GMT 800 Brake Conversion > Silverado HD 2500

[Twisted Steel Performance]

Back in the day I looked at the GMT-400 disc brake conversion kits and they were priced at $580. I see they are now over $1200. My entire axle cost me $260 harvested from a Pick-A-Part boneyard and that was complete with rotors, calibers and pads. The spring and snubber perches, plus the welding added $100. Just ordered a parking brake cable equalizer for $15 including taxes and shipping. Way cheaper than any conversion kit I priced.

Yea the kit was a bit less back when I purchased also.

 

[Will L.]

BBB
Bought Before Bidenflation.

 

[Big T]

BBB
Bought Before Bidenflation.

So LKQ Pick-A-Part has now started charging separately for any fasteners and integrated pieces of equipment. Example: when I harvested the GMT-800 axle with disc brakes, I was charged just for the axle. Now they would charge for the disc brakes, parking brake cables, etc.

This past weekend I honestly revealed the hardware for the u-joints on the drive shaft I harvested. They said I needed to go back and pay for those. I bitched they had not done that before, but no go. That said, I own LKQ stock, so it get back in the form of dividends and share price appreciation.

 

[Big T]

I've done a few of these now and I've found the easiest and best way (maybe not cheapest) is buying new moog lifetime lower control arms gmt800. They already have new bushings and ball joint, you do not have to ream anything. Gmt400 upper control arms then install kryptonite 6292 ball joints. The outer 2 holes line up, tack weld the rear then drill and bolt.
Kryptonite also makes tierods that are beefy and work great with gmt800 spindle to gmt400 center link.

Damn that is pretty.

 

[DieselAmateur]

Question- apologies if it's already been covered here-

Will the GMT400 wheel hub/ bearing assembly bolt into the GMT800 knuckle? And will the 800 series rotor slide over the hub without issue? I'm doing this conversion first to a '93 which didn't have ABS sensors.

I know the 800 rotors slide over the hubs while the 400 rotor was held in from the backside by the studs, so several variables to consider.

 

[Big T]

I've done a few of these now and I've found the easiest and best way (maybe not cheapest) is buying new moog lifetime lower control arms gmt800. They already have new bushings and ball joint, you do not have to ream anything. Gmt400 upper control arms then install kryptonite 6292 ball joints. The outer 2 holes line up, tack weld the rear then drill and bolt.
Kryptonite also makes tierods that are beefy and work great with gmt800 spindle to gmt400 center link.

What is the Kryptonite part number for the tie rod ends that fit GMT800 Spindle and GMT400 center link?

 

[Big T]

I need a new set of knuckles because I reemed too deep for the tie rods. There is a 2011 HD at an LKQ Pik a Part yard and they have a 50% off sale this weekend. Would the knuckles from a 2011 HD work as replacements?

 

[dbrannon79]

the best way i have found to check part fitment is to look them up on RA. even on some of the auto parts sites, see if the part numbers are the same. there are even times where the part numbers are different, but it's only due to placement on things like speed sensors or other mounting point. if the knuckle look the same, check the ball joints and see if they are the same. 9 times out of 10 if the joints are the same, then it'll work.

optional: can you use a mig, build up some material in the hole, then re-ream them? depending on how much you took out, getting some stainless shim material and cut a shim to put in there might also do the job too!

 

[Big T]

the best way i have found to check part fitment is to look them up on RA. even on some of the auto parts sites, see if the part numbers are the same. there are even times where the part numbers are different, but it's only due to placement on things like speed sensors or other mounting point. if the knuckle look the same, check the ball joints and see if they are the same. 9 times out of 10 if the joints are the same, then it'll work.

optional: can you use a mig, build up some material in the hole, then re-ream them? depending on how much you took out, getting some stainless shim material and cut a shim to put in there might also do the job too!

For $20 per knuckle, I’ll get replacements and ream them.

 

[Big T]

Would knuckles from a 1999 Silverado 2500 work?

 

[Big T]

Found a 2004 Silverado HD in Rialto:

 

[dbrannon79]

$20 is dirt cheap!!