front brakes

[dixiedog]

70 chally, 440/727/3.23.  I have drum brakes all the way round, 11" back and 10" front.  I have put new lines, master cylinder, hoses, wheel cylinders.  I may have to get new front drums.  Should I go with 11' drums on the front or should I stay with 10' front brakes?  Would it make enough difference to change and what all would I have to change?  As always thanks in advance, Danny.     

[72hemi]

Why not do a disk brake conversion on the front?

[dixiedog]

I may end up doing that but right now $ is an issue.  I am at the tail end of this project and funds are running low.  I may end up doing that 6 months after I finish.  I have spent so much time and $ I am anxious to get in it and go. I purchased the drum Master cylinder when I first started this.  How much $ are talking for a conversion? Thanks, Danny 

I know I'll wish I had. 

[72hemi]

The cheapest route is probably a set off a 73 and up a-body. I pick them up at places like pick n pull for a little over $100 on their half off days, and a little over $200 on regular days. Then I clean them up and make sure everything checks out on them. You can buy them at swap meets and off ebay, but they tend to go as high as $500 at that point.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Yep, I got the mid-70's A-body discs too. I really can't complain about them. An interesting thing is the 70 E-body drum brake line fits the A-body calipers.

[dixiedog]

That is good to know, I had to purchase all of the hoses and brake lines as well.  Maybe I can go that route (a body brake conversion).  Thanks, Danny

[cudazappa]

If you can't find the A-body conversion locally, a good alternative is the FMJ conversion.  Basically the same parts, and there's still a lot around.

[dixiedog]

What all would this intail to switch to this A-body conversion?  What do you mean by the FMJ?  Thanks, Danny

[shadango]

I had to rebuild my front end over the winter and did a disk brake conversion too on my 72.

I used spindles from a 75 dart, new calipers and rotors from a 1980 New York (big rotors) and I bought some caliper brackets from a member here.  I also ended up going with an aluminum master cylinder, but you can go with the original style cheaper.

True, it was a little cash.....but not as much as buying a kit or aftermarket setup, and the car stops good now. Those drums are just plain scarey if you ask me.

I couldnt have done my conversion without the huge amount of advice and help from folks here....so dont be afraid to take their advice. 

[cudazappa]

What all would this intail to switch to this A-body conversion?  What do you mean by the FMJ?  Thanks, Danny

FMJ refers to the body styles... F-body, J-body, and M-body.  Late Bs (73+) and R-bodies are similar.  Main difference is the spindle height. (3/8")  but that actually improves the suspension.  They use the same rotors as the A-bodies.  A bonus is the 11.75 brakes found on the 76-81 B and R bodies.  Much better than even the 10.87 brakes found on all the others.  I already did the 11.75" rotors on my car, and will be going to the taller spindles later.

[moparmike70]

The bigger brake should ALWAYS be on the front. All cars use the front brake as the primary stopping power. If you have larger rear brakes the rear will stop faster than the front which will cause the back of the car to come around on you.