The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1960 - 1966 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-25-2021, 03:50 AM   #1
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Considering the front end, doing the control arm bushings, ball joints and new springs. I got to thinking what it would cost to do this, and wondering if I would be better off just spending $900 for the disc brake conversion. I could probably save money by just keeping the drums, but then I have to deal with the hassle of adjusting brakes.
I know I could convert to 5 lug, but I don’t want to have a different wheel for the rear. The rear is a 12 bolt 8 lug, so my plan is to keep it 8 lug all the way around.

What would you guys do?

BTW, I am also planning on adding power steering.
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2021, 04:55 AM   #2
The Rocknrod
Moderator

 
The Rocknrod's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: China Spring, TX
Posts: 7,280
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Some good info on this thread people have done - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=523620
And here's a guy who did the cross member conversion - https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/s.../fromsearch/1/
A conversion kit - https://www.classicparts.com/1963-70...fo/71%2D978S8/
Some more good info on an 8 lug conversion - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461537

Last edited by The Rocknrod; 01-25-2021 at 05:02 AM.
The Rocknrod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2021, 11:00 AM   #3
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

I would inspect the control arm shafts for excessive wear. If there is, rebuild as needed & use 71-87 disc brakes.

The swap is similar to the C10 disc brake conversions.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod
64SWB-Recycle
89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck
99CCSWB Driver
All Fleetsides
@rattlecankustoms in IG

Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2021, 08:45 PM   #4
LostMy65
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
 
LostMy65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,530
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

I got a disc brake crossmember off of a 79 3/4 ton and rolled my whole 66 crossmember out and then rolled the 79 one in.
__________________
I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650

66 C20 Service Truck:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035
LostMy65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2021, 09:18 PM   #5
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by LostMy65 View Post
I got a disc brake crossmember off of a 79 3/4 ton and rolled my whole 66 crossmember out and then rolled the 79 one in.
Is that the only way to do it? No way to use the existing stuff, like the control arms? And just get the spindles and rotors, calipers off a newer truck?
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2021, 10:40 PM   #6
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Asshat View Post
Is that the only way to do it? No way to use the existing stuff, like the control arms? And just get the spindles and rotors, calipers off a newer truck?
Either way. The complete x-member swap or just the required brake specific/update required stuff can get it done.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod
64SWB-Recycle
89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck
99CCSWB Driver
All Fleetsides
@rattlecankustoms in IG

Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 01:31 PM   #7
LostMy65
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
 
LostMy65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,530
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

It's whatever you think will be the route you want to go to get discs. I personally just wanted everything under there to be 73+ stuff.
__________________
I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650

66 C20 Service Truck:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035
LostMy65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 02:42 PM   #8
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by LostMy65 View Post
It's whatever you think will be the route you want to go to get discs. I personally just wanted everything under there to be 73+ stuff.
I understand the concept of wanting to change the entire front assembly, I just don’t really have the room. It would be easier for me to just change the components and maybe add power steering at the same time.
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 04:05 PM   #9
LostMy65
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
 
LostMy65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,530
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Asshat View Post
I understand the concept of wanting to change the entire front assembly, I just don’t really have the room. It would be easier for me to just change the components and maybe add power steering at the same time.
However you get there, power disc brakes is a great upgrade.
__________________
I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650

66 C20 Service Truck:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035
LostMy65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 04:09 PM   #10
Steeveedee
Who Changed This?
 
