Sounds like they're about right.
My 52 1 ton for comparison I guess it could lock up the wheels but you had to try real hard. I know I planned my stops but also didn't think the brakes were bad at all. When I switched to disc brakes I sure appreciated them.

If old trucks are all you know then what you describe is probably normal. However if you're comparing it to new vehicles then you may think the old brakes are not so great.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-