Refresher course. Front brake rotors...can I use '73 & up?

[REPO1]

Ok, ok. I know this has been asked 10 million times.

Can I simply pull the 6 bolt rotors from my '70 1/2 ton and install the newer style 5 bolt ones?

Also, what about more modern upper control arms. Can I also install newer model upper control arms that use bushings?



Thanks!

Reid

[REPO1]

Please?

[Canada20]

I think the answer to your 2nd question is yes but that there might be some issues with your balljoints. (I haven't tried this myself and I'm hoping that if I post wrong info, one of the gurus will correct me and answer your question).

Greg

[raggedjim]

You'd have to change the spindles out, and the balljoints and the tie rod ends. Then you'd need the master cylinder and proportioning valve for a front disc truck.

You can change out the A-arms or you could change out the entire front cross member as one unit. There's alot of ways to do this, I've usually changed out the spindles, but I am getting ready to change an entire front cross member (just to see if it is harder...)

Good luck, Rg

[Tx Firefighter]

You said" can I pull my 6 lug ROTORs off and....". Well, if you already have 6 lug rotors, you must have aftermarket disc spindles. The 5 lug stuff will go right on then.

If you meant 6 lug drums, then no, you have to change to disc spindles.

The later type control arms with the rubber bushings are interchangable with the early steel bushing type. You must, however, install the right year ball joints into them to match your spindles. You need to change the whole arm and shaft to the later type though. The shafts are different. They will bolt right on to the early crossmember though.

[REPO1]

So if I just get a pair of newer style upper control arms, new style spindles, and put the newer style lower ball joints in my current lower arms I am good to go? (also using newer outer tie-rod ends)


That is pretty easy.

I don't have access to the entire front cross member and all, just some loose pieces.


Also, was it not possible to have 6 lug disc brakes from the factory in '70 ?

[NSANE68!!!]

Spindles
Upper ball joint 73 model (lowers are the same)
Outer tie rod ends 73 model
71,72,73 up rotors and calipers
Booster and prop valve 71 and up

Good luck

[REPO1]

Originally posted by NSANE68!!!
Spindles
Upper ball joint 73 model (lowers are the same)
Outer tie rod ends 73 model
71,72,73 up rotors and calipers
Booster and prop valve 71 and up

Good luck

Well that clears it up!!

I will get a new '70 model lower ball joint, and new upper control arm bushings, upper ball joints, spindles, and rotors from a newer model truck.

As for the booster, do I have to change it as well? I was hoping to just use a new master cylinder and prop valve.


Thanks for all the help guys!

[crazy longhorn]

Originally posted by REPO1



Well that clears it up!!

I will get a new '70 model lower ball joint, and new upper control arm bushings, upper ball joints, spindles, and rotors from a newer model truck.

As for the booster, do I have to change it as well? I was hoping to just use a new master cylinder and prop valve.


Thanks for all the help guys!

NO! You need a 71-72 lower ball joint(they are the same on 73 -up 1/2 tons).....the 70 & earlier ball joints are different. Good luck, crazyL

[NSANE68!!!]

HUH, that's sounds wierd AL, I used the same one on the bottom, and had to change the top cause the stud was too long. The cotter pin would not fit through the castle nut.