Guidance for FNG please?

[justa dumb hick]

Gentlemens-
The winds of daily demands have shifted and present me with sufficient opportunity for further mechanical endeavor. I find it now prudent to begin a series of upgrades to one 1964 Chevrolet C10. But my knowledge is limited on the sourcing of certain items which shall be required for continuation. I therefor ask you to share suggestions/recommendations upon the below items. Based on brief study of this wise group of 60-66 aficionados, it is safe to assume most of you have “been there/dun that” and my hope is that you will guide me such that painful mistakes and do-overs on my part will be kept to a minimum. Thank you for your patience, time and understanding.

Near term projects:
Disc brake conversion-
Is there a specific aftermarket company who has a proven record of high quality/correct fitting disc brake swap components? I would prefer one-stop shopping for a complete kit.

Power steering-
Is there a quality steering box (new) and adaptor that I should pursue? Does the steering shaft need lengthend/shortened? Is there a simple aftermarket pump that has flow/pressure matching demands of noted steering box? I found a well-documented thread by TR65 detailing the swap, and he used a kit from CPP(?) and with further study, I see a member called CaptainFab who appears to make an adaptor, but not the entire kit? Anyhow- further guidance here please.

Please forgive my ignorance as I am somewhat new to this line of vehicle. If you have any interest in more detail of the C10, I have previously posted history and specifics on the Welcome page forum.

Thank you in advance for your guidance and support!
-JDH
(Insomnia… use it to your advantage, then nap all afternoon without feeling guilty)

And here’s a link to a short video of waking up the poor ‘ol slumbering 1964 C-10. https://youtu.be/jWYVs7widI0

[The Rocknrod]

Some good info on drum to disc conversion here - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4450757
And here - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

[cwcarpenter98]

I've only installed one disc brake kit. It was from PerformanceOnline and went on my 63. I have not had any issues with the kit since I received it. It has been on the truck for almost 5 years now. Sometimes the truck will sit for 2 months, other times I will drive it every day. What sucked was waiting several months for the kit to show up. I got the kit that replaced everything from the ball joints out. It also replaced the entire tie rod assembly with an inner for the factory center steering link and outers to work with the new squarebody style stock height spindles.

If you still have the stock wheels, you will either have to run a spacer to clear the calipers or you will need to get disc brake wheels that can fit over the caliper. I stayed 6 lug with my kit, so I chose 15x8 truck rallies from a 4x4 truck, but I also have a set of 15x8 steelies to throw on when I need new tires. I want to have that stock-ish look for my truck.

I purchased a complete brake line kit from them, but frankly, the fit was extremely poor and I had to bend all the lines to make them somewhat fit. When I got to pull the cab off for rust repair, I'm going to make new lines for the truck and route them how I want them.

I'm no help on the power steering conversion as I still have manual steering on my truck.

[Captainfab]

Are you wanting a lowered suspension or stock height?

The power steering is quite simple. You just need a steering box and pirman arm for a '68-'86 C series or '87-'91 R series pickup, Suburban or 2wd K5 Blazer. In 1980 the fitting style changed from SAE to Metric with an o-ring. As for the pump, it is best to have a pump with the same style of fitting as the steering box. Both the pump and box can easily be purchased locally either used or new/rebuilt at your favorite auto parts store. As for the pump bracket, pulleys, belt and hoses, that will greatly vary depending on what engine is in your truck. I can supply the steering box adapter plate, tube and flange and a booster bracket if you are upgrading to power brakes.

[justa dumb hick]

Thanks Guys for the input! Lotta detail on this site... if one knows where to find it.
The focus and purpose of this vehicle will be a dependable work truck, so standard height suspension etc. will be the defaults. I'm assuming I need matching idler arm to go with "same year specific" steering box and pitman arm?
Good info on o-ring/metric vs. SAE fitting. I have many years of residual circle track racing parts, so I had hoped to use one of those small PS pumps from the race cars. The pump mount I figured I'd fab one up as I got closer.
So I will need a spacer for stock '64 wheels to clear caliper? Hmm, yup- I have the stock 6 lug wheels. Approx. how thick is the spacer?
-JDH

[cwcarpenter98]

I'm not sure on the thickness of the spacer. You could get stock 15x6 6 lug steel wheels from any 73-87 4x4 truck or Blazer and then you won't need to run a spacer. Those wheels are made to clear the caliper

[Captainfab]

I also offer a template for drilling the holes to mount the '71-'87 idler arm if you choose to use the entire steering linkage. I recommend doing that, versus the aluminum tie rod adapter sleeves with the original steering linkage.