Personally, I do not find Huck brakes to be difficult to live with or adjust. Getting the shoes relined ... well, that's another story ... but finding shoes and drums for a 1-ton is difficult for Bendix, too.
I only mention this because from where I sit, I see a lot of discussion by people who make the switch from Huck to Bendix just because ... So far, far the only two semi-valid reasons to make the switch are for parts availability (but I've managed to cover that by accumulating a decent supply of spare parts from others making the switch or simply discarding useable spares), or because Hucks can get a little sporty in panic braking situations. In the second case, if you fear your ability to adequately react to a panic braking situation then I would gently suggest that perhaps the old truck hobby is not for you. Or, that if it is for you, why stop at Bendix? Sounds to me like 4-wheel disc brakes are the real answer. Perhaps coupled with power steering and automatic transmission, autoparking features and air ride suspension. And don't forget your man bun. :P
At any rate, it just seems to me that a lot of people go to a fair amount of trouble and expense to get rid of perfectly fine brakes based on incomplete facts, leading to less-than-optimal decision making.
Are Bendix brakes superior to Huck Brakes? Of course they are. But enough to make it a slam dunk without considering the benefits of *not* converting?
Are Huck Brakes dangerous? No, not if you invest a little bit of time to understand them. Also involves learning to drive *defensively.* I know, I know, hardly anyone does anymore.... Slow down and give it a whirl. If you drive like an idiot, then yes -- they can be dangerous. These trucks aren't Teslas or Priuses you know ...
Are they hard to adjust? No, not really. If *I* can do it ...
Are they hard to find parts for? Not in my experience.
Are the shoes expensive to get relined? Well ... ya got me on that one. Yes they are. Hideously. BUT ... I would posit that the expense is less than the time, effort, aggravation and expense of converting to something else.
Not entirely against the whole idea. I'm just concerned that people might be making these decisions without complete info.
If you consider all of the above and you still wish to upgrade -- by all means.
Respectfully,
JM
