disc brake conversion Costs

[kieth]

Here is what I have discovered as my builds have progressed :

I originally purchased a 1/2 ton 2 wd 91 burb, I used the front crossmember with my 6 cylinder springs, ordered all the front end parts from Rock auto and rebuilt the whole thing for $150.00 in parts so lets say I bought the front end only and did the same thing

$200.00 front crossmember
$150.00 rebuild front end parts total cost $350.00 5x5 lug pattern good solid front end.

If you were going to drop your truck you would still need the front end but would spend an additional $260.00 with freight for spindles. $ 610.00



If you are going to lower the front end one could just round up the parts and use your stock crossmember purchase 73-87 lower A arms + the drop spindles as shown below. You do not have to do the crossmember swap in this example:

$260.00 2.5" drop spindles with freight
$ 36.00 for 2 new disc brake calipers at O'reileys
$ 80.00 for 2 new disc brake rotors with hubs 5 x 5
$ 60.00 New wheel bearings both sides (estimate)
$ 16.00 New bolts for the disc calipers
$ 20.00 pair of used disc brake dust covers
$ 40.00 Used lower A arms 73-87 or 91 burb
$150.00 rebuild front end parts $ 662.00


You still of course will need a vacuum brake booster and master cylinder


SUMMARY OF COSTS:

Crossmember Cost : $350.00 (might still need new brakes)

Crossmember + drop spindles: $610.00 " "

Drop spindles/new parts : $662.00 " "

Purchase kits online for ? $_______

I am sure I missed some things but it can be a guide..........or starting point

ps when I used the $200.00 crossmember cost it is just a estimate, if you buy a complete donor vehicle cheap enough the cost of course is less.

You still of course need power steering pump and gear, pitman arm, vacuum brake booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve....Kieth

[lolife99]

Great comparison.
Your $200 front crossmember could be purchased even cheaper.
(I scrapped two complete disc brake crossmember assemblies,... because I couldn't sell them for $50 each)

Year specific drop spindles will save you a little money when it comes to the steering parts.
This allows you to use your original center link and original style tie rods.
(no need to purchase $50 tie rod conversion sleeves)

You think the same way as I do.
Most parts need to be replaced.
Disassemble, inspect, and rebuild either your front suspension or a donor suspension.
There isn't really too much I like to re-use.
Even the master cylinder needs to be replaced with new.
A used proportioning valve can be re-used.

I don't think 73-87 a-arms are a must.
You can re-build your stock 60-72 arms.
But,... 73-87 rebuild parts like cross shafts, bushings, and ball joints, might be so much cheaper than the earlier parts,... that they will pay for the better rubber bushed 73-87 a-arms.

Donor vehicles DO save money.
You get all the P/S parts, brackets, hoses, etc.
(plus bolts, nuts etc)

[kieth]

thanks, since I am getting ready to do another build I thought writing down the costs would help me decide which way to go. Wish I could find some of those $50.00 crossmembers.
I am in the process of installing rebuilt components power steering pump, steering sector, vacbrake booster and master cyclinder...if you have cores these things are pretty inexpensive will update this thread after I buy some junk cores and get my
$111.00 steering sector core deposit
$ ?? brake booster deposit
$11.00 power steering pump deposit..... couldn't find my receipt