6 lug disc kit from GMC Pauls?

[c10crazy]

Who has actually installed their kits?. If you did was there any thing you'd like to share as far as pointers?. I've never done a disc conversion and his uses stock tie rods, etc. so I'm assuming would be the easiest to work with.

[jimmydean]

I will start my install at some point this week. I just got my bag brackets yesterday, so I have everything.

I have never done one either, so it should be interesting. I have done some brake upgrades, but that's about it.

[c10crazy]

Are you planning to do any write up or take any pics by any chance????.

[jimmydean]

I will take as many pics as I can. I will try to do a write-up as well, but Classic Trucks did a good job here: Installing McGaughys Power Front Disc Brakes

[c10crazy]

That write up makes it look pretty doable. I have seen posts on here that said you have to do some grinding on the top of these drop spindles. That's why I was asking about the pointers in a write up. Little problems you encounter and fix would really help the future disc brake club members,lol. Good luck with the kit and keep us all posted. You know we love pics

[jimmydean]

The install was easy. The tough part was the tear down. My truck had 37 years of crap built up. I also replaced both lower ball joints while I was at it. I would have replaced everything, but I'm broke right now, so that will be next month when I decide if I want it lower than it is.

The best thing to do is get everything new and have it ready. The rent a pickle fork and ball joint press, that way you have it ready to go. If you replace everything, then you don't need to be carefull on the removal.

I'm not 100% done because I am still waiting on a lower ball joint. Nobody had them in stock, but Shucks had the best price at $25. They didn't have the press, so I got that at Autozone. If Autozone would have had it in stock, they wouls have matched the price.

Overall the install wasn't hard. The parts fit well and it's way easy to do.

[70c10]

Glad to hear it was easy!. I'm planning to do mine in about a month. I think my ball joints are are in good shape but I'll check before hand. So if your ball joints were in good shape there would be no need to rent the press, correct?. My buddy has a pickle fork. How many hours of labor should I expect per side???.

[jimmydean]

If all you're doing is drop spindles and discs, I would say an easy weekend, even easier if you have help. If you're not replacing the ball joints or tie rod ends, then the BFH method might be the way to go.

I am doing it myself and I'm trying to do bags at the same time. I've made way too many trips to the hardware store and I'm still missing 4 brass nipples. I'm also installing a power booster, so that is another step.

I thought it was a well put together setup. I like the idea of using all my '69 stuff too.

[70c10]

Cool, I'm hoping my ball joints and tie rods are ok. I will be adding a new master cylinder and prop valve also.

[68onbudget]

with this 6 lug kit is there any probs with aftermarket wheels like boyds?? 20x8.5

[jimmydean]

I wouldn't think so. As long as the back spacing and bolt spacing are correct, you should be fine. I was able to use my stock wheels (nice to not have to buy new wheels yet), but some of the earliers ones won't fit over the brakes.

If they fit on your drum setup now, you should be fine.

[68onbudget]

j.d they dont fit now they were off a 03 gmc full size, pattern the same but the center hole on the wheels are to small. hope i dont have to mod the rims for them to fit.

[jimmydean]

2" or so wheel spacer is what I was told. Not sure if that's enough to make up for the center hole difference, but is should, plus it corrects the shallow backspacing. I found a set on ebay for $70 a pair, free shipping on the second pair.

I planned on using them on a set of Escalade wheels later on.

[68onbudget]

dont you think that would look funny? do you have any pics of one with them on?

[jimmydean]

Here is a truck with Escalade wheels, 2" spacers and bags. I love this look, but my rig won't be this low.

<edit>The back spacing on newer wheels is different, that's why you need the spacer. ebay

[68onbudget]

Is that on the frt and rear ??

[jimmydean]

Yes, spacers front and rear. I have been told 2" for both, or 2" rear and 1.5" front. I was going to measure prior to ordering, but my stock wheels fit over the brakes, so it's a non-issue for me now.

[project76]

You need the spacer to fix the different offset of the newer style wheels or if you are still running drum brakes. Once you switch to the disk brake kit, the hub will fit inside your boyd wheels. Depending on the backspacing of the wheels, you may still have to run the spacers up front. You will need spacers out back too, unless you remove the axles and have the hub turned down.