Front drums to disc on 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GreenMystChevy · 12-20-2003, 02:49 PM

I have a '69 Dana 44 front from my 4x4 so it has drum brakes.

This can be changed over to disc fairly easily, correct? What are the basics of what I have to do and get? Thanks guys.

breeh · 12-20-2003, 02:58 PM

GreenMystChevy, I don't think that you can change those closed knuckles over to discs. That is one of the reasons that I swapped axles.

GreenMystChevy · 12-20-2003, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the reply, I don't know a whole lot about axles and brakes, just bare basics. I'm sure you checked into it.

Anyone else second or disagree with what Breeh said?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-20-2003, 04:05 PM

breeh is correct. The closed knuckle front end under the pre 1970 trucks are rapidly becoming obsolete. You will need to look into installing a 71 or later front end if you want the front disk brakes. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

GreenMystChevy · 12-20-2003, 04:14 PM

Thanks Wes, Breeh is a pretty smart guy. Shouldn't have needed to ask any further

swede413 · 12-20-2003, 04:22 PM

Yep, a 71 or later frount end is the way to go.
keep in mind you must also change the proportionate valve as well. its the gismo thats mounted in frount of your master cylinder

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-21-2003, 01:56 AM

Well I thought some 69s had open knuckles? At any rate it would be easier to get a dana 44 or 10 bolt from a 73 or newer GM vehicle and install it. Just get the correct brake lines for the axle (banjo fittings changed). Also 73 and newer had larger u-joint, but 71-72 will work the same.
I believe another member kept his stock 4 drum master cyclinder w/ disc up front and had enough to work the calipers.

1969 GMC · 12-21-2003, 04:41 AM

if you somehow can get a 1970 dana 44, they have open knuckles and drum brakes. I have heard that the swap is possible on this axle.

landon4421 · 12-21-2003, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Anyone else second or disagree with what Breeh said?

agree : iwanted to do the samething but, I went with the dana 60 front

12-20-2003, 02:49 PM	#1
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Front drums to disc on 4x4? I have a '69 Dana 44 front from my 4x4 so it has drum brakes. This can be changed over to disc fairly easily, correct? What are the basics of what I have to do and get? Thanks guys. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-20-2003, 02:58 PM	#2
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	GreenMystChevy, I don't think that you can change those closed knuckles over to discs. That is one of the reasons that I swapped axles. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

12-20-2003, 03:50 PM	#3
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Thanks for the reply, I don't know a whole lot about axles and brakes, just bare basics. I'm sure you checked into it. Anyone else second or disagree with what Breeh said? __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-20-2003, 04:05 PM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	breeh is correct. The closed knuckle front end under the pre 1970 trucks are rapidly becoming obsolete. You will need to look into installing a 71 or later front end if you want the front disk brakes. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-20-2003, 04:14 PM	#5
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Thanks Wes, Breeh is a pretty smart guy. Shouldn't have needed to ask any further __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-20-2003, 04:22 PM	#6
swede413 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 183	Yep, a 71 or later frount end is the way to go. keep in mind you must also change the proportionate valve as well. its the gismo thats mounted in frount of your master cylinder __________________ 70 blazer 350 3on tree 98 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 5 speed manual

12-21-2003, 01:56 AM	#7
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Well I thought some 69s had open knuckles? At any rate it would be easier to get a dana 44 or 10 bolt from a 73 or newer GM vehicle and install it. Just get the correct brake lines for the axle (banjo fittings changed). Also 73 and newer had larger u-joint, but 71-72 will work the same. I believe another member kept his stock 4 drum master cyclinder w/ disc up front and had enough to work the calipers. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-21-2003, 04:41 AM	#8
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	if you somehow can get a 1970 dana 44, they have open knuckles and drum brakes. I have heard that the swap is possible on this axle. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650



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