1965 4x4 Front Drum to Disc Conversion

[coach3bilz]

Newbie here. I have been looking and looking for information on converting the front drum brakes to disc brakes on my 1965 K10 (1534) truck, and am seeing posts for C10 trucks. Is there a difference? Does anyone have any info or can point me in the right direction for this conversion on a 4x4 truck? Parts list? Etc. Is it even possible? Thanks!

[Nanook]

It is definitely possible, but it does require some machining of the spindles.

There is a member on the forum that has done the conversion...try doing a search.

[61K10]

no need to machine anything. It's all in my build at the end.

[coach3bilz]

Thanks for the quick reply fella's! 61K10, I will look up your post now.

[Captainfab]

You can also just change the entire front differental with one that has the same gear ratio.

[coach3bilz]

Captain, Are you meaning to swap out the whole axle to one with disc brakes already installed?

[61K10]

Yes as the capt said, especially if you want power steering. If you want just disc brakes find one anyway and use the parts on your closed knuckle as you need new/used open knuckle spindles and hubs. If you want to use the stock needle bearings in the spindle you will need to turn down the outer axles bearing surface. I replaced mine with a bronze bush like the org closed knuckle spindle. New brake lines will be needed also.

[Nanook]

Be aware that the open knuckle axles are a few inches wider than the closed knuckle.

[coach3bilz]

Ok. The plan is to upgrade to front disc brakes, add brake power booster and split the break lines (front/rear) with a new master cylinder, and add power steering.

Whats the best approach? I already have PS brackets from Captain...need to get the PB bracket.

Sorry for the questions.....I am not a mechanic. My son turns 16 in a year and a half and this will be his truck for a couple years, then it'll be his younger brothers for a couple more. We are just starting into it. Huge learning curve here!!!

So, THANK YOU!!!!

[Nanook]

That's what the forum is here for...so ask away we all have lots to offer and learn.

[Captainfab]

If you have limited mechanical experience, I would suggest just changing the entire front differential as I mentioned above. If you wanted to take a ~200 mile trip, I have a front and rear differential set with 3.42 gears.

[coach3bilz]

Well, I'll be taking the 292 to S and J Engines in Spokane for a rebuild in the next few months and you are just a stone's throw from there. I sent you an email. I am interested in the set. Thanks!

[Captainfab]

Yeah, I'm probably 35-40 miles from S&J.

I replied to your email.

Originally Posted by coach3bilz

Well, I'll be taking the 292 to S and J Engines in Spokane for a rebuild in the next few months and you are just a stone's throw from there. I sent you an email. I am interested in the set. Thanks!