I'll take the other side. I'm a big fan of having the best brakes possible. Saying you haven't heard of anyone having a problem stopping with the stock drum brakes is like saying you have proof deer whistles work - you can't prove a negative. I HAVE had drum brakes fail on me (though not on a 'bolt). The linings - which were riveted, not bonded, fractured and came off the shoe under a hard stop. Definitely NOT fun. Drum brakes also have a big problem if they get wet - centrifugal force traps the water on the inside of the drum, where it hampers braking action. Disks are self-cleaning. Finally, when the drums get hot under heavy braking they expand, which reduces braking action and requires additional pedal travel. When disks get hot they shorten pedal travel and increase clamping force.
If you plan to leave your truck totally stock and only drive it to shows and cruise night, leave the brakes stock. If you plan to use it as a driver and a work truck, I'd upgrade the brakes. I certainly plan to.
Joe Padavano
