Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

i grabbed the whole front clip from an 85 c10 this weekend for my 64 and will start tearing down, cleaning, painting and stuff like that - couple questions

i plan on getting the DJM 3" drop spindles, can I use the drop coils i got from CPP that Im currently running in my 64 arms?

there is a valve on the 85 that mounts ahead of the x-member - is that just a factory proportioning valve or is it the pressure differential switch? It has some electrical connector that I have no clue about - should i just replace with a basic prop valve or what? i dont have anything from my harness to connect to it

the shim stack used on the upper arms is unreal - like 8 or 9 per side - any ideas why they would need to do so many? dude says oe spindles and stock coils??

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I don't see why you couldn't use your current front coils. Yes that is the factory proportioning valve. The wire on it is just for a low brake warning in case of a faliure in either the front or back system. You don't have to wire that in if you don't want. I would go ahead and use the prop valve unless it is leaking at the end or at the electrical connection.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

thanks for the feedback Capn as always!

this front end had an alignment problem it appears - the wheels are still on it - worn heavily to the inside - and the upper control arms have a BIG shim stack - the OP said stock everything, but the front end sat pretty low without a motor in it - so the front coils were cut - any way to verify this? Thats the onyl thing i can think of here to cause the wear

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

HEY!!! I just saw your post and was wondering if you knew where to get the kit you mentioned for the trailing arms?
Im working with an extream drop GMC C10 and the pinion angle is going to be way wrong. I knew i was going to have to vut the mounting perches off the rear end and re weld them back to where the pinion angle is at a more useable height, buit if they make the brackets still, i wont have to worry so much about saving the origional ones!
Thanks for the input!

Heres a photo pf the project for fun :metal:

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I am wanting to convert to 8 lug on my 64. what do I need to do? I have a 94 3500 (non dually)parts truck. can I use anything off of it? I plan to use the rear end and all, but I see some references here to front end parts from the newer trucks

thanks

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

The front suspension on the '88 and up trucks is completly different than the '63-'87 C10-30 trucks and the '88-'91 R10-30 trucks. The only possibility that I can think of is you might be able to use the '94 spindle, rotors, calipers, etc. if the upper and lower ball joints will fit the '66-87 C20 or C30 lower control arms. Is your '64 currently a C10 or a C20?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

it is a c10. would the upper and lower control arms from a 73-87 c20-30 swap to my mine?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Captainfab If I decide to run drop spindles from say cpp or any after market vendor. Question is what rotor and caliper will fit those A.M. spindles? Currently I am running factory power drum brakes all around.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

wow!! nice work 1964c10 and captainfab!!! :metal:

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Yes they will bolt right up to your '64 suspension crossmember. I would recommend drilling out the U-bolt holes and using the larger diameter later model LCA U-bolts.

I'm just not sure if the '94 3500 lower ball joint will fit either the '73-'87 C20 or C30 lower control arm. I do know that the '88-'98 1500 and LD2500 lower ball joints will fit the '67-'87 C20 lower control arms. You'll probably have to do some parts comparisons to find out for sure.

Of course if you can find a '73-'87 C20 front suspension for the right price, there is really no need to try and make the '94 parts fit. Unless you like the challenge.....

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

That is something that the spindle manufacturer should tell you. If I'm not mistaken, most spindle manufacturers design their spindles to run the '71-'87 1.250: thick truck rotors, and the D52 calipers. Of course there are exceptions, so you should find out what the spindle mfg recommends for a given spindle.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thank you Captain! One vendor did not want to say instead he stated I must use their caliper. But think he is full of .....!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Ok after debating over doing disc brake swap on my 65 C20, I jumped in and picked up a 3/4 ton 1982 crossmember assembly today. The first thing I came across on tear down is the rotors have larger than 1/2 inch studs (metric ?). I plan to replace rotors & calipers. Is there another year caliper/rotor combo that will fit these spindles and have 1/2 inch studs?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Those have 9/16" lug studs.
That's the standard 73-87 lug stud size.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

lolife99, Thanks for responce, I guess an oversight/glitch on my part. Hope there isn't many more on this conversion attempt.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I grabbed the upper and lower control arms as well as the spindles off a 91 suburban, it is the square body style (looks like 73-87) will these still work? or do i have to go back to the yard?

