Front axle

[62 short step]

I just got a 10 bolt axle to replace my closed knuckle front axle on my 61 4x4. My ? is what do I need to look out for? Should this be a direct bolt in? Just trying to figure out what all I am going to need to do this swap. Any info is appreciated. Jeremy.

[msgross]

I'm doing this with a 68 and a dana 44 is the same ... not sure on yours.

I haven't seen any major issues yet, but i'm changing brake lines anyway and cut my u-bolts too...

[special-K]

If you had drum brakes,you`ll need the rest of the disc system:master cyl/prop.valve.

[62 short step]

I'm going to try to do mine this weekend, hopefully. Do you have a power brake booster, or are you going to run the disc brake without one?

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

If you had drum brakes,you`ll need the rest of the disc system:master cyl/prop.valve.

Thats the answer I was looking for. Can I run the disc brakes with no power booster?

[msgross]

I believe so, the prop valve is the most important for the disc...needs to keep pressure on the disc at all times. Don't know if the MC is different though... I'm adding booster and MC from a 1 ton..

[special-K]

Yes,I`ve seen 71/72s w/o power brakes from factory.It was still an option.

[62 short step]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try it this weekend. I've been so busy with work I havn't had time to work on my truck. Its killing me because I love to work on it!!

[special-K]

Looks like you swapped a bed since the last time I saw it.

[pumpkin]

Originally Posted by msgross

I believe so, the prop valve is the most important for the disc...needs to keep pressure on the disc at all times. Don't know if the MC is different though... I'm adding booster and MC from a 1 ton..

Its actually the other way around. the drum brakes have a residual check valve that keeps a small amount of preasure in the system to help keep the seals in the wheel cylinders sealed. with disc-drum the check valve is only for the drum brakes, and there is a delay valve for the disc brakes to allow the drums to catch up. I have used a drum brake master on a disc setup and had it work well. the biggest thing with a disc brake master is the size of the resevoir, cuase as the brakes where the fluid level goes down.

[Bishops Trucks]

I'm planning this swap soon so I just want to sit in on the conversation.

[1969 GMC]

Hopefully in the summer I will be getting the D60 under mine. It's out of a '78 Dodge, so there are a couple more hangups than a GM axle. Spring spacing is like 1/2" off, and the yoke is totally wrong. Also, Dodges apparently used a single soft line going down to the axle, then a T-fitting with hardlines running along the axle tube to either side. I'll change that to the GM style.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

Looks like you swapped a bed since the last time I saw it.

Yea I changed to a fleet. I like the way they look on 60-66 trucks.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

I'm planning this swap soon so I just want to sit in on the conversation.

If I get to it this weekend I'll post some pics and and trouble I had. Hopefully will not have trouble, but you never know!!

[special-K]

I agree,handsome truck there.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

I agree,handsome truck there.

Thanks, I hope to paint it this summer too. Here are a few pics. My 4 year old likes to help also!!

[1969k10stepside]

Got to love original old old 4x4s.And the shortbed factor make me like it even more.I cant blame ya for getting rid of the ol closed knuckle drum brakes,my 69 that is the same way is being converted to 1 ton so I wont have to worry much about the drums anymore

[454_72_4X4]

Originally Posted by pumpkin

Its actually the other way around. the drum brakes have a residual check valve that keeps a small amount of preasure in the system to help keep the seals in the wheel cylinders sealed. with disc-drum the check valve is only for the drum brakes, and there is a delay valve for the disc brakes to allow the drums to catch up. I have used a drum brake master on a disc setup and had it work well. the biggest thing with a disc brake master is the size of the resevoir, cuase as the brakes where the fluid level goes down.

You're close pumkin.

Actaully there is a residual pressure valve in both disc and drum brake systems.
In a drum brake setup it's function is the keep the brake shoe springs from drawing the shoes away from the drum. It usually holds about 10lbs of pressure.
In a disc brake system it holds about 2 lbs of pressure.

The big question is "where is this residual pressure valve located on different systems"? I've been trying half heartedly for quite some time to come up with a definate answer to this.
Are they always in the master cylinder, or in the proportioning valve, or both, or...?

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

Got to love original old old 4x4s.And the shortbed factor make me like it even more.I cant blame ya for getting rid of the ol closed knuckle drum brakes,my 69 that is the same way is being converted to 1 ton so I wont have to worry much about the drums anymore

Yeah, I love the old 4x4s. I had a 63 short bed 4x4 a few years ago, sold it and regreted it. So I found my 61 from a board member last April in Wisconsin. Happy again!

[special-K]

And,I have the tailgate for my "created from parts" 72-ish shortbed stepside GMC 4wd.
When I was living near Flagstaff,AZ around 1980,the owner of the Flag Carwash(service station/store,too)owned a black one and a white one,both Fleetsides...both gorgeous.They sat under the huge "RT 66-style" lighted sign.He had one set up with dune paddles.Ahhh...memories.
I still want one.The 60-62s are quite rare.Lookin`Gooooood.