Disc Brake Conversion Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tejanopirate · 01-27-2020, 05:37 PM

Howdy everyone .

I'm converting the brakes on my '62 to disc brakes all the way around.

On the front driver's side, we removed the old spindle, but the lower A-arm won't come back up high enough to allow the new spindle to be put on. The new spindle is about 7/8" longer, so I am not understanding why things aren't bolting back up. Could it be an issue with the torsion bar? If so, is there a way to make it all mate back up. When I put a jack under the lower A-arm, it raises that whole side of the truck.

Thank you in advance,

Nate

AcampoDave · 01-27-2020, 08:55 PM

I'd say the preload on the torsion bar is causing it all right. Even coil spring front ends need the spring compressed to safely bolt up a spindle.

**Steeveedee** · 01-27-2020, 10:13 PM

Having somebody sit on the fender to bring it down is an easy way. You could of course loosen the tension bolt on the torsion bar. It'll have to be aligned when you're done anyway, so you really don't lose anything either way.

**slepysal** · 01-28-2020, 10:33 PM

When I did mine I loosened the t bars (removed the tension) and placed a floor jack under the control arm to bring it up. hope this helps

tejanopirate · 01-29-2020, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

When I did mine I loosened the t bars (removed the tension) and placed a floor jack under the control arm to bring it up. hope this helps

That's what we've ended up doing so far. I seriously need to post pics of this. I bought the truck for my kids in my auto shop class to work on as a group.

Have a 327 that I bought from a neighbor (came from a '66 C20) that's currently at a race engine shop up here and is getting mag'd, etc. They're also ordering the rebuild kit for the kids and I to rebuild before we put it in the truck.

Wife's losing her mind as I buy parts.... but I'm happy.... and my students are too.

Life is pretty good.

Oh, and finally got a name for the truck..... Spoiled Milk

verdell · 01-29-2020, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

When I did mine I loosened the t bars (removed the tension) and placed a floor jack under the control arm to bring it up. hope this helps

Did it this way on both my '61 and my '60...

01-27-2020, 05:37 PM	#1
tejanopirate Registered User Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Georgetown, CA Posts: 13	Disc Brake Conversion Question Howdy everyone . I'm converting the brakes on my '62 to disc brakes all the way around. On the front driver's side, we removed the old spindle, but the lower A-arm won't come back up high enough to allow the new spindle to be put on. The new spindle is about 7/8" longer, so I am not understanding why things aren't bolting back up. Could it be an issue with the torsion bar? If so, is there a way to make it all mate back up. When I put a jack under the lower A-arm, it raises that whole side of the truck. Thank you in advance, Nate

01-27-2020, 08:55 PM	#2
AcampoDave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: central California Posts: 2,778	Re: Disc Brake Conversion Question I'd say the preload on the torsion bar is causing it all right. Even coil spring front ends need the spring compressed to safely bolt up a spindle.

01-27-2020, 10:13 PM	#3
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,698	Re: Disc Brake Conversion Question Having somebody sit on the fender to bring it down is an easy way. You could of course loosen the tension bolt on the torsion bar. It'll have to be aligned when you're done anyway, so you really don't lose anything either way. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

01-28-2020, 10:33 PM	#4
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Disc Brake Conversion Question When I did mine I loosened the t bars (removed the tension) and placed a floor jack under the control arm to bring it up. hope this helps __________________ 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... "



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