Converting knuckles for disc brakes

[jmeyer1971]

Can someone please shine some light on converting pre-disc brake knuckles to disc compatible knuckles. I was looking at disc brake conversions and some vendors require a core on the knuckles. I assume this is because they can grind them down and make them compatible for discs, I have access to a mill and can grind them myself. Is it doable?

 

[Viperwolf1]

It's doable with a hand grinder. You just need to put the brakes together and see where the calipers contact the knuckles. Keep in mind as the pads wear thinner the caliper gets closer to the knuckle. This is only with the chevy brake conversion (6 bolt spindle).

 

[jmeyer1971]

It's doable with a hand grinder. You just need to put the brakes together and see where the calipers contact the knuckles. Keep in mind as the pads wear thinner the caliper gets closer to the knuckle. This is only with the chevy brake conversion


What changes when doing a ford swap

 

[broncnaz]

For the Ford conversion. The complete knuckle has to be changed to the disc brake knuckle. Your only other change is the tierod holes in the knuckles tend to be larger so bushings are needed to reuse the stock tierods or you need upgraded tierods. Your only other "issue" is that the tierod ends up about 1 1/2 in lower than before so many of us do a TRO conversion which may require you to ream the knuckles and use a bushing to change the bottom taper.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Ford swap requires a 5 bolt knuckle and 5 bolt spindle with ford caliper. These parts were engineered to work together so no modification is required. This will only work on a D44. The chevy swap will work on a D30 or D44.

 

[DirtDonk]

This may (or may not!) help.
If the reading is too long, there is a pic near the end that shows what you end up with when using your existing EB knuckles.

http://cdn.wildhorses4x4.com/downloads/WH/3002-3003 2-1-11.pdf

Paul

 

[EB Passed down]

i'm not sure on the dana30 but on the d44 you grind about 1/3rd of the way through the steering stop. that should give you enough clearance for your caliper. my first swap i got knuckles from tom's and was a little disappointed to find out that's all it was.

 

[Past_Miner]

What changes when doing a ford swap

This is in the tech articles for an all-Ford swap. It might help you out.

All Ford Front Brake Tech Article

 

[jmeyer1971]

I went ahead and bought knuckles off of a 78' I'm going to measure them and then grind my originals down on the mill. And see how they fit if they (just for s**ts and giggles). For those who dont use ebay for parts you may want to start. I spent an entire afternoon going to 5 different salvage yards and came home with no parts probably spent $50 on gas. Went on ebay and bought caliper holders and knuckles for $105 shipped. I used an online salvage yard for my 4x4x2 power steering box and feel like I got a good deal $75 shipped.

 

[broncnaz]

The 78 knuckles are different there is no grinding involved. Not sure which way your going here but the 78 knuckles are disc brake only. Where the pre 76 knuckles are drum brake which can be converted with gm parts.
Ebay can be ok but sometimes you cant really get a good look at what your getting. Also you still need lots of other parts to finish the conversion which adds up. I got a complete 78/79 front axle out of the classifieds for $50 If you have the time you can get good deals. If your more in a hurry then you'll pay more. of course there are not as many70's vehicles showing up in the junkyards anymore so it can be a issue but the classifieds/craigslist is a gold mine.

 

[jmeyer1971]

The 78 knuckles are different there is no grinding involved. Not sure which way your going here but the 78 knuckles are disc brake only. Where the pre 76 knuckles are drum brake which can be converted with gm parts.
Ebay can be ok but sometimes you cant really get a good look at what your getting. Also you still need lots of other parts to finish the conversion which adds up. I got a complete 78/79 front axle out of the classifieds for $50 If you have the time you can get good deals. If your more in a hurry then you'll pay more. of course there are not as many70's vehicles showing up in the junkyards anymore so it can be a issue but the classifieds/craigslist is a gold mine.

Yeah craigslist is a gold mine but in the past few months the only axels showing up have been redone and more than I wanna pay. eBay can be sketchy at times. the best thing I have found is to only do business with sellers who respond to emails and put thought into their responses. not just yes or no. And yes I should have been more clear I have all the parts for the GM conversion but decided to go genuine ford instead. I've grown increasingly attached to the ol' gurl and wanna treat her right.

 

[broncnaz]

Cool just trying to clear the water wasnt quite sure o which direction you were going. When it comes down to it I like the ford setup myself but the parts are actually bendix parts the only differance is one that ford decided to use the other is the style that gm decided to use.
Having done both swaps I would only do the "ford" swap again if I got a complete donor setup for cheap. As nowadays spindles and hubs really eat up the money if you have to buy new ones. Your looking at $100 or so each. So getting a donor front axle for less than $400 can still be a good deal when all is said and done. Of course cheaper would be better.

 

[wepuckett]

This is the thread I have been looking for and wanna bring it back to life by asking if anyone has ever done this with dodge brakes from one of the old D50 or D100's as those where some heavy duty trucks and should have some heavy duty brakes on them.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The Dodge has a different SAI angle to it. Put those knuckles on a Ford axle and the camber will be way off.