Finally doing my disc brake swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-18-2017, 01:36 AM

About 15 years ago I bought new ball joints for a 75 c 10 front end. Well I finally used them.
I swapped out my old ball joints to the newer ones so I could put on some spindles that I have had for about the same amount of time. They are stock height that I didn't use on my other truck. So I am using my 65 control arms with the later model spindles. I will be documenting as I go.
I bought the tie rod sleeves that gives you two different sizes. I am just waiting for my new tie rod ends.
One picture is of my old ball joints. I can't believe they were in such good condition. The uppers were still riveted on which leads me to believe they were factory.
I am using a brake booster off of a 1974 chevy truck. I will need to lengthen the brake rod a bit. If anyone dose this I say just get Capt Fab's bracket. It will be easier. I already went this route so I am just going with it.
I also ordered new rotors and calipers. I am not going to use these rusty worn out parts.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-18-2017, 01:38 AM

Just in time too. Looks like I was on borrowed time with this single pot master. Just a bit of leakage.

**slepysal** · 01-18-2017, 02:34 AM

Nice !! Funny it took me forever to swap mine out too. Wish I did it sooner.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-19-2017, 06:45 PM

I got the tie rods in and installed. them.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-25-2017, 01:47 PM

Put all the new parts on and all bled out. I really need to work on my tube bending skills.

**The Rocknrod** · 01-25-2017, 01:54 PM

That's cool, keep us posted on how they feel when driving.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-25-2017, 05:28 PM

Well they feel pretty good but the power brake booster I snagged from the bone yard is not good. I just ordered another one from Rock Auto. It still works good enough to stop the truck with less effort then with the manual brakes. I will take it for a wheel alignment tomorrow.

gulfcoast66 · 01-27-2017, 10:54 AM

Looking good, A big difference in stopping effort..

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-31-2017, 12:48 AM

I put my new power brake booster in today. Damn it stops quick but I think I need more bleeding as the pedal is a bit spongy. Probably on the back brakes.

**The Rocknrod** · 01-31-2017, 12:57 AM

Did you have to re-drill a hole in the brake pedal arm for the brake pushrod?

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-31-2017, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Did you have to re-drill a hole in the brake pedal arm for the brake pushrod?

Nope. I had to extend it though. I took pictures and will post them next time.

**The Rocknrod** · 02-13-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Nope. I had to extend it though. I took pictures and will post them next time.

Is it next time yet?

MASTERBrian · 02-13-2017, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Is it next time yet?

Doesn't look like it, but I'll wait patiently.....

GMDad · 03-05-2017, 01:23 PM

Wish I had known about that tie rod sleeve 15 years ago when I did my conversion. I used everything off of the 72 front end and had to redrill the mounting holes for the idler arm. Would have been good right from the get go if I hadn't installed the center link in backwards. Turned right good but no where near enough radius on the left turns. Took it to 4 different shops. First guy was an oval track racer but he didn't help, next 2 had new 4 wheel alignment machines no help. Last went to a front end shop that had an older mechanic. Drove it over the pit, spent 2 minutes looking at it and had it fixed and its worked excellent ever since.

**The Rocknrod** · 04-12-2017, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Nope. I had to extend it though. I took pictures and will post them next time.

Next time yet?

rvrfoot · 04-12-2017, 10:39 PM

Not yet.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 04-12-2017, 06:46 PM

sorry I still have not buttoned this up. Had to swap out the power brake booster as the one I had was shot. The new one has a different rod. Basically just had to use a coupler nut and some threaded rod. It extended the rod about 1 1/4". I still need to bleed the brakes more but I have had so much on my plate I have not been able to do that yet.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-02-2019, 05:32 PM

It's not next time yet.

Pontiacgurudan · 06-07-2019, 12:21 AM

I drilled a new hole 2" below the original and fabbed up an offset rod, the brakes will always feel spongy in the original hole as it's more leverage than you need with the power brakes. That's why the power brakes have the adapter on the firewall.

