Whoever did the conversion used Chevy K20 rotors and calipers- which, from what I've read, are pretty much a standard in disc brake conversions. Unfortunately, dana 70's have giant knuckles, which interfere with most single-piston calipers (such as the Chevy K20 units). Most people see this and throw in the towel. Apparently some people pick up an angle grinder and go for the gold:
Anyways, it's mildly obvious the front brakes need some re-engineering
. I've been doing quite a bit of reading about dana 70 disc brake conversions, and there's a lot of people asking, but very few solutions. One that I did see is: http://www.binderplanet.com/forums/show ... hp?t=26724 . Looks like a somewhat decent option, given that my hubs have those same rotors already on it. I swung by a local wrecking yard today and grabbed a pair of those same calipers (complete and loaded) for $15, so I've got the pieces to do it that way if I so choose. The only change I'd make is using 3/8 plate for the caliper bracket. Otherwise I won't even attempt it.In my reading, I ran across these guys: http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index25.html . A call to them today revealed that they've actually built a disc brake conversion for a Dodge 70F about 5 years ago. According to the guy I spoke to, the kit used off the shelf OEM rotors and calipers readily available at napa, with a fabricated caliper bracket. He said the kit required machining the wheel hub down a bit, but no cutting or grinding on the rotor, caliper, or knuckles. At $535, I think the kit is a decent deal, BUT, I have to pull at least one of my knuckle/spindle/hub assemblies and ship to Spokane so he can double check everything. It mainly boils down to the fact that I'm cheap, and that I have the tools and knowledge to make the caliper bracket myself. What I don't know is which caliper and rotor would work for this to all go smoothly together.
So the question is has anyone here done an 8 lug 70F disc conversion themselves? And if so, how did YOU do it?
I know buying a 60 front would solve my brake issues (as well as give me a stronger axles and tighter turning radius), but for my intents and purposes the strength and turning radius of the 70 are fine. Having to re-gear a 60F to match the rear axle's 5.86 gearing is another cost I don't want to incur, either.
Your comments/ ideas are greatly appreciated!
! Unfortunately the single rear trucks (like my currently beast of burden, hahaha) have slightly less space between the knuckle and the back of the wheel to stuff the rotor and caliper. Seeing the K20 caliper in use here as well does offer me a little comfort!