66 k10 4x4 disc brake/power steering conversion

[66_k10_manny]

I found a brake/booster from a 94 blazer, they didnt have the 97 anymore. I noticed the proportioning valve had the additional lines for the ABS. Am i just going to plug these ports and still be able to use the booster? Also, I'm going to be needing that adapter plate, could you send me the info on ordering one. Im pretty sure I understood you technique on using my stock rag joint, drilling it out and welding it back, so i'll hold off on your flange for now.

[Captainfab]

Yes you can just disconnect the proportioning valve from all the lines. I can't remember the exact plumbing layout, but you might be able to use the lines that go from the master cylinder to the prop valve. I'll send you a PM on purchasing the adapter plate.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

I found a brake/booster from a 94 blazer, they didnt have the 97 anymore. I noticed the proportioning valve had the additional lines for the ABS. Am i just going to plug these ports and still be able to use the booster? Also, I'm going to be needing that adapter plate, could you send me the info on ordering one. Im pretty sure I understood you technique on using my stock rag joint, drilling it out and welding it back, so i'll hold off on your flange for now.

[66_k10_manny]

I found this brake line diagram. I think it will work for my application. Im probably gonna use a brake line kit and make my own for the line that go from the proportioning valve to my existing. Saw that some used the kits from Jegs, theyre significantly cheaper than the ones I shopped for on summit racing. Any body have any feedback on these kits from jegs?

[66_k10_manny]

Brake question - just picked up a new proportioning valve from summit. Do I have to run a bigger diameter lines to the front disc brakes than the rear? Heard that disc brakes will require more fluid to properly operate.

[msgross]

I think they are all the same... they will get more pressure than the rear... not sure though. Look at a stock 70's truck.

[Captainfab]

A disc/drum brake system from the factory used 3/16" lines from the proportioning valve to the front hoses. Then a 1/4" linefrom the proportioning valve to the hose that drops down to the rear differential. Then from the 'Tee' at the end of the hose the lines to the rear wheel cylinders were 3/16"

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Brake question - just picked up a new proportioning valve from summit. Do I have to run a bigger diameter lines to the front disc brakes than the rear? Heard that disc brakes will require more fluid to properly operate.

[66_k10_manny]

Captainfab
Having trouble locating where to mount your plate. The reference points on the instructions look to be different on my frame. The oblong hole on my frame looks to be in a different location and of course my suspension is different from the 2wd so I don't have the front suspension crossmember. Any advice?

[Captainfab]

Well, let me take some measurements at the shop tomorrow, and I'll get back to you.

[Captainfab]

OK, I did some measuring today on my '69 K20 frame between rain storms. Since the '69 had power steering from the factory, and I believe the frame to be nearly identical to yours, I figured that would provide some good measurements for your installation. I'll post up the pics I took, but I couldn't get a pic of the lower bolt location. You will likely have to remove the bumper brace on that side , at least until you get the box in place. The radiator support bracket on the '69 appears to be farther rearward than on the '63-'66's.

Measuring from the front of the bumpstop bracket to the center of the top rear bolt, it is 11 1/16". Measuring from the front of the bumpstop bracket again, but to the center of the lower rear bolt, it is 10 3/16"

Give that a try and let me know how that looks. It might be a good idea to get your new front differential in place, and the draglink mocked up before you finalize the steering box location. I'm reasonably certain these measurements will work

[66_k10_manny]

Thanks for the info. I'll try it with these new measurements, I already have my new differential mounted so that will help. i'll post some pics of my progress.

[66_k10_manny]

Captianfab - thanks for the additional help.

I've got my axle, steering box and new custom made brake lines installed. Starting to work on mounting my P/S pump. One little problem. . . I cant get my steering gear box to travel the full range between right/left. When I turn it to its max range in either direction it stops just a bit short. I adjusted the linkage so that it would travel evenly between both sides. Is their any way to get it to travel just a bit more? The adjustment screw on the top only adjust the free play, right?

[Captainfab]

Are you trying to get more movement out of the steering box? If so there isn't any way to get more movement out of the steering box. The stud and nut on the top will not do that. Are the knuckles on the front differential hitting on the stops there?

Looks good BTW.

[66_k10_manny]

Both sides are stopping about 1/2 inch short of the stops.

[Captainfab]

Hmmmm The only way I can think of to increase the amount of turn at the wheels is to lengthen either the pitman arm, or the steering arm on the differential. Are you using the steering arm that came on the disc brake differential?

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Both sides are stopping about 1/2 inch short of the stops.

[66_k10_manny]

Its only about 1/2 in both directions, I guess I can't complain. Yes I used the steering arm from the 78 axle.

[Captainfab]

Did you happen to check the front diff when it was in the other truck to see if it was going to the stops? If not you might be able to tell by the looks of the area where the stops touch.

[66_k10_manny]

No I didn't check before I took it off the blazer, but it's definetely the steering box that's maxing out and not the diff. The diff had it's full range before I connected it to the box. I guess I'll just live with the way it is. It's gonna feel like day and night anyways after installing the disc brakes and ps. I mounted my booster/ mc yesterday and you bracket fit just fine. I'm making all my own brake lines next. . . It's a work in progress.

[66_k10_manny]

Problem. . . .the pulleys I got from the blazer dont seem to work with my 283. The crank pulley is different and the one from the water pump will work since I put a long water pump on it now but the configuration of the holes for my fan are different. The easiest way I think to be able to mount my ps pump is to switch back to my original short water pump, keep all my stock pulleys and find a bracket for my ps pump. Was there a year motor when there was power steering in combination with a short water pump?

[msgross]

There are three different pump pulley's with different offsets (maybe more). I would start seacrhing every 70's GM vehicle in the boneyard and pull a few pumps, I bet that most have the same size shaft...

[Captainfab]

Yes there was power steering available on the '63-'66 trucks, but it may be easier to find the pump, pulleys and brackets from a '67-'72 truck. The short water pump was used on small block trucks thru '72. You might check out the '67-'72 classifieds here on the board, there are often PS setups for sale over there. The passenger cars '68 and older used the short water pump also. The long water pumps had a larger bolt pattern on the flange that some of the original short pumps, as well as a larger shaft. However some of the short pumps has both bolt patterns.

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

Problem. . . .the pulleys I got from the blazer dont seem to work with my 283. The crank pulley is different and the one from the water pump will work since I put a long water pump on it now but the configuration of the holes for my fan are different. The easiest way I think to be able to mount my ps pump is to switch back to my original short water pump, keep all my stock pulleys and find a bracket for my ps pump. Was there a year motor when there was power steering in combination with a short water pump?

[66_k10_manny]

found a p/s bracket from summit racing thats made for a short water pump. if that works, ill be able to keep all my stock pulleys and fan. waiting for it in the mail along with my brake line kit. . .

[66_k10_manny]

I got my power steering pump from a 86 Blazer. Does anybody know if if thats a Saginaw P series pump?

[Captainfab]

I'm pretty sure that would be the P series pump

[msgross]

look it up on rockauto.com... might have the code

[66_k10_manny]

I've got my new brake lines installed. . . however, I went to start bleeding the system and a couple of the new lines are leaking from where the 1/4" line goes into the fitting. I removed one of the lines and compared the double flares I did and they look identical to the original GM lines. Why would they be leaking? I read some other threads talking about 37* and 45* flares Are they talking about degrees? I used a Craftsman flare kit.