replacing 69 front brakes/suspension

[69vetteside]

hi all and merry xmas.my 69 stepside has had the front brakes converted to discs.i want to replace the brakes and steering as they are getting worn.
The truck was done in the states many years ago and i am the 3rd owner in australia.
My Q.is would it have the 73 onwards conversion done to it(it has 2.1/2" drop spindles)as this seems to be the common conversion done when changing to disc brakes.
can i just get another brake kit sent over from the states (CPP)

cheers

[catch2otwo]

Check the brake rotor. If there is a 1.25 stamped in it chances are it will be a 73+. In 73+ there were two rotor thicknesses, 1.0 and the HD 1.25. Not sure how else you could tell what you have

[lolife99]

73-87 trucks have rubber a-arm bushings.
pre-73 had steel bushings.
But you could have any number of parts combinations.
Everything has to match the spindle used.

Post up some detailed pics of your suspension.

[69vetteside]

I want to put new everything so if i buy the disc brake kit from CPP with 2 1/2"drop spindle and tubular upper and lower a arms will i still have to buy for 69 or do i buy for 73. does the 73 kit change any of the steering arms or does it just update the tie rod ends and ball joints.IF this is what the previos owner has done.
sorry but i dont have the means at the moment to take pics.

cheers
michael

[lolife99]

Post some pictures of your suspension,...

[69vetteside]

as i said i dont have the means to take photos.
thanks anyway ,i will figure it out

[catch2otwo]

if you are doing everything brand new including a arms here is some food for though. This is how i did mine. Keep in mind I went to bags, but you can keep your coils.

PB 1inch forward arms
CPP 2.5 drop spindles for a 68
-The CPP spindles for a 68 keeps the 68 inner and outer tie rods. By keeping the spindle a 68, I also used 68 ball joints for the PB arms. For me its easier to keep track of everything if most of the stuff is still from my year truck.

Keep in mind the CPP spindles will utilize the 73+ rotors and calipers which is great. Those brake parts are easy to find at any auto parts store. Mine uses the 1.25" thick rotors.

What is your ultimate goal here? You mentioned in the first post you wanted to replace some worn items but in a later post you mention getting the disc brake kit with a drop spindle and tubular arms. Those are two very different projects at two very different price brackets.

[michael bustamante]

look at the lower control arm shafts. if theres rubber bushings they used 73-87 suspension.
if not then most likely 71-72

[69vetteside]

thanks guys.from what i can gather my truck was converted to discs and lowered 5/7 some 20 odd years ago.its worn out.I have had to replace the pads with toyota 4wd pads(i live in aust remeber)the closest pad the brake guys could find.
I was going to do the PB dropmember or SCOTTS but as the aussie dollars is taking a dive its out of the Question now,what with freight on top.
So i was looking at the CPP upgrade drop spindle brake kit,p/n 6370swbk-5d.
my truck already has tubular bottom arms so i would just get the top or get both so i know its all new.

[69vetteside]

OK,today i ripped of the front wheels and had a closer look.
the disc pads are 1.25 thick and 11" diameter.The spindles appear to be stock height.The bottom tubular arm has nolothane bushings.None of the above seem to have any manufacturers markings.
SO not knowing what the PO did i can only guess from what i see in catalogues that he has used stock spindle upgrade wheel kit as the calipers are not held on by mounting brackets, short springs and the bottom tubular arms(which appear to have a very low bucket to either hold bags or in my case coils).I am running 27" front tyres and have a gap from the bottom of the wheel arch to the tyre of 1".
If i am going to replace it all should i use the OE drop spindle brake kit and any top/bottom tube A-arms or should i go with the upgrade kit of the 73-87 ball joints and tie rods and any tube A-arms.