Front Disc Brakes

[DanoDMano]

I know this has been discussed, but I am wondering
what Front Disc brakes will work with my six lug 1/2 ton chevy truck.

I dont want to pay the new conversion prices, plus it takes away from
the fun of of hiking thru the mud at the local salvage yards.

What should I be looking for that will bolt up without too much alteration?? I also want to drop my truck another 3", so I'll be buying drop spindles.

I have a lot of money into my wheels, so changing to a 5 lug is not an
option right now.

Any help would be cool...

[jmanz69]

I do't think there is any bolt up jumk yard parts for you if you don't want to go 5 lug. You only option that I know of would be to get a kit for 6 lug disc. But since you don't want that you in a bad spot. Plus I don't think they make drop spindles for six lug drum brake trucks. That is why I am going 5 lug. But with all the money you have in wheels, I would stick with what you have and get some springs or maybe a set of dropped lower control arms. LMC has the arms. And any board vendor has the springs. Good luck.

jmanz69

[rustedchevy]

entire front suspension assembly from a 71-87 truck with pair of aftermarket 6 lug rotors will do it

[DanoDMano]

Really? Any front end setup 71-87??

That shouldnt be too hard to find?

Thanks

[Longhorn Man]

Somewhere in the 73 - 87 they went to metric, you'll want to stay with the older ones if you can...keep it all fractional to make i easy. Also, if you get a 73 and up, parts are a bit cheaper from what I understand.

[jmanz69]

I didn't realize you could get just the rotors in 6 lug. I thought you had to get the whole kit. Good news for people that like the 6 lug, but want to be able to stop.

[70cst]

I installed a 81 front end on my 70cst and the whole front end cost $150. It's a direct fit. Plus you get a better steering box which is a Quick Ratio Box when compared to the 67-72 truck. As mentioned I believe 82 and after were metric. Also a 71-72 rear hubs will slide right into the the 70 Chevy/GMC truck w/o any mods. (67-69 will not workk as the DIMS. are different) That's what I did for my 70cst. The rear hubs cost me $75. You still need to rebuild the front end but it is the best of both worlds. Now I have 5 lug front and back.
Regards 70cst

[GMCPaul]

If you go to get the front parts off a 73 up truck and wish to use the 6 lug rotors that are available for use on these trucks spindles to convert them to 6 lug you will need to be sure that you get your donor parts from a truck with 1 1/4"thick front rotors and not the ones that came with 1" thick as they used 2 styles and the 6 lug rotor can only be used on trucks that originally used 1 1/4" thick 5 lug rotors originally. Otherwise the 71-87 truck, and 71-91 Blazer & Jimmy 2wd drive are all excellant donors.
GMCPaul

[Longhorn Man]

Good tip Paul, I was unaware of that.

[DanoDMano]

Thats why I like this board, GMCPaul, and 70CST just saved me a lot of frustration!!!

Thanks!!!!

[67 SS]

Another FYI.In 84 they changed the hole and stud size on the idler arm.They are otherwise the same as the older ones but cost twice as much.

[rustedchevy]

Originally posted by GMC Paul
If you go to get the front parts off a 73 up truck and wish to use the 6 lug rotors that are available for use on these trucks spindles to convert them to 6 lug you will need to be sure that you get your donor parts from a truck with 1 1/4"thick front rotors and not the ones that came with 1" thick as they used 2 styles and the 6 lug rotor can only be used on trucks that originally used 1 1/4" thick 5 lug rotors originally. Otherwise the 71-87 truck, and 71-91 Blazer & Jimmy 2wd drive are all excellant donors.
GMCPaul

yes keep forgetting to point that out, the 1.25" rotors are under the heavier duty 1/2 tons like the Big 10 and GMC Heavy Half models, any truck with heavier than std GVW rating, HD suspensions,