The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 54 3800 1-ton (dually) front end config

From what I've researched, the front end tie rod ends on a 1/2 and 3/4 ton use the old style spring type tie rod ends. The 1-tons use the more modern type of tie rod ends. Also, the 1-tons use the reciprocating type steering gear box. This being said, if the tie rod ends and steering boxes are in decent shape, should the front end hold up to modern highway speeds of 65-70 using modern tires and rims? I found a place that supposedly makes custom disk brakes and said they could make them for the 54 1-ton.

I've read the article that Grigg wrote on a P-40 front axle mod/swap but I would like to keep what I have if it will hold up to 65 mph or so if disk brakes were present. I don't really have any way to test it though. Anyone notice any steering slop/wandering on their 1-tons when they run them wide open going down a steep hill with a brisk tailwind?

Thanks

SB,

Just like all straight axle trucks, if your axle is in good shape, it will hold up to any speed. With that said, take it to a good front end shop and have it checked.

I sure would like to meet the person who started the rumor that straight axle trucks are unsafe at any speed over 45 MPH.

Skybum, if you don't mind I would like to know whom you are sourcing your disc brake kit from. I want to put discs on my 3/4 ton and have had no luck.

Whitedog,
The place that "claimed" they could make custom disk brakes is called Brake Tech Solutions (http://www.braketechsolutions.com/BTSV101/customkit.php).

Here's the response I received:
"Yes , we can we would need your spindles , arms , spindles nuts and hubs to do the job, cost $1695.00 eight lug, non power for power add $200.00"

The communications were brief and he said if they could not do the job that you'd only be out shipping (which could amount to a lot). I'm still somewhat skeptical but in looking at their website it looks like they do a lot of older vehicle restoration jobs. It might be worth giving them a call to see if you can get any more details out of them.

I'm still in the planning phase of my project and haven't gotten far enough along to know if they can actually make them or not.

I contacted a company called TSM Manufacturing. They have a kit for the Eaton Rearend already, so I figured I would give them a shot. They too wanted the spindle, hub and the whole works. I've been thinking of maybe having the machine shop down the road cut a bracket and trying to build something myself. I figue I could use a late model rotor and go junkyard shopping for a caliper.

Hope that works out for you. At least it sounds do-able, provided the original front end isn't shot.

Grigg's P-30 front and rear axle swaps are still an option for me too. I think I'm just going to go ahead and swap out the dually rear end and get it up to a little more speed to see how it handles before going to all the expense and trouble of getting custom disks made for the original front.

Keep us posted on what you end up figuring out for front disk brakes on the original front end.

Do a little searching here. John Henry, who I think goes by Olblue had worked out a disk conversion for the front of a dual wheel 1-ton. I doubt he spent anywhere near $1700 to do it.

His photos show the new parts and the part numbers needed.

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look around for the article.