Steeveedee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,693
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

The lower ball joints are different between the years, and the tie rods are different sizes. If you roll in a late-model setup, when you need parts you will know what you have. It's not a big deal to take the part in and get one if you know where it came from. You might try some of the aftermarket companies like Scarebird that make a setup that uses your old spindles. Someone on here may make parts, too. Maybe @CaptainFab? You'd still be rebuilding your original front end if you went that way. It is also possible that the donor truck (if that is the way you went) would need all those ball joints and other parts, as well.
__________________
~Steven

'70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper

Simi Valley, CA
Steeveedee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 04:20 PM   #11
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steeveedee View Post
The lower ball joints are different between the years, and the tie rods are different sizes. If you roll in a late-model setup, when you need parts you will know what you have. It's not a big deal to take the part in and get one if you know where it came from. You might try some of the aftermarket companies like Scarebird that make a setup that uses your old spindles. Someone on here may make parts, too. Maybe @CaptainFab? You'd still be rebuilding your original front end if you went that way. It is also possible that the donor truck (if that is the way you went) would need all those ball joints and other parts, as well.
I did check if I could use my existing front end - there is a local company that will take my spindles and trun them down so I can fit rotors, etc. However, the cost is $900; that's just turning the spindles, doesn't include rotors, calipers, etc. I'm hoping I can get all the parts for 73-87 C20 (Rock Auto) to do this cheaper than that.
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2021, 05:27 PM   #12
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Asshat View Post
I did check if I could use my existing front end - there is a local company that will take my spindles and trun them down so I can fit rotors, etc. However, the cost is $900; that's just turning the spindles, doesn't include rotors, calipers, etc. I'm hoping I can get all the parts for 73-87 C20 (Rock Auto) to do this cheaper than that.
Summit does good on pricing for some stuff as well & free shipping on purchases over $100 that aren't over-sized items (just in case RA doesn't have what you seek).
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod
64SWB-Recycle
89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck
99CCSWB Driver
All Fleetsides
@rattlecankustoms in IG

Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2021, 10:35 PM   #13
30fathoms
Registered User
 
30fathoms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 11
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

We did the complete cross swap. Found a $200 '79 C20 front cross for our '64 C20 project. That price was a little high but serviceable parts included the cross member, spindles, center link, three of four control arms, and heavy sway bar w/ all brackets. After the accounting wa$ done we broke even just on the spindles, center link, and sway bar. Its not a bad swap, even with the motor in place, and you get the more available newer components.
We looked at just swapping components but found we'd be money ahead even if we had to replace all the control arms on the '79 cross. Those '63-64 C20 lower control arm shafts mount differently than the newer ones...and are spendy if you can find'em.
Just my 2c, best of luck
__________________
'64 C20 Step side, 327, Sag 3sp, HO52 4.11
30fathoms is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2021, 10:47 PM   #14
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by 30fathoms View Post
We did the complete cross swap. Found a $200 '79 C20 front cross for our '64 C20 project. That price was a little high but serviceable parts included the cross member, spindles, center link, three of four control arms, and heavy sway bar w/ all brackets. After the accounting wa$ done we broke even just on the spindles, center link, and sway bar. Its not a bad swap, even with the motor in place, and you get the more available newer components.
We looked at just swapping components but found we'd be money ahead even if we had to replace all the control arms on the '79 cross. Those '63-64 C20 lower control arm shafts mount differently than the newer ones...and are spendy if you can find'em.
Just my 2c, best of luck
My understanding was, you don’t need to swap the LCAs.
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2021, 11:27 PM   #15
30fathoms
Registered User
 
30fathoms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 11
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

I believe you're correct, just a ball joint swap if you keep the lowers; however, if/when those lowers give up, it would be much easier and cheaper replacing the newer component. Having all components from the same year was a big factor for us. For example, the older inner TR and newer outer TR (needed for the spindles) are different sizes. There is an adapter adjusting sleeve for the TRs available but that builds in an "odd" part that may be a bit harder to find when replacement time comes.
__________________
'64 C20 Step side, 327, Sag 3sp, HO52 4.11
30fathoms is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2021, 08:33 PM   #16
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Parts list, from 73-87 C20:
Front spindles
Ball joints
Rotors
Pads
Calipers
Brake hoses
Tie rods

