63 front disc brake conversion

[63lemon]

I was wondering what year trucks, will be a direct bolt conversion to have front disc brakes, being a "newbie" at this i would like the easiest way to do the swap, i want to keep the rear drums, also will the brake boosters and masters cylinders also bolt up (with little mods) ? any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Colt

[jimmydean]

All the info you could ever want is right here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

73-87 is the best option.

[63lemon]

thanks man i appreciate it still learning to naviagte the site

[jimmydean]

No worries. There is WAY more information on this site than most anyone can (or should) ingest. I found a complete '73 front crossmember with stock wheels and brake booster/mc for $100 off Craigs List. Mine is a C20 and I am going 1/2 ton.

[63lemon]

wow im hittting craigslist now, i been looking but not real admittly, i hope i can find something in that ball park $$$, keep me posted on your build i appreciate the help, im a newbie, i always wanted to have an old truck, now at age 21, the truck found me, all i had to do is lay down the benjamins haha

[jimmydean]

I keep a close eye on CL from time to time looking for 73+ part outs and whatnot. When I built my '69, I used an aftermarket kit with drop spindles and 6 lug rotors. Worked awesome, but was about $600.

There are a lot of swap options with the 73-87 trucks. The best part is buying front end parts for a 73-87 is always cheaper than the older rigs and are available just about everywhere.

Now I just need to find a matching 5x5 rear end.

[63lemon]

may be a dumb question but for now while i need to save some money, could i get a booster and master cylinder form 70"s truck and fit it on to work with my 4 wheel drums, till i can get a kit???? just a question

[Captainfab]

Yes you can. You will need a master cylinder and the distribution block from a '67-'70 truck. Those were available in both power and manual 4 wheel drum brakes. You can use a booster from those same years, or one from a '73-'87, but you will need to drill some holes to mount it to the firewall. If you don't want to drill anymore holes in your firewall, I have a booster bracket that is a direct bolt on.

Originally Posted by 63lemon

may be a dumb question but for now while i need to save some money, could i get a booster and master cylinder form 70"s truck and fit it on to work with my 4 wheel drums, till i can get a kit???? just a question

[63lemon]

well i dont mind drilling a couple holes in it, seeing how the guy before me butchered alot of it so i am doing alot of patch work and small detail stuff, but thanks for the offer, so i mine is 4 wheel drum (manual) so what i need to do is get the whole master/booster from a seventies chevy truck, with mannual braked to and mount drillin holes in my firewall, and split the lines, one line from master to front, one line to the back? if its a dual cylinder, SERIOUS question will this be worth it for a quick fix for better brakes, my goal is to get it back on the road by summer, then i can pick and piece as i go, and have money to fix it up best, I just want a little more stopping power, i plan to replace all lines shoes etc. I was just hoping that this would help the stoping a bit

[Captainfab]

The 4 wheel drum brakes are going to be only so good. Converting to power brakes will help, but it isn't going to be like front disc's. Your brakes can be definitely driveable in stock form. You just have to make sure the entire braking system is in good condition. Ie: new shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hoses & hardware. Adding the power booster will definitely make a noticeable difference, but it won't make up for worn out parts in the rest of the braking system.

[63lemon]

captainfab, i def will change the entire system, doing that will still be less expensive than disc conversion, MAIN GOAL is to get her all ready for summertime cruising thanks for the advice, ill try and post progress in my build thread

[RollinKaos]

1st thing I did on my truck was replace the brakes. Previous owner used the truck as a learn as you go project. Not that there is anything wrong with that BUT when it comes to brakes Im not leaving my life to someones learning curve lol. I am going to convert to front disc brakes but have some decisions I am pondering. I am still on the fence of an aftermarket brake conversion or the '73 to '87. I also dont know if I want to go 5 lug or stay with the 6 lug set up I have. Sorry to hijack your thread.

[63lemon]

Originally Posted by RollinKaos

1st thing I did on my truck was replace the brakes. Previous owner used the truck as a learn as you go project. Not that there is anything wrong with that BUT when it comes to brakes Im not leaving my life to someones learning curve lol. I am going to convert to front disc brakes but have some decisions I am pondering. I am still on the fence of an aftermarket brake conversion or the '73 to '87. I also dont know if I want to go 5 lug or stay with the 6 lug set up I have. Sorry to hijack your thread.

Hi jacking my thread!!!!!!!! just kidding we are all here for ideas help advice and to gove advice ( thought i cant give advice ) but haha i your good in the thread, get at it.....dont worry