Hello Lost one. Brakes are actually one of the things that car owners can do even with today's modern vehicles. There aren't any electronics or smog equipment on brakes!! With the exception of modern antilock brakes but one can still replace worn pads and such on those.
Everyone who gets an old truck starts with brakes and would like to upgrade to discs. There are kits for 1/2 tons but not for anything bigger. Many of the guys here have figured out a way to engineer discs onto their big truck. Some go so far as to section on the front of a newer truck frame that has independent front suspension and hence the newer style brakes to go with. It's alot of ground to cover to make the upgrade. I would suggest replacing and/or rebuilding your stock brakes. IF you have hucks, some of the guys like to upgrade to bendix style. Never done this myself so some of the other guys here can advise on that. Then I would add a hydrovac unit. It's very easy to install and gives you power drum brakes, a huge improvement over the standard non-power drums which are frankly, pretty scary.
The components to a brake system are: Hydraulics: Master cylinder, steel hydraulic brake lines and flexible hoses that go from frame to wheels, and hydraulic cylinders at each wheel. Then each wheel has brake shoes that attach to the steel backing plate, and a brake drum that attaches to the wheel hub. The hydraulic cylinders are simple and contain a piston with a rubber seal. Replace those with new if possible. Rebuild them with a kit if no replacement available. Replace your shoes by doing one side at a time. That way if you forget how they go back together you can look at the other side. BIG SHOE GOES IN THE REAR. Replace drums with new if possible. Have the new front drums turned after you mount them to the hubs as this will distort their shape slightly and turning them will make them round again and give you better shoe to drum contact.
You're not looking at alot of money and the time you spend trying to figure it out is time well spent. Once you get started we can sorta walk you thru if you get stuck. All that's required are tools, patience (not my strong suit) and some nitrile gloves.
