The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Huck vs. Bendix

I am considering a 355 gear set for my 38. But a little more go means I may need a little more braking power. My truck is all stock, and the Huck brake system is in very good shape. Is Bendix that much better? I do want to keep stock appearance - so a disc system is not an option for me (yet).

Nothing wrong with your brake system. Just keep it adjusted and in good working order. It is not like you are gonna do Le Mans and need to haul it down from 100 over and over. You will be getting all you can get from a 216 or a 235 at about 65 maybe 70 at most.

Just thinkin' about those times when you have to get on the brakes pretty hard because of stupid drivers. But I don't think Bendix will make them (or me) any smarter.

Huck brakes, although requiring constant regular adjustment as they wear, are going to stop your 1/2 ton truck just as well as Bendix brakes. Keep in mind that these trucks do not like to stop. When you stomp on the brake pedal they will make all of the noises of stopping while you slide into the guy that cut you off in front of you. There is a mechanical advantage built into the Bendix brakes which the Hucks lack, but I have not noticed any difference in stopping performance between the two. (I have a 50 with Huck brakes and a 52 with Bendix.)
Carl

Thanks for the replys. I think the Hucks will be ok as long as i keep them tuned up.

I put Bendix on the front of my 39. They probably don't stop any faster but may require less pedal pressure. Bendix are supposedly self actuating. Other consideration is that new Bendix drums are by comparison dirt cheap and available at your local auto parts store. I also used self adjusters from a 67 chevy truck. It is always nice to have good pedal feel and well adjusted brakes.