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| | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 102 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 102 | Finally got the truck running good. Now I need to check on the brakes.
Thinking about keeping the manual brakes,with the single cylinder. Has anyone done this? Brakes work ok?
Can I just add a power booster to the existing single master cylinder (RockAuto)? Is this driven by manifold vacuuM Can I just tee off the PCV valve hose?
Also, are there many differences in brake shoe sizes on these trucks? Rockauto lists a few different options - do I need to disassemble everything and measure the drums first?
Last edited by GeorgeCz; 06/22/2020 4:15 PM.
1963 C20, 292 (4.8L). 4-speed.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 168 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 168 | Thinking about keeping the manual brakes,with the single cylinder. Has anyone done this? Brakes work ok?
Yes, I did it, and yes it works okay. I could lock up all four wheels with my original master cylinder and drums; however, the drums require periodic adjustment to keep that good stopping power. Also, my drums faded pretty bad when they got wet. Pretty much the only advantage discs will have over drums is the lack of adjustment, and much less brake fade.
Can I just add a power booster to the existing single master cylinder (RockAuto)? Is this driven by manifold vacuuM Can I just tee off the PCV valve hose?
Captain Fab over at 67-72chevytrucks makes a bolt on bracket for power boosters. Personally, I like the simplicity of manual brakes.
Also, are there many differences in brake shoe sizes on these trucks? Rockauto lists a few different options - do I need to disassemble everything and measure the drums first?
Someone else should chime in on this one. I would say the 2.75" wide shoes are what you want, but to be sure you should check out what you have first. Or just order them off of amazon with free returns in case they are the wrong size, haha
Liquidated my projects
Now looking for a decent '47-'55.1 3100, 3600, or 3800
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 102 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 102 | Thinking about keeping the manual brakes,with the single cylinder. Has anyone done this? Brakes work ok?
Yes, I did it, and yes it works okay. I could lock up all four wheels with my original master cylinder and drums; however, the drums require periodic adjustment to keep that good stopping power. Also, my drums faded pretty bad when they got wet. Pretty much the only advantage discs will have over drums is the lack of adjustment, and much less brake fade.
Can I just add a power booster to the existing single master cylinder (RockAuto)? Is this driven by manifold vacuuM Can I just tee off the PCV valve hose?
Captain Fab over at 67-72chevytrucks makes a bolt on bracket for power boosters. Personally, I like the simplicity of manual brakes.
Also, are there many differences in brake shoe sizes on these trucks? Rockauto lists a few different options - do I need to disassemble everything and measure the drums first?
Someone else should chime in on this one. I would say the 2.75" wide shoes are what you want, but to be sure you should check out what you have first. Or just order them off of amazon with free returns in case they are the wrong size, haha Thanks for the info. Yeah, I figure I can just get one set of brakes and return them if they do not fit. Fortunately, I live in SoCal, so not a lot of wet weather. I'll stick with the manual brakes for now. Does anyone know of an upgrade for auto adjust brakes?
Last edited by GeorgeCz; 06/29/2020 4:24 PM.
1963 C20, 292 (4.8L). 4-speed.
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