63 sub disc brakes or no disc brakes

sub63 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-29-2004, 06:13 PM

Hello, I have a 1963 suburban and it has drum brakes on all four wheels. With the sub weighing about 5000 pounds I dont know if I would have a problem with the brakes heating up. It did not run when I got it and have never drove it. So Im not for sure if I should do a front disc conversion. If I need to is it possible to take a 70s modle or so heavy six brakes fit the suburban?

yesgo · #2 (**permalink**) 11-30-2004, 06:57 PM

I see kits advertise 63-72 1/2 ton 5 lug. I dont know if that would work on your Suburban. There's bound to be something out there though. If nothing else, you could fashion your own.

I would go to disc if you plan to drive it much. They are better at heat exchange, and therefore more reliable. If the OE Drums are big ol' 12" or so, you might be okay.

oldschoolrods · #3 (**permalink**) 11-30-2004, 07:06 PM

My 69 Ford has drums all the way around, it is driven daily, it will probably never get a disc brake conversion. Unless you intend on a high performance engine, I'd just leave it 4 drums. And I know personally when I was 15, had I been given or built a high performance engine - I prolly wouldn't be here now.

yesgo · #4 (**permalink**) 11-30-2004, 08:21 PM

I often drive a light, low power GM with 9.5" drums. It is fine except in high speed, heavy traffic, no following distance.

If I end up in a situation like that, I have to pull over and wait for traffic to die. Even if I just drive slower, someone will steal my following distance, and I have to jam the brakes.

Do that 4 or 5 times in a minute at 50mph and those small drum brakes will fade, and that is scary... esp when people start to cut it close on purpose because they have issues with people who attempt to drive sensibly. Sometimes you just cant have a following distance. As long as they are not overly hot, they work great.

Driving in traffic sucks anyway. I try to plan cross state trips around traffic, but it doesn't always work. I'm going to need discs after many years without them. Traffic seems worse now.

oldschoolrods · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2004, 06:02 AM

I've drive mine like that too with no power brakes, but mine have 11 or 12" drums

knuckles · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 11:31 PM

i have a 1962 truck. i used the whole front crossmember off of a 1985 c-10.
it was a complete bolt on and only cost me $250.00 at the junk yard.every thing line up exept the two lower bolts but once the two holes were drilled
it fit like it was made for the truck.i also used the master cylinder off of the same year truck.hope this helps you out

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)