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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 20 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 20 | Back with another question (and of course, its to do with brakes)
Been working on my 5500 trying to get everything working so that I can actually drive it and do some work, but the drum brakes just have refused to work for me thus far. I've been thinking about making an "upgrade" to disc brakes
what I really want to know is if 1. this is worth it and 2. is this possible without having to fabricate my own parts. I'm probably going to make a post showcasing the truck so far on what my family and I have done with it so far, but having to take a break to wait for money
and plan ahead for future projects with this truck
thanks again for any info! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | What year is your truck? You're the only one that knows if adding anything to your truck is worth it...with enough time and money, anything is possible! Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | What is your wheel bolt pattern?
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: Dec 2021 Posts: 20 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 20 | 1. truck is 1972
2. 10 lugs in the back dullie. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | You will probably end up spending far more money converting to disc brakes than rebuilding the original system to brand new condition will cost. Grigg has spent a lot of time and effort writing a tutorial about converting to modern axles with disc brakes, which is probably the only safe, effective way to do it. Get ready to do somer CPR on your checkbook!
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: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | So is your bolt pattern 5/10 front/rear? Is it 10 on 7.25, 10 on 8.75, or larger?
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: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,451 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,451 | GMC dumptruck72 Hotrod Lincoln is right your brakes repaired back like new will do the job ! Not cheap but a lot better than a crash ! My 51 6400 will slide the tires on a hard stop,only ABS can do better !! | | |
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