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| | | | Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 | I recently bought a 51 Chevy 3800 flatbed dually, knowing it needed brake work. What I didn't know was how hard it would be to find brake shoes for it.
It doesn't help I am very new to all of this. From searching the forum I've seen that I probably have a pre Huck brake system.
Where would be a good starting point to find shoes for the front brakes? The local parts store is not looking like a reliable source. Or should I just try to have them relined? And where would be someplace that would do that for me? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 | I would just have them relined. That is what I will be doing with my 2-ton. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 892 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 892 | Check with a brake and clutch outfit that works with heavy truck parts. In Seattle where I live that's Brake and Clutch Supply. They've relined assorted brake shoes, e-brake bands, clutches etc. for me for big and small trucks.
1951 3800 1-ton"Earning its keep from the get-go"In the DITY Gallery1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 | Brake drums for a 3800 are just about nonexistent, so don't have them machined at all unless it's absolutely necessary, and then only do the bare minimum of cutting.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 934 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 934 | Not sure if this is applicable or not but a tech article written by Bob Adler concludes that these rigs benefit from FF pads | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Don't break your neck repairing your existing rear end, lots of modern rears will work and have parts available.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Yes, depending on your goals for restoration and or use you may consider a "14 bolt" rear axle swap. Several threads exist on the subject.
There has been some discussion about swapping modern brakes from a 14 bolt to the old Eaton axle. I'm not sure if it's dead simple or just possible with some work...
This could be an intermediate swap if you want the old axle but can't find or don't want the old brakes. | | | | | Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 | I found a place that can send them in and get them relined. I am thinking of just going that route because the only place I found with shoes are on back order.
I've thought about upgrading to disc brakes, but it's way out of my expertise and ability of my garage I believe.
To be honest, I just want to haul some rock and be able to stop. All while driving something that looks really cool. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | Welcome to the Stovebolt. I am sure you will enjoy this site. I had my 1 Ton shoes relined and they work perfectly. Now I don't haul loads so I can't comment on that. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | If your drums are good reliningyour original would be simplest and most cost effective.
If your drums are not good again look at swapping newer DRUM brakes from a 14 bolt.
You could swap disc... but that's more trouble because you then need to swap master cylinder and install front disc. | | | | | Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: May 2016 Posts: 7 | The drums are in great shape. I'm just going to try and have them relined.
Thank you for the info and help. I'll post how it all turns out. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | This thread has some dicsussion about swapping modern drum brakes on the old Eaton axle. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=536119I have not read the whole thing but one question unanswered as far as I did read is what width brakes are they using? There are 3.5" wide and some narrower, and also different drum diameters on the various 14 bolt axles. Perhaps on a later page of that discussion they actually give part numbers or specifications. Point is it is possible to upgrade to modern and available drum brakes at very little cost. | | |
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