The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1951 GMC Coe 450 brakes options 3 ton

Hello I've searched your forum and was curious as to how I can upgrade the brakes on my 51 gmc 450 with the stock straight axle. Like to keep the stock lug pattern if I can as well.

Thanks in advance.

welcome to the site! I am not familiar with your particular truck but, I'm sure someone will come along soon who is able to help you out!
Make sure to stop by the welcome wagon and introduce yourself and your truck!

I make a kit for a 2-ton. Not sure how similar the 3 tons are. have any pictures of the wheels and maybe a picture of the spindle and king pin area? the long thread about it here.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/853408/1.html

Thanks,

Also share what exactly is the stock bolt pattern?

What kind of brake issues, are you dealing with now ? I put many miles on a 1952 GMC 450 series 3 ton COE. Truck was completely stock. Had no brake issues with it.

My truck is in project mode and will be putting a 12valve Cummings in it. And also making a ramp truck out of it. I never drove this truck but I'd imagine the stock brakes are not what I want with hills and loads I'm going to be tackling

What type of stock brakes do you have? Our 450 has air brakes and I’d never see a need to do anything but maintain them.

To be honest I never removed the wheels yet. Truck is kinda complete but missing stuff too. I haven't looked to see what is with the brakes.

Are all 450s air brake trucks? If so it would make sense as it was used to haul heavy stuff.

Also wondering about the gearing in the two speed rear?

Not sure. Spanky would know that.

Look for air compressor under the hood, large brake pedal or air cylinders on rear axle.

Have air gauge on dash?

A 450 that was a truck tractor or a grain truck could very well have air brakes. If it was a fire truck, it would have hydraulic brakes. Lift the hood and see if there is a compressor. If you have air brakes, the rear axle will look something like this.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...TEZWbjBHVG1DaEVFeUtSa0YtQ25wWGlkbTJpZWRR

What trans will you be using? You will probably need to figure that out, then find an appropriately geared rear axle. You will probably want to cruise at 1800 RPM's or so for best economy. Might want to do that first before working out brake system.

Ed

FWIW, here's a shot of the rear end of the '50 450 that Sweet is talking about:

Our brakes appear different from Ken's ... But if your truck has air brakes, it's pretty obvious.

John, the brakes on mine are pretty much the same as yours. The same bolt together chambers only mounted at a different angle. Mine still have the rubber cushion between the chamber and the slack adjuster. These were usually long gone by the late 50's. The clamp type chambers came into use in the mid 50's. But the point is, if a truck has air brakes, it is pretty obvious.

Air brakes were an option on all 450 series, and larger GMC trucks. If full air brakes, it will have a large accelerator pedal looking, brake pedal.

Is there a secret place where I could get brake parts for my 51 GMC 450 COE.? I’m a good hunter and I cannot find anywhere .

What parts, Butch?

Some may be hard to find.

I found several parts on Rockauto.com, but big-truck parts are a challenge. Post a Want Ad in the Swap Meet, here, when you know what you need.