Disk brake upgrade probs

[wildwood]

OK guys, I got some axle shafts, spindles, rotors and such from a newer D44 (not exactly sure what year, probably 73-79). Everything bolts up rather nicely on my '70 GMC K10 except the calipers hit my knuckle. Does anyone know if the calipers from a '71 or 72 would fit? I see the part numbers are different for those years. Any other suggestions? I may be able to shave some metal off the edges of the calipers to make them fit but that might weaken them too much?

On a side note, I was pleased to see the larger u-joint axles fit in only I don't think the c-clip spot on the outer axle will fit if I have to go back to drums. Cheers.

[elk hunter]

you need disk brake knuckles too.

[poff]

I got my spindles, outter axles and caliper brackets off of a '79 Sub. I used stock '71 calipers with no problem. I kept my '70 knuckles. The outer shafts are slightly longer than the drum ones, the inners are the same. FYI you can use everything except the inner axles from a 10 bolt on a D44 for the conversion. 3/4 tons have larger diameter rotors, so the caliper brackets are also larger. if you put 3/4 ton caliper brackets on a 1/2 ton the calipers are the same but they will rub on 15" wheels. FYI you can get brand new caliper brackets from Dana.

[elk hunter]

that will work except that about 1/8'' of your edge of the brake pad will not be touching the rotor.

[wildwood]

Well, I wanted to keep the Flat top knuckles and didn't have the other knuckles so I ground a bunch of meat off the calipers. Hopefully everything remains OK! It stops way better than before so I'm happy so far. Just as long as it holds up. I'm fairly sure it'll be OK.

[poff]

Your calipers hit the knuckles not the wheel. I don't have that problem because I have a 3/4 ton. You should be able to use any year of front caliper for a K-10. Maybe some of the later ones have better clearance. But, if grinding worked, great.