Front Disc Brake Conversion Kits
Upgrade your classic with front disc brake conversion kits designed for popular cars and trucks. Explore vehicle-specific options with stock or drop spindles, manual and power brake configurations, multiple bolt patterns, and performance upgrades for a wide range of classic applications.
Better Front Braking for Classic Cars and Trucks Today!
The biggest difference between front disc brake kits is not simply whether they replace drums. It is how the new brake package works with the front suspension already under the vehicle.
Some conversions are built around the original spindles, while others change the spindle at the same time. Drop-spindle versions can lower the front end as part of the conversion, while stock-height setups keep the existing stance. On trucks, wheel pattern can narrow the choice further, with 5-, 6-, and 8-lug configurations covering different applications.
The scope of the kit also changes from one setup to another. Some concentrate on the wheel-end components such as rotors, calipers, brackets, bearings, and hoses, while others extend into the hydraulic system with a booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve, and related hardware.
Larger performance systems, including Wilwood options, introduce another consideration: the wheel itself. Caliper size, rotor diameter, offset, spoke profile, and inner-barrel clearance can determine whether a particular wheel will work with the brake package.
FAQ
How do I choose the right front disc brake conversion kit for my vehicle?
Start with your vehicle's year, make, and model, then confirm the front suspension and spindle configuration currently installed. You should also check wheel size and clearance, bolt pattern, desired ride height, and whether you want manual or power brakes. If the vehicle has previously been modified, choose the kit based on the components currently installed rather than factory specifications alone.
Can I convert only the front brakes to disc brakes and keep rear drums?
Yes. Many classic cars and trucks can use front disc brakes while retaining rear drum brakes. The master cylinder and proportioning or combination valve need to be appropriate for a disc/drum system so the front and rear brakes work together correctly. The condition and adjustment of the existing rear drums should also be checked as part of the conversion.
Should I choose a stock-spindle or drop-spindle disc brake kit?
Choose based on your existing suspension and desired ride height. A stock-spindle configuration is appropriate when you want to retain a factory-style stance or compatible existing spindles. Drop-spindle kits combine the brake conversion with a lower ride height, with several products in this collection offering 2-inch drop configurations. Always confirm suspension, steering, and wheel clearance requirements for the specific kit.
Will a front disc brake conversion kit fit my existing wheels?
It depends on more than wheel diameter. Caliper dimensions, rotor diameter, wheel offset, spoke shape, and inner-barrel clearance can all affect fitment. Some original factory-style wheels designed for drum brakes may not provide enough room for disc brake calipers. Check the minimum wheel requirements for the individual kit and use a clearance template when one is available.
What is included in a front disc brake conversion kit?
Kit contents vary considerably across this collection. Depending on the product, you may receive rotors, calipers, mounting brackets, pads, bearings, seals, hubs, hoses, spindles, and installation hardware. More complete power brake conversions may also include a booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve, brackets, and related components. Always check the individual product description rather than assuming every conversion contains the same parts.
Do I need a new master cylinder when converting the front brakes to discs?
It depends on the existing master cylinder and the brake configuration you are building. A front disc/rear drum system needs a master cylinder and proportioning setup compatible with that combination. Caliper requirements, master cylinder bore, manual or power assist, and pedal setup should all be considered together. Some complete conversion packages include the required hydraulic components, while wheel-component kits may not.
Will a front disc brake conversion change my wheel bolt pattern?
Some kits retain the vehicle's existing bolt pattern, while others offer a different pattern or multiple options. This is especially important for classic trucks, as the collection includes 5-, 6-, and 8-lug applications. Confirm the selected rotor or hub bolt pattern before ordering and make sure it matches the wheels you plan to use and, when desired, the rear axle pattern.