Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread

[onebad65c10]

If I missed this answer in the thread I appologize for re asking. I have a 65 C-10 that I am looking to do a 4 wheel disc brake swap on. I was wondering is there a way to apply 99-07 silverado brakes to the front. I have a 05 Silverado Z71 and recentley changed the front brakes and was looking at the rotor and caliper as a cheaper big brake kit for my 65. 12 or 13 rotors and dual piston caliper. I see that the ball joints are different orientation on the newer truck. Just thought I'd ask the collective mind here.

Thanks,
Phil

[frog65]

Is there a fix for the caliper line up

[Captainfab]

Some machine work maybe, but that would amount to $$$. It would likely be cheaper to just purchase the aftermarket rotors.

Originally Posted by frog65

Is there a fix for the caliper line up

[Captainfab]

I'm not familiar with the newer 2wd trucks as about 99% of them here are 4wd. That said, I'm thinking you may have to do something similar to what the guy in this thread did.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633734

But then maybe the 2wd's don't use the unit bearing hub?

Originally Posted by onebad65c10

If I missed this answer in the thread I appologize for re asking. I have a 65 C-10 that I am looking to do a 4 wheel disc brake swap on. I was wondering is there a way to apply 99-07 silverado brakes to the front. I have a 05 Silverado Z71 and recentley changed the front brakes and was looking at the rotor and caliper as a cheaper big brake kit for my 65. 12 or 13 rotors and dual piston caliper. I see that the ball joints are different orientation on the newer truck. Just thought I'd ask the collective mind here.

Thanks,
Phil

[HackJob65]

For those of you interested in stock height spindle disc brakes with over the counter parts I had an 88-98 6lug rotor and bearings just to see what fits what and it would be possible to run this rotor with a machined bushing for the outer bearing and a fabrica
ted bracket for the caliper and to clarify although this rotor and bearings fit the 71-87 spindle the rotor disc itself sits .460 thousands further outboard than the correct 5 lug rotor.

[Captainfab]

I verified that a few years ago. A guy might be able to make the rotors work on CPP's modular spindles and fabricate a bracket to align the caliper with the rotor. But those are dropped spindles, not stock height.

Originally Posted by HackJob65

For those of you interested in stock height spindle disc brakes with over the counter parts I had an 88-98 6lug rotor and bearings just to see what fits what and it would be possible to run this rotor with a machined bushing for the outer bearing and a fabrica
ted bracket for the caliper and to clarify although this rotor and bearings fit the 71-87 spindle the rotor disc itself sits .460 thousands further outboard than the correct 5 lug rotor.

[thefalconer_88]

Will the "spindle and just changing the ball joints" method work for a 63 c20? or will I need to go further with control arms and/or the whole cross member? Thanks for all the info so far!

[Captainfab]

I have not done this but another forum member claims that you can use the '73-'87 C20 lower balljoints on the '63-'66 C20 lower control arms if you open up the holes in the control arms slightly. Otherwise you will have to change the entire crossmember if you need to change the control arms.

Originally Posted by thefalconer_88

Will the "spindle and just changing the ball joints" method work for a 63 c20? or will I need to go further with control arms and/or the whole cross member? Thanks for all the info so far!

[Mistercates]

Just put what i think is an 86 xmember on my 66, down to putting the 86 drag link and tie rods on , if I understand correctly I have to drill new holes for the idler arm bracket. My question is how do I measure the frame to know where to drill? Thanks in advance!

Also, CapFab I am going to need one of those power steering adapters you make.

[Captainfab]

To find the location for the new idler arm, the draglink needs to be parallel to both the suspension crossmember and the bottom of the frame. This is of course with the opposite end connected to the pitman arm.

I will send you a PM with ordering and payment info.

[nuc_meltdown]

I know it's been said a few times, but this is wonderful and I appreciate the time invested. My only question is whether or not $300 is a fair price for everything that's been listed that is needed from the donor truck? Lol. Thanks!

