Disc brakes

[Jim Roach]

Here is a picture of the disc brake kit I purchased fron Charlie Achers. It was very easy to install. I built it on the bench to check the fit and finish before I send everythig off to get powder coated. I want to thank Reg Evans who spent about 1/2 hr on the phone with me yesterday helping me figure out how to post these pictures. Thanks Reg!

[Reg Evans]

Hey....they look great Jim. Glad I could help.

Do you have a total cost for the conversion yet not including powder coating?

[mikeinkc]

cost is important to me as well. i found a kit from aaj brakes for $280.00. includes the caliper brackets, bearings, bearing adaptors, seals, and a complete list of parts to obtain from your local parts houses. kit utilizes a rotor and caliper from an impala to retain the original size, 5x5" wheel bolt pattern. thanks, mike in k.c.

[Mario Loya B1B]

Those look real nice! Thanks for sharing. If I had Grey Beard's wheels and your disk brakes, I would be a very happy trucker.

[pflaming]

This picture says that the new disc brake assembly attaches on the axle with the king pin. Is that correct? Does that include the wheel axle, drum etc and all for $280.00? Whatever, I am interested.

[Jim Roach]

Reg, I don't have a total but I'll work on it. I looked at what AAJ offers for $250 and Charlie Achers offers the same "basic" kit for $195, and I think that includes shipping (hope I'm right there Charlie). I like Charlie's because, if you compare them, you'll see how much more beefy his are. He includes easy to follow instructions and a parts list. All the parts can be purchased at your local auto parts store. There is some drill and tap work that has to be done. If you don't have the tools, any machine shop will do it cheeply enough. I ordered the kit about two years ago. I would pick up a few parts here and there every few months until I accumulated everything. When your all done you will have the same thing as AAJ's Delux kit for $550, and I know I don't have $550 in this. As soon as I get everything back, I'll send more pictures.

Jim Roach

[Olddaddy]

I'll chime in here since you're talking about my kits. My kit is now $225 including shipping to lower 48 addresses. I have had a number of cost increases over the years and finally had to do the same just to keep it worthwhile. I recently did a conversion for a local guy and the parts I bought to do the install were right around $200. I shopped carefully and went to the discount places instead of NAPA, but that is what he wanted. I think my kit is pretty good compared to the others around, not better maybe, but certainly just as good. The one thing I do need to correct from another post is that the original bolt pattern on these trucks is 5 on 4 1/2, same as later Mopars. The rotor I use has that bolt pattern, a Chevy/GM rotor will not. I appreciate the nice pictures and good comments. I enjoy seeing people do well and end up happy with my work. Charlie.