/2 SWB 4X4. They fit. So a cheap and easy swap with factory parts!

02-23-2006, 12:43 AM	#17
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? So it mates right up without modification? So would any 71-87 front disc brakes fit then?? That's a great tip. __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

02-23-2006, 03:21 AM	#18
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? seems like at least 73 on up or so. I didn't bolt it up because of the rust dirt etc. too much of a pain but did slide the bracket and spindle hub on and on the other guys truck the caliper and everything else lined up. Of course you have to deal with brake lines, proportioning valve and master cyclinder but I know that those swap easy.

02-23-2006, 01:05 PM	#19
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? Would that work for the 3/4 tons??? Now I know ferds have a larger closed knuckle. do any 67-68 have larger closed knuckles?? __________________ Support The Board

02-23-2006, 01:42 PM	#20
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I am not sure but certain 3/4 front axles use the same knuckle but with 8 lug hubs. A junk yard in this case would be your best friend. With the price of any aftermarket disc brake set up, the only thing you can do is use a little time to save some money.

02-23-2006, 02:35 PM	#21
boundstaffpress Jamie Hyneman is my twin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Junta, Colorado Posts: 705	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? 3/4 ton closed knuckle axles have a larger pivot ball, but I don't know about the hub. __________________ Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis

02-23-2006, 03:04 PM	#22
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Who would like to see a closed knuckle Front disc brake kit??? I did this on a 69 Blazer. I used parts off of a 73 up and everything bolted on (with some grinding and cussing!) but in the end I had discs! As for a kit, I'd guess it would be easier to make a braket and then have the buyer scrounge the remaining parts off of a used junker or new from Autozone etc. Brakes are brakes, so to keep the price down make a bracket and allow the consumer to gather remaining parts.

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