The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop disk brake conversion and wheels

I'd like to convert my 64 C10 to front disks. If I understand what I've read correctly, I can use the whole setup from a 72 (or so) to 80-something C10 and basically bolt it in...with possibly having to elongate bolt holes for the steering box.

I figger I'll have to replace the master cylinder and proportioning valve...and it would be nice to add a power booster along with a power steering pump if I cn find the right donor.

The question is about the wheels...are most of the 70-something thru 80-something 1/2 tons 5 or 6 bolt wheels? I'd actually prefer 5 bolt...like a 5x4 3/4 pattern, since that matches everything else I've got. But it would just be nice to know what to expect.

The next question is about the rear wheels. If I go to 5-bolt fronts (assuming this is the way it works out) what's the best way to convert the rears? Swap out the whole rear end from a donor truck? I spose that would work, but I'd prolly lose my 4.10 (or thereabouts) gears. Aren't most of the later trucks usually equipped with a 3.08 or something like that? I spose that would make my granny 4-speed a real 4-speed....especially if I found one with a posi rear end.

Oh, well...any ideas would be welcomed.

Thanks,

GM started building 1/2 tons with 5 bolt lugs on the 71 model. For the rear end, it depends on which model you have. If yours is the heavy half with a floating axle, you will need to replace the differential. If you have the standard rear end, you can swap out the axles only. A lot of the 1/2 tons had 3.73 gears.

Well, I found a way to convert my 64 to power disks, 5-lug wheels and get a 12-bolt posi, all at the same time: Buy a 74 C10:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/74c10/74c10.html

With a 454 and TH400 no less...and a buncha new parts. Oh...and a rod bearing clearance big enough to throw a cat thru. Knocks like hell. I've still gotta get it home, but I'm gonna do that Saturday, I think. Then I can start partin it out. The big block will prolly get rebuilt and eventually go into my 85 Monte Carlo SS to try to break 200 mph in a street-legal car on the salt flats. I know it's been done before...but I've never done it.

Ohh...I picked the 74 up for $550. I figger I'll get at least that much out of it in parts...let alone the motor and trans.