Full size project pickup update (new questions)

[MBood82]

I have a '78 3/4 ton 14 bolt full floater that I am working on putting into my '84 half ton. At this point I have the 1310/1350 conversion u-joint, the ubolt reversal kit and ubolt plate on the way, and the correct wheels/tires to run it. My only concern at this point is brakes. I was going to just run the brakes it had on it, just replacing the wheel cylinders and e-brake lines.

Push came to shove and bolts rounded off in the process of removing both of those. So, looking at my parts cost, it's looking like it's a much wiser choice at this point to convert it to a disc brake setup.

Has anyone here done this before? Suggestions? I need to retain a e-brake to pass inspection but I'm not concerned about doing that first off, I'd rather just get the truck moving first.

My parts list so far consists of the below:

- mounting brackets (http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/14FFdisckit.htm or something similar)
- calipers (I hear '76 caddy brake calipers work... details on that? same bolt spacing as required to bolt onto those brackets?)
- lug studs (stock ones are rounded and won't sit flush on discs)
- 3/4 ton front discs
- soft lines to run to axle

anything I'm missing? suggestions?


*edit* (last post)

[xj_man_646]

go to blue torch fab for the brackets. they are really reasonable, but am not sure which calipers and rotors get utilized with those brackets.

[MBood82]

most of them seem to be made for the 3/4 ton calipers and rotors off a D44 front axle. I'll probably end up going that route in the end and saying screw the e-brake for now.

[MBood82]

Got the axle all disassembled and painted.

http://photos-935.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v62/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31454935_1629.jpg

http://photos-938.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v62/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31454938_2564.jpg

Wheels painted and ready for hummer tires to be mounted

http://photos-936.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v62/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31454936_1921.jpg

I have bought the brackets below:
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/caliper-mounting-bracket-p-10.html

I'll be tossing on 3/4 ton front discs and rotors and calling it a day.

When the time comes for me to inspect it I'll buy some wilwood spot calipers and use them for my e-brake needs

[BMFmike]

Those are good brackets lol, I have those too.

Any question you will need can be found here, and related write-ups.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b_bible/index.html

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b%20disc%20brakes/index.html

[MBood82]

already been through em! they were definitally useful.

I'm lookin forward to getting this axle in, it should wake the truck up alot. pretty much stock rebuilt 350 with 700R4 ad stock 3.08 gears + 35s did NOT make for a fast truck.

[MBood82]

axle is in. still waiting on parts to finish it up. been lookin into makin sure I get the right lug studs, calipers, rotors, etc.

http://photos.pe.facebook.com/v66/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31560442_9587.jpg

[MBood82]

It's all together in the rear. My only comment so far is that those who claim they are fine with the stock studs have to mean stock dually studs... no way the lug studs are long enough stock for stock..... I'm gonna need to get a new set.

Onto the pictures....

http://photos-870.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v67/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31605870_8201.jpg

http://photos-871.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v67/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31605871_8873.jpg

http://photos-872.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v67/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31605872_9983.jpg

http://photos-873.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v67/166/98/5800169/n5800169_31605873_598.jpg

[MBood82]

damn are those 36" goodyears narrow for a 12.50.. either that or the 33s are just wide for a 12.50..

[YJay90]

Very nice! I'm jealous!

[MBood82]

You wouldn't be if it had left YOU stranded on the side of the road today...

:D

stupid truck... I think it had an issue with the stale gas. After I threw some HEET and premium gas into it it's behaved pretty well.

[XJ Fanatic]

q-jet i take it, love that thing in the ram makes it start up 1/2 crank no matter how long its been sitting and no matter how cold it is!


ANd why 16.5" wheels no airing down for you

[MBood82]

yeah, q-jet for now. it is what was on the truck. the truck does NOT just right up though after sitting. even in the summer it doesn't like to start. once it's been running though it's fine.

I'm putting TPI onto the truck hopefully this spring, summer and/or fall and that will fix any starting issues. I might freshen up the motor at the same time... or just say screw it and buy another block and build that one up. :D

[MBood82]

oh, and I have 16.5" wheels because I have tires that require 16.5" rims.

The tires were free, the rims were free, all I have into them is paint and mounting/balancing.

The shop put equal into the tires, we'll see how well that balances. I've heard both good and bad reviews. I didn't ask for the equal, they just put it in because they said the tires would have required so many weights it would be one solid ring around.

[XJ Fanatic]

rebuilt the qjet that will help, warning though its a royal pain in the *** to rebuild.... But when done right it gives great fuel economy since the primaries are so small.... I love how when the secondaries open its like a fawkin turbo cuts such a rediculous amount of air flowing int

[MBood82]

i dunno, i'll probably just stick with it as it is for now or borrow a different one until I get around to doing the TPI. it seems to run fine once it's started, it's just starting it that sucks.

[MBood82]

so it's time to start gathering parts for the front. It looks like they used the stock lines when they put the lift on, so extended front brake lines would probably be a good call. Does anyone know of any possible vehicle applications I could swipe parts from that would fit onto the stock brakes?