If you put two pallets of retaining wall blocks on, you got an eight thousand pound load. Been there, done that. I'm running the original (style) brakes at the wheels. Meaning, I rebuilt the factory brake system at each drum. Hydraulically, I upgraded to a dual res. and a booster. The shoes and drums are massive on these trucks, it's getting them to work properly is the trick. Now I can lock up the brakes with a 3-4 ton load of gravel on. I'm confident that I have adequate braking and I agree with Steve, no replacement for displacement. This same truck has a 350 in it. My original truck won't pull up my driveway grade in third gear, empty, where as my V-8 truck does it with a 3 1/2 ton load pushing an eight foot plow and I need to use the brakes when I get to the end. If you're going to upgrade, UP grade,
Scott
