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#50404 09/21/2005 3:52 AM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 | Swap out the whole axle and steering system? | | |
#50405 09/21/2005 4:06 AM | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 19 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 19 | Hmmm...........Thanks GMCpanel, I thought of going that route......I guess I'm torn on how far I'm willing to mod. The disk brake conversion is only on a research basis at the moment, anyway. | | |
#50406 09/21/2005 5:54 AM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | What is the axle? Some axles have been used long enough and in enough different vehicles that you may find it was available with disk brakes and factory conversion parts are available.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | |
#50407 09/24/2005 4:53 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 61 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 61 | Seems like I remember a post sometime ago that caught my eye(I have a 64' K10) some one had used the whole front axle and steering as GMCpanel suggested. Possibly it was was from a 70' or 71'? I believe they used the master cylinder and proportioning valve from the same parts truck? You will have to be sure the axle ratio is same as what you will be replacing. Bolt pattern and axle diameter should be the same. I have swapped rims between my 71K10 & my 64K10, they were a match. Good Luck | | |
#50408 09/27/2005 2:56 AM | Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 247 Member | | Member Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 247 | Most people that want 4wd disk brakes on their older truck have one option - install a later axle. The reason is that closed knuckle axles w/o ball joints were never made with disk brakes - so no one wanted to try any kind of swap (too much fabrication). The only way I could see you getting disk brakes on your existing axle would be to have a custom bracket made up that would mount up later calipers. This bracket would replace the brake drum AND the brake drum backing plate. It is also likely that some machine work would be necessary in order to fit a later brake rotor, wheel bearings and locking hubs. This is something that Baer or another specialty braking firm may be able to help you with.
There are also some companies out there on ebay and elsewhere that specialize in REAR disk brake brackets for 4wd trucks, it is possible that you might be able to interest them in producing a bracket to allow you to mount up a disk brake.
I personally chose to go with new axles front and rear on my 66 3/4 ton 4wd, because there was a lot less work involved - and the old axles were shot anyway. | | |
#50409 09/27/2005 4:39 AM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 Member | | Member Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 | one other option - www.praisedynobrakes.com - they make kevlar linings that work very well. I have them in my 59 1 ton. I have a bud who has a 1960 1/2 ton and it drives like a car. I wouldn't change it. | | |
#50410 09/27/2005 10:34 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 | The way I'd go would be to buy a wrecked (rolled) early to mid 70's GM 4X4 and use both axles and the brake system complete. Then sell everything else that's useable from the swap,including your old axles and parts, on ebay to recoup your purchase,and order the rear disc brake conversion kit.It's also available from JC Whitney. My 2 cents worth...
Speed | | |
#50411 09/27/2005 11:17 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 | There are lots of companies out there that make disc brake conversion kits for you truck, try CPP...
Also check out speedway motors or CPP for the rear axel conversion to disc brakes.
It isn't really a big deal to do either, the issue might become dual mastercylinder/power booster though...
'51 Chevy 1/2 ton w/'62 261, HEI, offy, fentons, dual carter/webbers, t-5 & 12 bolt posi
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#50412 09/27/2005 11:24 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 | I take it back... Yours is 4wd. My mistake.
'51 Chevy 1/2 ton w/'62 261, HEI, offy, fentons, dual carter/webbers, t-5 & 12 bolt posi
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