The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 8 lug bolt pattern

I've decided to keep the '46 stake bed original for now but do want to be able to drive it safely. I was thinking about getting new drums and wheel cylinders and a master with more than one line. I can't seem to find 8 lug drums, or more specifically I'm not sure what the bolt pattern is on the "46 3/4 ton. Anyone out there have one of these or a source for new drums to fit the 8 lug hub?

Thanks,
Joe

Nobody is making replacements for those drums, and they're extremely scarce and expensive when serviceable used ones can be found. Wheel cylinders are still available, and the shoes can be relined or replaced. As long as the drums aren't badly scored or machined way oversize, it's best to reuse what you have. I believe the usual maximum oversize is .090", but I've seen them work well when machined as much as 1/8" oversize if the linings are radius-ground to an exact fit with the drums. A shade tree method of doing that is to glue a piece of coarse sandpaper to the inside of the drum and scuff the linings to a close fit. Using water-based glue like wallpaper paste makes the sandpaper easier to remove.
Jerry

The bolt pattern is 8 on 6.5”

Ed

HI Jerry,

First thing I'll do is pull the drums and have them checked out and have the shoes relined. There's a brake place near me that should be able to do that. I'll see how the wheel cylinders are and if I can locate new ones maybe I'll replace them. I'm definitely going to replace the master with a multi port unit.

Ed, thank for the info.

Joe

Be very careful about picking a master cylinder and try to keep the same diameter and stroke as the original single line unit. I'd rather have a new-condition original brake system instead of the imaginary advantage of some half-donkey conversion to a poorly engineered dual circuit system. I don't recall hearing about any carnage on the road from total brake failures back when single-line systems were in general use, and dual systems didn't even exist until I was in high school!
Jerry

You're probably right. Maybe I can find a rebuild kit for the original stuff or someone who rebuilds them.

Joe

There are a few machine shops that rehab old brake cylinders, both master and wheel type, by boring the casting out and installing a stainless steel sleeve. Then when the cylinder is rebuilt, rust pitting becomes a non-issue- - - - -better than new!
Jerry

I used jim carters dual master kit on my gmc 150. Brakes are absolutely perfect. Im surprised anyone recommends to stay with a stock style single reservoir master. I have blown out my share of brake hoses/lines and had bad wheel cylinders in the past on other vehicles and its nice to still have 2 wheel braking instead of just running into trees or cars to stop. Its a easy upgrade. Also ..... Jim carters kit was very well built and bolts in just like stock. Only issue I had was the brass adapter they provided bottomed out before it sealed. I’ve had the same issue on other trucks and it was a simple swap out from the local parts store.

White Post Restorations near VA or somewhere back there routinely relines cylinders, most of the work involves setting up the cyl. to be bored.

A ff 14 bolt rear axle might be a good option if the existing brakes cannot be brought up to snuff.

Ed