Drum for disk 70 GMC

[C17FCC]

So I know there are a TON of posts about this already and they all vary from make and model and have a ton of information and ideas. After hours of searching and reading I cant seem to find a solid parts list for this swap. So is there one out there? A straight 'here is what you will need' list to swap out drum for disk?

I have a 1970 GMC 2wd 3/4 ton automatic with the 350 v8. the truck is bone stock and has drum brakes all the way around. What am I going to need to get this done? I have seen post for different models and Chevy (which I assume is all the same down there anyway) with a WIDE price range so I would like to narrow it all down to my truck specifically.

I don't plan to do anything crazy to my suspension as far as lifting or lowering (unless necessary for this swap) and I don't need the top of the line set up, just something simple that works.

Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated even if it is just slapping me with aother post that actually has the information that I apparently missed. Thank you

[C17FCC]

Would this work even though I have 8 lugs? I cant seem to find an 8 lug version. Also does this include everything I will need? It seems to suggest that it does.

http://www.classicindustries.com/pro.../pb10315b.html

[davepl]

I did a full swap for an 8-lug version. Paid $300 I think for the whole front suspension assembly including everything except the crossmember (which you don't need). I'd keep hunting for an 8-lug setup, if it were up to me. Last thing you want is 5 or 6 lugs up front and 8 in the back. Which isn't to say you can't do that, it's just not ideal.

[C17FCC]

Originally Posted by davepl

I did a full swap for an 8-lug version. Paid $300 I think for the whole front suspension assembly including everything except the crossmember (which you don't need).

Where did you purchase it?

[Myoldtruck]

I know this may sound stupid but, Something simple that works. Your drum brakes fit that already. Im not trying to talk you out of the disk conversion. Is there something wrong with what you have now.

[C17FCC]

I wouldn't say there is something wrong with it. I just keep reading on here on pretty much every Drum vs. Disc discussion that disc is the way to go and that it is worth the time, effort and money to at least do the front to disk. Peace of mind I guess would be my goal here, the better and more reliable stopping power.

[DJ_Baar]

Basically this is what I am doing. Keeping stock height and 8 lugs on my '67 Chevy C20. Got complete disk brakes, spindles, & A-arms from a '71 GMC 3/4 ton truck (2500). Though I got a new master cylinder with proportioning valve from CPP, new larger ball joints & tie rod ends....

http://www.earlyclassic.com/Tech.asp...20That%20Truck

[C17FCC]

Nice looks like I will be searching craigslist and the pick n pull when I get back home. Appreciate the info there, I think I ran across that post you linked a picture from. I guess I was hoping to find a package that was sold together with everything I need rather than trusting the used parts when and if I found them.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by C17FCC

Nice looks like I will be searching craigslist and the pick n pull when I get back home. Appreciate the info there, I think I ran across that post you linked a picture from. I guess I was hoping to find a package that was sold together with everything I need rather than trusting the used parts when and if I found them.

There is complete kits available.
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-8-Lug-Deluxe/

I'm not one to use donor parts.
What are you actually going to reuse?
The spindle itself?
Everything else needs to be new:
Rotors, calipers, bearings, brake hoses, master cylinder, prop. Valve, etc.

[DJ_Baar]

I only ended-up using donor spindles from 71 GMC. Came with truck when I got it. All else is new.

Rotors were in need of too much turning, and calipers were beyond rebuild. But some folks like to go the donor route. Personally I find "junk yards" want new part prices most times now anyway, and if you can find what you need.

[70's luvr]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=631840

[FirstOwner69]

Did your searching turn up this thread?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4

[Steeveedee]

I just finished installing the Performance OnLine conversion kit. I didn't realize until I put the calipers on that they don't supply the dust shields. I'll have to get those eventually. I also just found out that the disc brake studs are bigger, so now I gotta go buy new nuts.

Bonehead question- it's not going to make me buy different wheels, is it? I haven't been able to find out whether the wheels from '70 to '71 are the same. I think that they should be, but thinking could get me hurt. Knowing is better.

[DJ_Baar]

Yes I forgot to mention wheel studs are bigger. Wheels should be fine. My Centerlines work both new disk rotors and drum rear brakes fine. And yes you need to install dust shields (helps keep damaging dirt off those rotors).

[Steeveedee]

Thanks! I went up to the store and bought new lug nuts, they fit fine. I haven't installed the master/booster yet, so I'll probably pop everything apart and put in the dust shields before I roll it again.

Sorry for the derail!

[DJ_Baar]

Let me know how you do with the brake lines? Pictures of projects help & look good too. I'm still working my disc brake conversion, slowing getting it together, working rear brakes this weekend.

[C17FCC]

Originally Posted by lolife99

There is complete kits available.
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-8-Lug-Deluxe/

I'm not one to use donor parts.
What are you actually going to reuse?
The spindle itself?
Everything else needs to be new:
Rotors, calipers, bearings, brake hoses, master cylinder, prop. Valve, etc.

Exactly what I am looking for! Thank you! So this has everything I will need correct? I want to stick with the stock height so I don't need the drop spindles just select the stock height option and I shoul be good correct?
Posted via Mobile Device

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by C17FCC

Exactly what I am looking for! Thank you! So this has everything I will need correct? I want to stick with the stock height so I don't need the drop spindles just select the stock height option and I shoul be good correct?
Posted via Mobile Device

yes.
there are several comanies that sell these kits. I like using ECE (www.earlyclassic.com)

I always use drop spindles, that's why I never use donor trucks.
Call performance online or ECE and tel them what you are doing. THey should be able to get you what you need.

[lolife99]

You will still need to change your master cylinder and add a proportioning valve.
71-72 oem parts will work,... or you can get aftermarket parts from the same company as the disc brake parts.
Shop around for the best deals and remember that shipping could be different on these heavy parts. ECE usually will work with you to get a good deal.

[C17FCC]

Thank you, I will definitely be giving them a call when I am back stateside and home.

[C17FCC]

Originally Posted by lolife99

You will still need to change your master cylinder and add a proportioning valve.
71-72 oem parts will work,... or you can get aftermarket parts from the same company as the disc brake parts.
Shop around for the best deals and remember that shipping could be different on these heavy parts. ECE usually will work with you to get a good deal.

So this would be what I am looking for?
https://www.performanceonline.com/Di...lve-Kit-18817/

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by C17FCC

So this would be what I am looking for?
https://www.performanceonline.com/Di...lve-Kit-18817/

That would work fine.