The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1951 3600 brakes

So I am starting to work on a 1951 chevy 3600. My first restoration of a truck. I have read some threads on this site about keeping the brakes drums since it is hard to find a conversation kit for an 8 lug and changing the master cylinder to a more modern version. That sounds a lot easier than hunting down a new front end and switching to a 5 lug. Is the drum with new master cylinder a good idea? If so what is a suggested master cylinder? Thanks for allow me in the group and any help you might offer!

There are several company's that make disc brake conversion kits for the ‘51 3600’s. There is a [LINK] to one and I know that there are some others vendors that have been discussed on this forum.

You can also do a dual master conversion, both powered and manual versions.here is a [LINK] from LMC Truck. There a several vendors that supply this conversion.

Maybe we could get some other “Bolters” that have done these conversions to add their experiences.

Welcome! I'm working on a '51 3600 as well. My budget told me not to go the disc brake conversion route, so I have "upgraded" my front brakes from the original Huck to Bendix (12" x 2"). I acquired a pair of '53 backing plates from another forum member, then purchased new cylinders, springs, adjusters, shoes, drums, etc. An easier option would be to find a '53-'59 donor truck and get it all in one shot, but nothing was available out my way. I also changed out my original master cylinder for a new dual-circuit master cylinder (no power assist). I can provide the vendor/part # info for the stuff I bought if you like.

Thank you guys for the help. The conversion kit is high. I like the booster idea but mine is a straight drive and the web at LCM says only for automatic. How about yours Brian is it auto or straight drive?

I read on another thread in here from years ago about putting a s10 rearend under the truck to enjoy highway speeds, any ideas how hard a switch over that would be?

James,

Take a look at this thread. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread.../14-bolt-axle-swap-info.html#Post1249600 It is pinned at the top of the "tons o fun" forum. There is A LOT of good info about 3/4 and 1 ton axle swaps. My 3600 has a flat bed, so axle width was not as critical for me, so I wasn't picky about my axle. The modern "14 bolt" axles can be used, you may have to do some searching to find the correct one. Any "modern axle" will have disk brakes. My opinion is if the back has disk brakes, the front probably should too.

A s-10 axle will likely function ok, but not be rated for as much load as original. It will also have 5 or 6 lug wheels, not 8.

Do your homework and get a game plan together so you only do the work once!! I learned the hard way how expensive/frustrating it can be to make one modification, only to go back and change it a second time.

Jon

My truck has a 4-speed. I've read that you can use a master cylinder booster kit with a manual transmission, but you have to convert the clutch to a hydraulic throw-out bearing set up as there is no room for the mechanical linkage. I don't know about that. Before I started my project I read all I could find on the disc vs. Bendix and power vs. manual brake scenarios then came to the conclusion that manual Bendix brakes (with FF rated shoes) are just as good as manual disc brakes, and that I didn't need power brakes based on how I plan to use the truck.