just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BoneSaw · 07-16-2015, 10:01 AM

Hey Guys,
New to this board as I've been on the Blazer/Jimmy threads for my 71 CST.
I just bought a 68 gmc 2500 that I am going to use to get building supplies up and down my mountain road for a cabin build. The motor and driveline are solid, with the 327 still quiet and full of power and the sm465 still shifting smoothly. The Brakes are bad and the rockers and cab corners need to be cut out and patch panneled.
I was wondering if its possible to convert the 4x4 front axle to disc brakes, or at the very least the best place to locate new drums and brake hardware?

I just bought the truck and haven't gotten the manual yet, do you guys know what axle the truck came with up front? Dana 60? any advice would be awesome! and Im sure to have more questions as dialogue progresses. Thanks!!!

dan42 · 07-16-2015, 10:21 AM

Don't know about the disc brakes but it seems they make conversions for just about everything anymore, and rear discs is no problem. You realize of course you are required to post pictures of your new rig. We are all photo whores.

**jocko** · 07-16-2015, 10:47 AM

Likely a D44 and a 71 or later k20 front axle swap will give you disks.

BoneSaw · 07-16-2015, 10:50 AM

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haha here ya go

BoneSaw · 07-16-2015, 10:52 AM

one more

BoneSaw · 07-16-2015, 11:01 AM

if i cant find a pretty straight forward kit to convert I think I will just redo the drum system. I haven't pulled the tires off yet, so I dont even know if they have ever been done. Ill see if the adjuster cog window is open. have you guys had luck having 47 year old drums turned sufficiently? Is LMC my best place for replacement hardware? I imagine the springs and adjusters have to be in bad shape.

BLAZERMAN · 07-16-2015, 01:23 PM

I don't believe they make a disc brake conversion kit for the closed knuckle Dana 44. Parts for that axle are getting hard to come by as well. If it were mine I would do a complete front axle swap to a 71 to 87 8 lug front axle, you'll get disc brakes and a much better turning radius. Just make sure to get one that has the same gear ratio as your rear. I know it sounds like a lot of unnecessary work but it's an easy swap and makes such a Big difference in the way your truck will steer and stop.... Especially If your driving mountain roads.

**57taskforce** · 07-16-2015, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazerman

i don't believe they make a disc brake conversion kit for the closed knuckle dana 44. Parts for that axle are getting hard to come by as well. If it were mine i would do a complete front axle swap to a 71 to 87 8 lug front axle, you'll get disc brakes and a much better turning radius. Just make sure to get one that has the same gear ratio as your rear. I know it sounds like a lot of unnecessary work but it's an easy swap and makes such a big difference in the way your truck will steer and stop.... Especially if your driving mountain roads.

+1

mx289 · 07-17-2015, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazerman

i don't believe they make a disc brake conversion kit for the closed knuckle dana 44. Parts for that axle are getting hard to come by as well. If it were mine i would do a complete front axle swap to a 71 to 87 8 lug front axle, you'll get disc brakes and a much better turning radius. Just make sure to get one that has the same gear ratio as your rear. I know it sounds like a lot of unnecessary work but it's an easy swap and makes such a big difference in the way your truck will steer and stop.... Especially if your driving mountain roads.

+2

SS Tim · 07-17-2015, 11:46 PM

Nice Truck!
If you do decide to replace the front axle assembly I'd be interested in the Selectro hubs.

In The Ten Ring · 07-18-2015, 01:33 AM

I just about need a utility bed for all the tools I carry with me. I'm thinking about starting a welding business. If I do, a truck like this is what I'll be looking for.

**68SWB4x4** · 07-18-2015, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mx289

+2

+3
I did the swap in my build thread

**special-K** · 07-18-2015, 07:59 AM

That truck is no big deal to me. It's just of of my ultimate dream trucks, that's all. Just a little handy.

The axle swap is easy. I would save the original pieces for historical reasons. Ya never know

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-18-2015, 08:17 AM

I like it a lot, you'll be able to plow that road in the winter too.

