Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I’m starting to re-think this, maybe I should convert my rear end to 5 lug (it is currently a 1983 C20 14 bolt 8 lug). Then change the front to the spindles for 5 lug.
This would be easily, right?

It's just as easy as leaving it 8-lug. It all depends on what you ultimately want and/or need.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

It's just as easy as leaving it 8-lug. It all depends on what you ultimately want and/or need.

It doesn’t matter to me, in the end, if the truck was 5 lug or 8 lug. It just seems that there are so many more parts available for the 5 lug setups. Such as wheels, etc.

The goal is to have disc brakes and power steering.
Really trying to find the least expensive and simplest way to do a disc brake conversion and power steering upgrade. Want to look at the big picture rather than just one aspect of the goal.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

It doesn’t matter to me, in the end, if the truck was 5 lug or 8 lug. It just seems that there are so many more parts available for the 5 lug setups. Such as wheels, etc.

The goal is to have disc brakes and power steering.
Really trying to find the least expensive and simplest way to do a disc brake conversion and power steering upgrade. Want to look at the big picture rather than just one aspect of the goal.

Definitely more choices for 5-lug setups if you don't need the heavier-duty capability of a 3/4 ton truck.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Asshat

It doesn’t matter to me, in the end, if the truck was 5 lug or 8 lug. It just seems that there are so many more parts available for the 5 lug setups. Such as wheels, etc.

The goal is to have disc brakes and power steering.
Really trying to find the least expensive and simplest way to do a disc brake conversion and power steering upgrade. Want to look at the big picture rather than just one aspect of the goal.

I am estimating to convert my 63 C20 to FRONT disc brakes, it would cost about $550, if I purchased new spindles.
$300 Spindles (NEW from the truck shop)
$100 Rotors (NEW Rock Auto)
$60 Calipers (NEW Rock Auto)
$25 Brake Pads (NEW Rock Auto)
$50 Misc tie rods, ball joints

I guess I may as well keep it all 8-lug, since it would probably cost a lot more to convert to the 5 lug. And, i could keep the rear setup as drums for a while.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I am estimating to convert my 63 C20 to FRONT disc brakes, it would cost about $550, if I purchased new spindles.
$300 Spindles (NEW from the truck shop)
$100 Rotors (NEW Rock Auto)
$60 Calipers (NEW Rock Auto)
$25 Brake Pads (NEW Rock Auto)
$50 Misc tie rods, ball joints

I guess I may as well keep it all 8-lug, since it would probably cost a lot more to convert to the 5 lug. And, i could keep the rear setup as drums for a while.

An 8-lug disc swap should be fairly easy to do from a wrecking yard donor or other used sources. That being said, sometimes time is money & new stuff can ultimately get you to the goal-line faster.

I usually try the used/dismantlers as my first option if it's an upgrade requiring 'supporting' pieces (clips, backing plates, hardware) that you usually can't get with 'new' aftermarket parts.

[lowroder]

What's everyone using on 62 c10s.
I'm looking to upgrade mine an not sure to go dropped spindle an disc brakes or go with a swap.
Keeping original 6cyl.
An wanting to lower it all around. Keeping it all 6 lug.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lowroder

What's everyone using on 62 c10s.
I'm looking to upgrade mine an not sure to go dropped spindle an disc brakes or go with a swap.
Keeping original 6cyl.
An wanting to lower it all around. Keeping it all 6 lug.

If you want it lower & want to upgrade to disc brakes, drop spindles are a good choice. Drop from the raised spindle pin height doesn't negatively impact spring travel & they're disc brake ready. Just search for a 'kit' for your model & go from there.

Check out the disc brake conversion posts in the FAQ --> Suspension section of the web site.

[Lokin4AReason]

Any update(s) to could be used w the 1st post to the thread ?

[Captainfab]

Sorry but I don't understand what you are asking.

Originally Posted by Lokin4AReason

Any update(s) to could be used w the 1st post to the thread ?

[Lokin4AReason]

At what is needed to convert a 6 lug drum to 6 lug disc w stock wheel(s) 15"

As in , what worked with obtaining part(s) from a salvage yard to the part(s) store

[Captainfab]

I do not recommend using the '88-'98 LD 2500 spindles rotors and calipers to convert to a 6 lug disc brake. Several people have had issues with not being able to achieve proper caster. Until someone uses those parts and discovers the secret, it is a much safer bet to just use the squarebody spindles, balljoints, tierods, calipers, etc along with the aftermarket 6 lug rotors. If you choose to make the conversion using the factory parts as described in post#1 of this thread, do so with the understanding that it may not work correctly.

No matter which way you go. You can not use original '60-'66 6 lug wheels with disc brakes.

Originally Posted by Lokin4AReason

At what is needed to convert a 6 lug drum to 6 lug disc w stock wheel(s) 15"

As in , what worked with obtaining part(s) from a salvage yard to the part(s) store