Want to go from Drums to Disc Brakes

herculz

herculz

Member
Hey guys, whats my best bet to getting my front axle off a Travelall with drum brakes to get coverted to disc brakes? Is there a kit or should I just for an entire axle off a Chevy truck or something?

Thanks
 
If it's a closed knuckle (which I assume it is with drum brakes) just do the axle swap, you will happier with it over all with improved turning radius and stronger more readily available parts.
 
Its not a closed nuckle, looks just like my old Scout II nuckles, I was told if its closed it will look like a 98 landcruiser nuckle that looks like a large steel ball around the nuckle.

If its open should I still swap the entire thing? What trucks can I get a smiliar axle from? Scout II or other makes?
 
If it is actually an open knuckle you can swap out the outers to Chevy. So basically everything from the c of the axle out. It May be cheaper piece it together as your gears would be set up already. You need to consider the steering at that time also. It would be a perfect time to go to a high steer cross over style. That will of course require a different steering box.

Edit: also is this a 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton. If half ton you May be better off going Ford or Scout II to retain the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern
 
You don't have to swap the whole knuckle, just the pieces attached to it. If you swap the knuckles you have to play around with the steering also. Otherwise, a mixture of common Chevy and Ford parts will give you 5 on 5.5" lug pattern, or all Chevy parts for an 8-lug. It's actually an easy & straightforward swap. You should swap in a disc-brake master cylinder at the same time.
 
Off the top of my head I will try to remember the parts I used if I am wrong I will repost after dobbins weekend.
74 Chevy one piece backing plates
74 Chevy big bearing spindles
74 Chevy bearings and seals
74 Chevy calipers and pads
74 Chevy 2 wheel drive brake lines (their longer)
84 Bronco rotor and hub
74 Scout master and prop valve
original axles and lockout
some grinding on the knuckle is required to clear caliper but it is very minimal. Been using this on my dd pickup for three years and works flawlessly. If I forgot anything let me know I will try to check back before I leave tomorrow. Most parts can be found at a wrecking yard.
Good luck ed
 
I think the Ford hub/rotor fits the small spindle, not the large spindle. Most 1/2 ton Chevy Dana 44's had the small spindle, 3/4 ton 44's and later 10 bolts have the larger spindle.
 
Its 3/4 ton Travelall, I think I might just go and do that conversion with hi-steer, but I might need to pay more attention, last time I did that hi-steer for my 76 Scout I had to redo the job.

Well actually chris had to redo it at his shop.
 
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