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Stock Radius arms Bad?

pennyduke

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
377
Loc.
Stafford
Today I pulled my DANA 30 from my 1970 and after removing the radius arms noticed the ends looked worn. Should I replace these arms? Also while its out I would like to do a conversion to Disc Brakes and leave the rear as drums for now. Any reconmendations for a complete kit and Master Cylinder or maybe add a booster. This opened up a whole new can of worms but is something that had to be done. Check out the pictures. Thanks everyone

Check out those 47 year old bushings!!!
 

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dukeflr

Jr. Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
102
Loc.
Yuma
You MAY be ok short term if you need the truck to remain mobile or use for work. Heck, it drove all the way to where it sits now. I'd hunt a new set down soon though.
 

BRONCO26

Sr. Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2006
Messages
508
Loc.
SENOIA
Buy new arms I would go ahead and buy a set of James duff long arms I wield I would have done mine years ago.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,619
I agree with what the others said. There are many here that have run arms similar to yours, and maybe even worse, and yet are still in one piece and working well.
But they're obviously compromised quite badly and will eventually fail. Most likely at the most inopportune moment. So yeah, new ones would be expedient.
Like was said though, you can use them still until you find better ones. Just don't wait too long. And if you can find some sooner, don't hesitate to put them on before you put this all back together with the new brakes.

Looks like the old original rubber c-bushings have had their day as well. Obviously that would need to be changed no matter which arms you're running.

Most of the vendors, including us, have pretty complete disc brake kits for the front. But if you want to keep it simple (i.e. cheaper!) you can simply do the disc swap without changing out the master OR adding a booster.
Drive it for a bit to see what you think. If you still need more power get the booster. If you need a more firm pedal get a larger bore master cylinder. If you need both, do both. You don't necessarily have to do it all at once.
In fact, you don't even need a disc/drum proportioning valve until you determine that you actually need one because your rear brakes lock up too soon. Even then, depending on the setup of your particular rig, you might end up with an adjustable one, rather than the factory style replacements.
All depends...

Good luck. On both fronts.

Paul
 
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pennyduke

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
377
Loc.
Stafford
Thanks for the help, I dont see any vendors that carry a stock replacement Radius Arm. Will I have to find a good set of used ones? I really want to stay with the stock style if I can...
 

Crawdad

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 16, 2011
Messages
3,635
I had a set of Dans 30 radius arms but I chopped them up (don't worry they looked like Penny's). Will Dana 44 arms fit a Dana 30 axle?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,074
I had a set of Dans 30 radius arms but I chopped them up (don't worry they looked like Penny's). Will Dana 44 arms fit a Dana 30 axle?

Same arms.

Full size trucks will also work although the spring cup mounting holes are different. Easy enough work around.
 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
12,015
I have a set I would sell, I'm in Howard county Maryland.

Not wanting to hijack..but where in Howard County? That's where our farm was...where I grew up. Er..well..was raised, anyways.;)
 

sprdv1

Contributor
REBEL
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
81,996
Thanks for the help, I dont see any vendors that carry a stock replacement Radius Arm. Will I have to find a good set of used ones? I really want to stay with the stock style if I can...

LMC Truck didn't have it...?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,074
Does LMC sell used parts? Because I think you are going to have to find them used. Don't think anyone makes them new.
 
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pennyduke

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
377
Loc.
Stafford
I found a good set about 1.5 hours away. Just need to figure out when I can go. Life is busy right now...
 
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