Originally Posted by red58
I agree w/ yer bro-in-law, if after renewing the system fluid leaked out of the connection at one cylinder, that's the fault of the mechanic, not the design of the brakes wink

spend as much as you like, but an old truck is an old truck and in good condition will drive, ride and stop as good as necessary, a complete chassis swap is the only way you'll "get the truck to a more comfortable ride" if you envision "comfort" in 2014 terms

Bill

Can't say it better than Bill did above. I'm a daily driver only vehicle '49 with Huck brakes, single master resleeved in brass, stainless steel brake lines. I'm at 70-75 mph nearly every day and can lock up and stop with the best of brakes. How? Proper adjustment, inspection, yearly purging of all brake fluid, speed bleeders. I've never driven a disc brake version of our vintage truck. I have been told that the difference is in leg strength....power disc or drum vs manual drum or disc. I believe disc brakes were created to make it easier for mechanics, and more efficient for hard use racing (cooler braking) and lighter whole assembly.

You will need to plug into due diligence regarding periodic preventive maintenance whether you keep the drums or go with discs. IMHO, unless you go to a power disc or drum there will be NO DIFFERENCE in your pedal feel or stopping for that matter. I may go to a dual master cylinder in the future but in almost 18 years of driving feel no need to hurry to a false confidence, all my confidence is derived from a properly maintained brake system.

Post Script
Just this past week did my annual brake inspection, adjustment, brake fluid purging, wheel rotation, greasing of all the zerk fittings, repacking of the front wheel bearings. The four year old shoes are wearing perfectly.

Regards,

Cosmo

~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer