Author Topic: Front Disc Brake Conversion  (Read 6280 times)

Offline michael.francis.5876

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Front Disc Brake Conversion
« on: January 10, 2015, 08:37:01 pm »
I have a 1976 Chevy K10 Custom Deluxe with manual lock outs and I want to upgrade to front disc brakes from the factory drum brakes. I have 15" 6 lug after market rims. I have been researching this for awhile and all I see are rear kits. What do I need to make this happen?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2015, 10:12:09 pm »
A 1976 K10 came factory with disc on the front.

Chris Lucas
73-87chevytrucks.com
squarebody.biz


Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2015, 11:18:02 pm »
A 1976 K10 came factory with disc on the front.

Chris Lucas
73-87chevytrucks.com
squarebody.biz

Agreed, Would like to see pix of this
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline michael.francis.5876

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2015, 11:36:37 pm »
Wow! I feel dumb. I will have to check it out tomorrow. They don't feel like they have much stopping power. If they are disc(I'm sure they are if they were standard), how can I increase stopping power other than converting the rears to disc?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2015, 10:04:57 am »
So you haven't even checked your brakes and you are already assuming you need a conversion? First step for you is a total brake inspection. Is it vacuum boost or hydroboost?
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2015, 01:31:25 pm »
In general, there is no difference in stopping power between discs and drums. The real difference is in modulation at the limit. In other words, it will be easier to keep disc brakes from locking up in severe braking situations. If you have problems stopping, then a thorough brake inspection, like VZ said, is the place to start.
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1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60

Offline roundhouse

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2015, 02:20:58 pm »
If you have drums on the front some one swapped em on

Which is possible.   The 73 and up K5 & k-10 had discs that will directly bolt on to a 66-76 Ford Bronco that only came with drums until 77

You grab everything , the spindles hub caliper  caliper bracket and use the 76 ford rotor





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Offline Blazin

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2015, 04:40:12 pm »
 Check the brake fluid. Verify that both side of the master are in fact full.
Jack all 4 corners up. Spin each wheel & have someone step on the brake pedal. Make sure all 4 brakes are in fact working.
Then take all the wheels off, rear drums off. Inspect every piece of the brake system.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline michael.francis.5876

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2015, 07:54:31 pm »
Brake system seems to be functioning fine except I could probably use a brake fluid replacement. The issue is actually my accelerator sticking so it makes it brake hard. I cleaned up the carb as good as I could and it seems to function much better. I was getting a hard pedal and it would stick at high throttle. I need to pick up a double spring and I should be ok.

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Front Disc Brake Conversion
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2015, 09:37:37 pm »
Also check your throttle cable for kinks. A kinked cable can make life veeery interesting...
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60