In general I think brake upgrades are mandatory on all 1/2 ton trucks. They are more difficult on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, but the drums are giant on my trucks and I keep them adjusted.
Check out grigg's site for his brake and axle upgrades.
I am talking about big trucks at relatively low speeds. My 1.5 ton can pull a 8500 lbs boat and trailer (triple axle with disc brakes) and haul it to a stop from 45 mph pretty good with the giant drums. Unloaded my 1.5 ton can stop alot faster than comfortable with the giant drums, I have never been able to lock em up when adjusted correctly. I wouldn't want to do repeated hard stops. If I go diesel, I am going to retrofit a hydroboost system to the drums.
I know a fabricator that says he can take a set of late model straight axle spindles (bread truck or 3500 HD) and bush the kingpins to fit. This may be my path later.
I don't tow it any faster than 55 with my 400 sbc powered 3/4 ton suburban. It will lock up on occasion. I really need to hydroboost it.
I guess another subject we've all avoided on this one it taller gears or in the case of the 4x4 taller tires may solve the problem.