[Captainfab]

That is going to depend on the condition of the parts and if you are talking about rotor to rotor, all steering linkage and the steering box. Also prices vary a bit between different areas of the country. To me for it to be worth $300.00 all would need to be in decent condition.

Originally Posted by nuc_meltdown

I know it's been said a few times, but this is wonderful and I appreciate the time invested. My only question is whether or not $300 is a fair price for everything that's been listed that is needed from the donor truck? Lol. Thanks!

[nuc_meltdown]

I am still missing somewhere(or just understanding what i'm reading) in this thread about updating the rear to disc and 5 lug like the front. I've got my crayon and am ready to write it down. lol! I apologize, i've never attempted this type of mod before.

Oh and I'm gonna try and hold out for a newer front xmember. The guys parts were older and rough. Thanks!

[Captainfab]

If your truck currently has a 12 bolt, you can purchase 5 lug conversion axles and then one of the 3 rear disc brake conversion bracket sets that I make for the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern. Another option would be to find a 12 bolt from a '71-'72 C10 which will be a direct bolt in, into a '63-'66 C10. The '63 & '64's will require a panhard bar modification. A third option is a '73-'82 12 bolt or '79-'86 10 bolt from a C10 or a '87-'91 10 bolt from a R1500. The '71-'91 differentials will be 1.5" wider than your current differential. My 5 x 5 rear disc brackets will work on any of the above.

Originally Posted by nuc_meltdown

I am still missing somewhere(or just understanding what i'm reading) in this thread about updating the rear to disc and 5 lug like the front. I've got my crayon and am ready to write it down. lol! I apologize, i've never attempted this type of mod before.

Oh and I'm gonna try and hold out for a newer front xmember. The guys parts were older and rough. Thanks!

[nuc_meltdown]

Excellent!! That made it clear for me. Thanks again.

[Captainfab]

I forgot to mention that with the '63 & '64 12 bolts, you will need to change to 30 spline spider gears if you go with aftermarket conversion axles.

[nuc_meltdown]

Got it. I assume neither is superior to the other, but more about what you can find and the shape it's in?

[Captainfab]

For most usage either a 10 bolt or 12 bolt will be fine. It's more of what you can find and it's condition.

Originally Posted by nuc_meltdown

Got it. I assume neither is superior to the other, but more about what you can find and the shape it's in?

[tommymiller090106]

Can anyone tell me I have a 67 c10 and it has two and a half inch drop spindles on it 6 lug I like to change it to 5 lug do I have to change the spindle as well or can I just buy a new hub

[Captainfab]

All you need is to go to your local auto parts supplier and get a pair of '73-'87 C10 1.25" thick rotors, bearings and seals..

[Ghost's68]

Question, I have a 68 with 73+ HD disc conversion. Upper and lower control arms are still 68. I ordered the ECE drop kit with the73+ HD spindles. Do I use the 68 upper and lower ball joints?

Ive been reading like crazy trying to find out. TIA

[Lalo831]

Originally Posted by Ghost's68

Question, I have a 68 with 73+ HD disc conversion. Upper and lower control arms are still 68. I ordered the ECE drop kit with the73+ HD spindles. Do I use the 68 upper and lower ball joints?

Ive been reading like crazy trying to find out. TIA

I beleive you're supposed to use the ball joint that matches the spindles. so 73 and up ball joints

[Captainfab]

That is correct. You need the '73-'87 balljoints for the '73-'87 spindles. You will also likely need to change your outer tierods.

[Ghost's68]

Originally Posted by Lalo831

I beleive you're supposed to use the ball joint that matches the spindles. so 73 and up ball joints

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That is correct. You need the '73-'87 balljoints for the '73-'87 spindles. You will also likely need to change your outer tierods.

Will all the other steering parts interchange though? I didn't think they do. Here's what I'm working with

[Captainfab]

I don't know about mixing and matching, but the entire '73-'87 steering linkage will bolt right up. That way the tierods fit the spindles and all the steering components are of the same vintage. That makes it easy when to remember when you need replacement parts later on.