01-18-2017, 01:36 AM	#1
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Finally doing my disc brake swap About 15 years ago I bought new ball joints for a 75 c 10 front end. Well I finally used them. I swapped out my old ball joints to the newer ones so I could put on some spindles that I have had for about the same amount of time. They are stock height that I didn't use on my other truck. So I am using my 65 control arms with the later model spindles. I will be documenting as I go. I bought the tie rod sleeves that gives you two different sizes. I am just waiting for my new tie rod ends. One picture is of my old ball joints. I can't believe they were in such good condition. The uppers were still riveted on which leads me to believe they were factory. I am using a brake booster off of a 1974 chevy truck. I will need to lengthen the brake rod a bit. If anyone dose this I say just get Capt Fab's bracket. It will be easier. I already went this route so I am just going with it. I also ordered new rotors and calipers. I am not going to use these rusty worn out parts. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-18-2017, 01:38 AM	#2
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Just in time too. Looks like I was on borrowed time with this single pot master. Just a bit of leakage. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-18-2017, 02:34 AM	#3
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Nice !! Funny it took me forever to swap mine out too. Wish I did it sooner. __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

01-19-2017, 06:45 PM	#4
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap I got the tie rods in and installed. them. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-25-2017, 01:47 PM	#5
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Put all the new parts on and all bled out. I really need to work on my tube bending skills. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-25-2017, 01:54 PM	#6
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap That's cool, keep us posted on how they feel when driving. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

01-25-2017, 05:28 PM	#7
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Well they feel pretty good but the power brake booster I snagged from the bone yard is not good. I just ordered another one from Rock Auto. It still works good enough to stop the truck with less effort then with the manual brakes. I will take it for a wheel alignment tomorrow. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-27-2017, 10:54 AM	#8
gulfcoast66 64-66 CHEVY JUNKIE Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cypress ,Texas Posts: 1,516	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Looking good, A big difference in stopping effort.. __________________ 1966 C-10 Fleetside LWB, 350 Lt1 4l60-E 2008 Silverado Crew Cab, 4.8 4l60-E 1998 GMC Yukon 4x4 L-31 Vortec, 4l60-E 2017 GMC Serra 4x4 5.3 Vortec, 4l60-E Do It In A Chevrolet

01-31-2017, 12:48 AM	#9
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap I put my new power brake booster in today. Damn it stops quick but I think I need more bleeding as the pedal is a bit spongy. Probably on the back brakes. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-31-2017, 12:57 AM	#10
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Did you have to re-drill a hole in the brake pedal arm for the brake pushrod? __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

03-05-2017, 01:23 PM	#14
GMDad Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Caledonia Ont Posts: 137	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Wish I had known about that tie rod sleeve 15 years ago when I did my conversion. I used everything off of the 72 front end and had to redrill the mounting holes for the idler arm. Would have been good right from the get go if I hadn't installed the center link in backwards. Turned right good but no where near enough radius on the left turns. Took it to 4 different shops. First guy was an oval track racer but he didn't help, next 2 had new 4 wheel alignment machines no help. Last went to a front end shop that had an older mechanic. Drove it over the pit, spent 2 minutes looking at it and had it fixed and its worked excellent ever since.

04-12-2017, 10:39 PM	#16
rvrfoot Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: san bernardino ca Posts: 1,611	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap Not yet.

04-12-2017, 06:46 PM	#17
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap sorry I still have not buttoned this up. Had to swap out the power brake booster as the one I had was shot. The new one has a different rod. Basically just had to use a coupler nut and some threaded rod. It extended the rod about 1 1/4". I still need to bleed the brakes more but I have had so much on my plate I have not been able to do that yet. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

06-02-2019, 05:32 PM	#18
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap It's not next time yet. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

06-07-2019, 12:21 AM	#19
Pontiacgurudan Registered User Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Desoto mo Posts: 106	Re: Finally doing my disc brake swap I drilled a new hole 2" below the original and fabbed up an offset rod, the brakes will always feel spongy in the original hole as it's more leverage than you need with the power brakes. That's why the power brakes have the adapter on the firewall.



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