Does this look right?
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2021, 08:44 PM   #17
cwcarpenter98
Senior Member


 
cwcarpenter98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

That list looks good to me. If you're also planning on converting to power steering, and going to a junkyard to grab the stuff on your list, you might want to get the steering gear and center link. If you do it that way, you won't have to run an adapter sleeve to connect the later model spindles to the stock, 63 center link. At that point, your entire steering system from the gear to the spindles will be from a squarebody
__________________
Christian Carpenter

1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive
Overdrive wiring here
1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit

1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed

1995 Dodge Dakota Sport

"I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson
cwcarpenter98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 02:09 PM   #18
gmcdeadhead
Registered User
 
gmcdeadhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: branchburg, new jersey
Posts: 568
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

i bought a 1987 R30 rolling chassis from a guy close to me that was selling the whole truck for like 1500, i told him i was only interested in the front end, rear end and the hydro boost brake set up , he said he'll part the rest out , how much would you give me, i said 500 , he said deal, in about a month i got a call from him and picked it all up , i would look into something like that , i got the front end , 14 bolt rear and all the hydro boost parts for the brakes , and installed it all on my 1966 c20, much cheaper than piecing it all together
gmcdeadhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 09:09 PM   #19
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

This should work, right? It’s from a 74, 8 lug.
Attached Images
 
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed

Last edited by Asshat; 02-15-2021 at 09:22 PM.
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 10:07 PM   #20
Steeveedee
Who Changed This?
 
Steeveedee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,693
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Yes. Are you going to take the whole crossmember, too? That's probably too much for your limited work space. Note that the disc brake hoses are plumbed to the front of the crossmember. Mike those rotors and make sure that they are thicker than the discard thickness. And don't buy rotors from the yard (if that's in a yard) because they may want close to new prices for used rotors.
__________________
~Steven

'70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper

Simi Valley, CA
Steeveedee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 10:18 PM   #21
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steeveedee View Post
Yes. Are you going to take the whole crossmember, too? That's probably too much for your limited work space. Note that the disc brake hoses are plumbed to the front of the crossmember. Mike those rotors and make sure that they are thicker than the discard thickness. And don't buy rotors from the yard (if that's in a yard) because they may want close to new prices for used rotors.
It’s a package deal, the whole thing. Too cheap to pass up. Not sure if my engine hoist will be able to lift it out of the bed.
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 10:30 PM   #22
cwcarpenter98
Senior Member


 
cwcarpenter98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Buy it! Your hoist should be able to pick it up.

You'll even be able to add a sway bar to your truck. That's one of the best things I did to mine. It steers wayyyyyyy better with the sway bar than without one
__________________
Christian Carpenter

1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive
Overdrive wiring here
1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit

1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed

1995 Dodge Dakota Sport

"I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson
cwcarpenter98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2021, 10:33 PM   #23
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98 View Post
Buy it! Your hoist should be able to pick it up.

You'll even be able to add a sway bar to your truck. That's one of the best things I did to mine. It steers wayyyyyyy better with the sway bar than without one
x2. Prob no more weight vs an all iron BBC.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod
64SWB-Recycle
89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck
99CCSWB Driver
All Fleetsides
@rattlecankustoms in IG

Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2021, 06:15 PM   #24
Asshat
Registered User
 
Asshat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: South Orange County CA
Posts: 1,265
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

Drove up to Ventura and picked it up. Now, just gotta clean it up.
Does this just unbolt? And, then I just slide it under the truck and bolt it up?
Does the motor need to come out?

Also picked up a new gas tank relocate kit - a guy on FB had it listed for $175, up in Camarillo. Got it for $125.
Attached Images
   
__________________
1963 C20, small window, long bed
292, 4-speed
Asshat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2021, 08:48 PM   #25
lil hoodlum
Registered User
 
lil hoodlum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Denton, Texas
Posts: 1,735
Re: 3/4 Ton - Front end rebuild vs disc brake conversion

I'm fairly certain your front end that you just bought is a 1971-1972 C20. The control arm cups are different on the 1973+
lil hoodlum is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com