I drive a 66 gmc

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Yes those parts will work just fine since they are the same as the '73-'87 components. Did you grab the steering linkage and steering box while you were there?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I just learned this about the Suburbans a few weeks back.
A friend of mine bought a suburban and I guessed the year to be late 80. He said; 'No, it's a 91.
I said; 'are you sure? :o I now know :)
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Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Yep, the Suburbans, Blazers and CrewCabs kept the squarebody thru '91. These are also refered to as the 'V' and 'R' series instead of the earlier 'C' and 'K' series

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

And if you go into the local parts house, ask for parts for an 87 to compare 'cause you just don't know what you'll get otherwise. Everything I get for the dually (an 89 CC C3500), I have to ask for 87 R30 parts just to make sure I'm getting the square body stuff.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I think I need to clarify something. The '88-'91 'V' series is the 4wd, and the '88-'91 'R' series is the 2wd.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thank you, I'm going to go grab the steering linkage and sway bar tomorrow. Captainfab, I will be using you're steering box locator bracket so could you please pm me paypal info?
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Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

PM sent :)

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Well, I'm confused...(again) I just ordered a front end kit with McGaughy 2" drop spindles, 1 1/4" rotors. It says I can use original tie rod ends and ball joints. Did I read correctly in the first post that this is not true?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Some aftermarket spindles are configured to be a direct swap & use the original drum brake parts. Other aftermarket spindles are configured for 73-87's which require the specific disc brake parts. All OE (junkyard) swaps using OE spindles require the newer steering stuff and/or adapting the tie-rods to the spindles.

What parts you need depends on what spindles you purchased. If the mfr states you can use the original drum brake parts, then they're prob spindles designed specifically for that application.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks Scoti, sometimes too much reading makes me overthink things. Has anyone used Captainfabs steering gear adapter with original tie rod ends and such?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Well, one more time. Been looking at power brakes but I have a big block in the 63' and it doesnt look like I'd be able to get the valve covers off with power brakes. Anyone know?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

By the way, the brake booster is 9" but the guy said he could but an 8 or 7 on it. Does size matter??? lol

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I believe the 73-87 steering box with captain's adapter will bolt right up with either the original steering linkage or the 73-87 linkage.
Captain usually comes online in the evening pacific time.
He checks these threads regularly and has always had me an answer the same day I post my question. I would be shocked if he doesn't reply to your question by 10pm pacific time.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks Lost, I think Captain has me straightened out with that, my mind is working on brake boosters now, hahaha

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

The way I understand it is smaller diameter vac boosters = less overall vacuum accummulation = less overall assist. So, w/a smaller diameter booster, you'd still have more stopping pressure/force available vs other alternatives but it wouldn't be the most. It would prob read something like this.....

*Effective brake pressure/force exerted per ft/lbs of effort applied lowest to highest
Manual drum brakes
Power drum brakes
Manual disc brakes
Power disc w/small single diaphragm booster
Power disc w/small dbl diaphragm booster
Power disc w/Lg. single
Power disc w/Lg. dbl
Hydo-boost

*This is a generalization. Research each option for accurate factual data.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Well that depends on how and where your BB is mounted. I have a BB in my '66 Suburban, and I'm running power brakes, using a '72 Impala booster which is 11 or 12" in diameter. I have no problems at all in removing the valve covers. Of course I moved the engine 2" forward from the original location. But that does not affect the location of the booster in relation to the valve covers.

I replied to your PM regarding the steering box and tie rod question.


Edit: Here is a pic of the booster installed on my '66 Suburban.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...1&d=1239765710

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks for covering for me :)

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks for not making me a liar. :)

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

:lol:

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Thanks guys. John, I'll be buying yout steering box adapter soon!

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

I put the entire front suspension from the 1991 box body suburban in my 66 GMC with absolutely no problems, literally a bolt in, one afternoon job, but have stumbled upon a question;

I want to keep the six lug pattern so that I dont have to change wheels and the parts from CPP are 6 lug rotors, is that all i need to keep the 6 lug configuration? there arent any hubs or anything like that, like on newer chevys?

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

As long as that '91 Suburban had the 1-1/4" thick rotors, then all you need is the aftermarket rotors, bearings and seals. The hub and rotors are one unit just like the 5x5 rotors.

Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

Instead of swapping the entire crossmember from the '91 I just took the a-arms, so my question is how do you connect the large diameter soft brake lines from the '91 and connect them to the 1/4 " '66 hard lines. Can I get a union from home depot or someplace similar?

I also have a question about the brake pushrod:
Since the one off the '91 is too short can I fab up an intermediary connector with a hole on each end and bridge the 1" gap? Or will I run into binding?

-Mike
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Re: Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread
 

The front hard lines on your '66 should be 3/16" in diameter. They should thread right into the later model hoses. That is unless for some reason your hoses are metric. Then you would need a SAE to metric adapter.

When extending the booster pushrod, you can not have 2 pivot points. You will need to cut the eye off of the booster pushrod, and either weld that to a section of your original pushrod, or use a piece of tubing to slide over the two. Then either weld, or cross drill and use either roll pins, or small machine screws.