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: Note how the ground area looks funny in the middle- a peek from inside the knuckle explains why: "Oh no! I ground a hole in the knuckle! Better patch it with some sheet metal, sheet metal screws and silicone!"
![bang :banghead](./images/smilies/icon_bang.gif)
![bang :banghead](./images/smilies/icon_bang.gif)
![bang :banghead](./images/smilies/icon_bang.gif)
Anyways, it's mildly obvious the front brakes need some re-engineering
![Turn Pale :pale](./images/smilies/icon_pale.gif)
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!