BoneSaw · 07-18-2015, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the advice! I found a 1ton Dana 60 with 4.56 gears, the po installed a 1ton 14bolt with 4.56s. Its out of a 84 1 ton dually, would that match up just as easily as and 8 lug Dana 44? Thanks in advance!
Posted via Mobile Device

**57taskforce** · 07-18-2015, 07:36 PM

Yup as far as i know it should be good to go. Thats an awesome choice!

07-16-2015, 10:01 AM	#1
BoneSaw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: golden, CO Posts: 55	just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Hey Guys, New to this board as I've been on the Blazer/Jimmy threads for my 71 CST. I just bought a 68 gmc 2500 that I am going to use to get building supplies up and down my mountain road for a cabin build. The motor and driveline are solid, with the 327 still quiet and full of power and the sm465 still shifting smoothly. The Brakes are bad and the rockers and cab corners need to be cut out and patch panneled. I was wondering if its possible to convert the 4x4 front axle to disc brakes, or at the very least the best place to locate new drums and brake hardware? I just bought the truck and haven't gotten the manual yet, do you guys know what axle the truck came with up front? Dana 60? any advice would be awesome! and Im sure to have more questions as dialogue progresses. Thanks!!! __________________ Paul "Mike" Tzareff

07-16-2015, 10:21 AM	#2
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Don't know about the disc brakes but it seems they make conversions for just about everything anymore, and rear discs is no problem. You realize of course you are required to post pictures of your new rig. We are all photo whores. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

07-16-2015, 10:47 AM	#3
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,985	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Likely a D44 and a 71 or later k20 front axle swap will give you disks.

07-16-2015, 10:50 AM	#4
BoneSaw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: golden, CO Posts: 55	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 haha here ya go __________________ Paul "Mike" Tzareff

07-16-2015, 10:52 AM	#5
BoneSaw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: golden, CO Posts: 55	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 one more Attached Images __________________ Paul "Mike" Tzareff

07-16-2015, 11:01 AM	#6
BoneSaw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: golden, CO Posts: 55	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 if i cant find a pretty straight forward kit to convert I think I will just redo the drum system. I haven't pulled the tires off yet, so I dont even know if they have ever been done. Ill see if the adjuster cog window is open. have you guys had luck having 47 year old drums turned sufficiently? Is LMC my best place for replacement hardware? I imagine the springs and adjusters have to be in bad shape. __________________ Paul "Mike" Tzareff

07-16-2015, 01:23 PM	#7
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,829	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 I don't believe they make a disc brake conversion kit for the closed knuckle Dana 44. Parts for that axle are getting hard to come by as well. If it were mine I would do a complete front axle swap to a 71 to 87 8 lug front axle, you'll get disc brakes and a much better turning radius. Just make sure to get one that has the same gear ratio as your rear. I know it sounds like a lot of unnecessary work but it's an easy swap and makes such a Big difference in the way your truck will steer and stop.... Especially If your driving mountain roads. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

07-17-2015, 11:46 PM	#10
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,507	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Nice Truck! If you do decide to replace the front axle assembly I'd be interested in the Selectro hubs. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

07-18-2015, 01:33 AM	#11
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 I just about need a utility bed for all the tools I carry with me. I'm thinking about starting a welding business. If I do, a truck like this is what I'll be looking for.

07-18-2015, 07:59 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 That truck is no big deal to me. It's just of of my ultimate dream trucks, that's all. Just a little handy. The axle swap is easy. I would save the original pieces for historical reasons. Ya never know __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-18-2015, 08:17 AM	#14
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,271	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 I like it a lot, you'll be able to plow that road in the winter too. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

07-18-2015, 06:18 PM	#15
BoneSaw Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: golden, CO Posts: 55	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Thanks for the advice! I found a 1ton Dana 60 with 4.56 gears, the po installed a 1ton 14bolt with 4.56s. Its out of a 84 1 ton dually, would that match up just as easily as and 8 lug Dana 44? Thanks in advance! Posted via Mobile Device

07-18-2015, 07:36 PM	#16
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,518	Re: just added to the collection...1968 GMC k2500 Yup as far as i know it should be good to go. Thats an awesome choice! __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s Last edited by 57taskforce; 07-18-2015 at 07:47 PM.



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