front disk brakes for a 69 gmc

[roj2323]

Hey guys,
Well I’ve searched the board and I’ve gotten a few ideas but I need some advice.
Currently I have a 69 GMC with drum brakes all around and since I consider this a safety issue, I need to change the front to disk quickly. What are my options? I found a thread on using “88-91?” Front spindles and components but is there a bolt on kit that uses the 69 spindles and uses a stock rotor I can pickup at like a Napa or something? Another option I have is I have a set of 71 spindles but I would really like to keep the 6-lug pattern for the wheels if possible.

Thanks for putting up with me =)
Ondrew

[68jimmy]

You failed to mention if it is a 1/2 or 3/4 ton model. If it is a 1/2 then your options are pretty wide in terms of kits or swapping the front saddle from a 71-72. If you have a 3/4 then your could get the spindles from ECE that basically use all your existing 3/4 stuff and uses the rotors and such from a 71-72...

Or you can go the route i'm taking which is following the FAQ thread using the 88-91 setup. It's definatly not a straight bolt in and requires a bit of modifications and extra work.

[roj2323]

oops yea it's a 1/2 ton.

[68jimmy]

Since it's a 1/2 ton and a 69 you have 6 lug drums all around. So now your decision is going to be what bolt pattern of wheel do I run and how do i want to spend? You'll need to answer those first then move forward based on your decision. There are many postings about brake swaps, 5 lug vs 6 lug setups, etc. Just use the search function and let your fingers do the walking...

good luck.

[bryanw1968]

I wrestled with this also with my 1/2 ton 6 lug. I decided to keep the 6 lug setup. It used to be the only reason people went to 5 lug was because you had a LOT more wheel options. Now a days it's no longer a problem. I orderd some 6 lug drop spindles from Wes at Classic Heartbeat and threw em' on. I also stayed manual. No vacuum assist. I got a master cylinder for a vette with manual drum rear and disc front. Very happy with the setup. The whole thing cost me about $600.

Good luck in whatever you decide.
B

[roj2323]

bryanw1968 - where did you get your 6-lug rotors from?
ondrew

[Longhorn Man]

Try driving it first. 4 wheel drums aren't as bad as most of the ppl here make it out to be.
See if there's something else that needs the money first.
it isn't a saftey 'issue'. Adjust your tailgating habits, and inspect the system, and take your time figuring out what you wanna do.
If you have stock steel wheels, your 6 lug rims won't fit, so you'll need new wheels anyways, now the 6 lug rotors are less apealing. When you price them, they'll be even less apealing. And when you look at the somewhat limited wheel selection in the 6 lug section, they are even less apealing. And the aftermarket 6 lug rotors are not only expensive, but not found in ANY parts store. May become an issue iff the truck is a driver, and your rotor gets warped.
I'd go with 5 lug personally. You should be able to locate a 5 lug axle easily enogh, and if not, you can pull your axle shafts and have the holes welded up, then redrill them, have the center hub piece turned down a little, and toss some 71/72 drums on it... and that's done. When you can get parts at any parts store...it's a huge plus when your junk craps out on a sunday.
But first, try the drums.
They did the trick for 100 years or so.