Brake upgrades

[byates2]

I have a 67 C10 with front and rear manual drum brakes. It recently popped into my head to convert to front disc brakes and power brakes.
Classicparts.com sells kits to do this http://www.classicparts.com/1963-70-...info/71-978S6/

Has anyone done this? How hard would it be? And would i have to unbolt the a arms and the coil springs, because i replaced the coil springs in the front and i dont ever want to have to do that again.

[N2TRUX]

You will have to replace the spindle to do a disc brake conversion. You do not have to remove the coil spring to accomplish the job.

[tallic68]

Not to thread jack. But if you go from manual drum to power front disk and don't replace the proportioning valve will there be any problems?
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by byates2

I have a 67 C10 with front and rear manual drum brakes. It recently popped into my head to convert to front disc brakes and power brakes.
Classicparts.com sells kits to do this http://www.classicparts.com/1963-70-...info/71-978S6/

Has anyone done this? How hard would it be? And would i have to unbolt the a arms and the coil springs, because i replaced the coil springs in the front and i dont ever want to have to do that again.

That kit requires you to change the upper and lower balljoints,... plus,... the inner and outer tie rod ends.
It also has stock height 73-87 spindles.
I would consider a kit that allows you to use your original 67 balljoints and tie rod ends.
I consider that kit an out dated kit.
You can purchase "direct fit" spindles now.
Look at ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) for a better product.

Do you plan to lower your truck?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by tallic68

Not to thread jack.
But if you go from manual drum to power front disk and don't replace the proportioning valve will there be any problems?
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Yes.
The drum brake trucks didn't have a proportioning valve.
They were actually just a "distribution" block to direct the brake fluid to 4 different wheels.
You need a disc/drum prop. valve if you add disc brakes up front.

If you add rear disc brakes also,... you will need a disc/disc prop. valve.

[tallic68]

Thanks. Will there be a difference in the breaking ability of my truck when I install a proportioning valve?
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[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by tallic68

Thanks. Will there be a difference in the breaking ability of my truck when I install a proportioning valve?
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Yes.

Distribution valves don't balance the pressures required between disc & drum brakes. Disc brakes utilize a 70%F/30%R balance which requires something to adjust the pressure accordingly.

You can use a OE style prop valve or install an aftermarket adjustable prop valve to accomplish the different brake pressure bias.

[tallic68]

Thank you . Maybe I'll get the breaking ability I thought I would get after going to disk breaks when I change it out.
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[byates2]

Is it even worth it to spend the money on an upgrade to disks? i was thinking of just converting to power drums. The only reason im considering disk is because im doing a frame up rebuild of the whole truck and right now i dont have the front clip on so the whole suspension and engine bay is exposed. So im thinking this might be the best time to do it if i ever wanted to because of the access i have to everything.

I'm only 23 with limited knowledge, but ive learned so much from this project through trial and error. I love being able to say i built and payed for that myself. So now brakes are on my mind and next is the air conditioning system, i have my motor built and almost ready (383 stroker). Im just nervous about everything working out right

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by byates2

Is it even worth it to spend the money on an upgrade to disks?

Yes.
Way more important than adding A/C.
Adding a brake booster to drum brakes, (in my opinion) is a waste of money.
There are so many disc brake kits and other oem options, not adding them would be foolish.
If you've ever had to "panic stop" with drum brakes,... you would understand.

[byates2]

Ok then definantly i will. I dont want to drop the truck, i just want to upgrade the system. I just want to stick with the six lug cuz i dont have tires if i convert to disks and a 5 lug system

And yes i have had to panic stop and it didnt work cuz the reason why i'm building this truck from frame up is because some lady pulled out in front of me and i smashed into her, i skidded a good 15 to 20 feet

[Tx Firefighter]

First thing I do to any truck I build is disc brakes. They are the single best improvement you can make, followed by HEI ignition.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

First thing I do to any truck I build is disc brakes. They are the single best improvement you can make, followed by HEI ignition.

I agree!
#3 on that list of improvements would be adding a front sway bar.
Most noticeable improvement with the least amount of money spent!

[68Mike]

I've also been pondering this same question. Any idea what it would cost to go from drum/drum to disc/drum.
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[lolife99]

Less than $500
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