64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

My next door neighbor has a 64 GMC 4X4 Suburban that he would like to convert to front disc brakes. Has anybody completed this without replacing the front axle ?

How about adding a brake booster to a 64 4X4 ? Any issues?

Thanks.

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

Is it a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

I'm not positive on this, but I think the spindles are different from the closed knuckle Dana 44's to the open 44's. If so you'll need to find the disc brakes from a '69-'70 or so dana 44 with disc's. Hopefully someone will chime in that can verify that.

It would probably be easier to just switch the complete front differential. You'd just have to make sure to get the correct gear ratio. I don't know about in your area, but around here you just about have to give away a '70's vintage 1/2 ton Dana 44

As for the brake booster, that's easy with the bracket that I sell (see link in sig)

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

I have heard of a kit for the 3/4 ton closed knuckle axle, but nothing for the 1/2 ton. When I did mine I just changed the axle, it was the easiest thing to do.

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

I found one for the 1/2 ton a while back but it was like $1100.00 Dont recall where i found it

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

I did some research on this awhile back for the wife's uncle....all signs pointed to a front axle swap.

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

Thanks for the info. It is a 1/2-Ton with the original axles.

If you changed the front axle would you have to change the rear axle to a matching "type"( manufacturer) of axle or could you just change the rear pumkin to match the gearing of the front?

How much "improvement" would adding a brake booster add to the braking of these beasts ?

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

If you change the front make sure it has the same gear ratio as the back. When I did mine i added a power brake booster also, you would not believe the difference it makes. Its like day and night!!

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

Front axle swap is the best and economical way to convert to disc brakes.70 to 87 all have disc and will fit your friends truck.On the power booster I would use captain fab bracket.

Re: 64 4X4 Disc Brake Conversion
 

I have an axle from my 72 blazer. Leme know. And you can flip the bracket for the booser upside down on our trucks looks clean and bolts up.