64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KIC · 07-05-2009, 11:47 PM

My next door neighbor has a 64 GMC 4X4 Suburban that he would like to convert to front disc brakes. Has anybody completed this without replacing the front axle ?

How about adding a brake booster to a 64 4X4 ? Any issues?

Thanks.

**Captainfab** · 07-06-2009, 12:44 AM

Is it a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

I'm not positive on this, but I think the spindles are different from the closed knuckle Dana 44's to the open 44's. If so you'll need to find the disc brakes from a '69-'70 or so dana 44 with disc's. Hopefully someone will chime in that can verify that.

It would probably be easier to just switch the complete front differential. You'd just have to make sure to get the correct gear ratio. I don't know about in your area, but around here you just about have to give away a '70's vintage 1/2 ton Dana 44

As for the brake booster, that's easy with the bracket that I sell (see link in sig)

62 short step · 07-06-2009, 07:47 AM

I have heard of a kit for the 3/4 ton closed knuckle axle, but nothing for the 1/2 ton. When I did mine I just changed the axle, it was the easiest thing to do.

fixie · 07-06-2009, 05:23 PM

I found one for the 1/2 ton a while back but it was like $1100.00 Dont recall where i found it

joe231 · 07-06-2009, 05:59 PM

I did some research on this awhile back for the wife's uncle....all signs pointed to a front axle swap.

KIC · 07-06-2009, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the info. It is a 1/2-Ton with the original axles.

If you changed the front axle would you have to change the rear axle to a matching "type"( manufacturer) of axle or could you just change the rear pumkin to match the gearing of the front?

How much "improvement" would adding a brake booster add to the braking of these beasts ?

62 short step · 07-06-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIC

Thanks for the info. It is a 1/2-Ton with the original axles.

If you changed the front axle would you have to change the rear axle to a matching "type"( manufacturer) of axle or could you just change the rear pumkin to match the gearing of the front?

How much "improvement" would adding a brake booster add to the braking of these beasts ?

If you change the front make sure it has the same gear ratio as the back. When I did mine i added a power brake booster also, you would not believe the difference it makes. Its like day and night!!

duallyjams · 07-07-2009, 06:37 AM

Front axle swap is the best and economical way to convert to disc brakes.70 to 87 all have disc and will fit your friends truck.On the power booster I would use captain fab bracket.

70 Suburban · 07-07-2009, 12:30 PM

I have an axle from my 72 blazer. Leme know. And you can flip the bracket for the booser upside down on our trucks looks clean and bolts up.

07-05-2009, 11:47 PM	#1
KIC 1960 GMC Burb Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 385	64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion My next door neighbor has a 64 GMC 4X4 Suburban that he would like to convert to front disc brakes. Has anybody completed this without replacing the front axle ? How about adding a brake booster to a 64 4X4 ? Any issues? Thanks. __________________ 1960 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton V-6 2nd generation original owner 60 Burb Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1960+Suburban 60 to 66 Burbs only Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=burbs 2003 Tahoe LT

07-06-2009, 12:44 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion Is it a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? I'm not positive on this, but I think the spindles are different from the closed knuckle Dana 44's to the open 44's. If so you'll need to find the disc brakes from a '69-'70 or so dana 44 with disc's. Hopefully someone will chime in that can verify that. It would probably be easier to just switch the complete front differential. You'd just have to make sure to get the correct gear ratio. I don't know about in your area, but around here you just about have to give away a '70's vintage 1/2 ton Dana 44 As for the brake booster, that's easy with the bracket that I sell (see link in sig) __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

07-06-2009, 07:47 AM	#3
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion I have heard of a kit for the 3/4 ton closed knuckle axle, but nothing for the 1/2 ton. When I did mine I just changed the axle, it was the easiest thing to do. __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20

07-06-2009, 05:23 PM	#4
fixie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Swartz Creek Michigan Posts: 19	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion I found one for the 1/2 ton a while back but it was like $1100.00 Dont recall where i found it __________________ If it Aint broke tear it apart anyway

07-06-2009, 05:59 PM	#5
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion I did some research on this awhile back for the wife's uncle....all signs pointed to a front axle swap. __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

07-06-2009, 06:57 PM	#6
KIC 1960 GMC Burb Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 385	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion Thanks for the info. It is a 1/2-Ton with the original axles. If you changed the front axle would you have to change the rear axle to a matching "type"( manufacturer) of axle or could you just change the rear pumkin to match the gearing of the front? How much "improvement" would adding a brake booster add to the braking of these beasts ? __________________ 1960 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton V-6 2nd generation original owner 60 Burb Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1960+Suburban 60 to 66 Burbs only Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=burbs 2003 Tahoe LT

07-07-2009, 06:37 AM	#8
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion Front axle swap is the best and economical way to convert to disc brakes.70 to 87 all have disc and will fit your friends truck.On the power booster I would use captain fab bracket. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

07-07-2009, 12:30 PM	#9
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion I have an axle from my 72 blazer. Leme know. And you can flip the bracket for the booser upside down on our trucks looks clean and bolts up. __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

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