Good morning, I’m putting front brakes on a 1954 Panel Van 3805 and I’m wanting to replace the associated springs. Can anyone tell me if the spring set for the front Is the same for a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton? I see sets available for the 3/4 ton (front and back) but nothing listed for the 1 ton. Thanks, Dennis
I'm pretty sure the springs are different. Check in past Tons of Fun posts. I believe spring sources have been discussed and they are available at a reasonable price. My front springs are getting noticeably worn so I'll be looking too pretty soon.
1951 3800 1-ton "Earning its keep from the get-go" In the DITY Gallery 1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
I believe that the 3/4 & 1 ton (36xx&38xx) Chevys and (15x,25x) GMCs use the same front brakes. Following is taken from the 1954 GMC Master Parts Book. I don't have a Chevy parts book.
There are 5 springs in the front brakes. One of index 4.0322, two of index 4.0325 and two of index 4.0330.
4.0322 shows part number 1416760 used on front and rear of 1953-54 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
4.0325 shows part number 3696704 (including pin) used on front and rear of 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
4.0330 shows part number 3694822 used on front and rear of 1953-54 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Dennis - I did a check of Chevy parts books to compare the GMC data provided by Bill H above. The GM# 1416760 brake shoe adjuster spring is the same for both GMC and Chevy 3/4 & 1 Tons. The GM# 3696704 brake shoe hold down spring kits are also the same for both GMC and Chevy.
The Chevy books though show GM# 3697428 for the brake shoe return springs for Chevy 3/4 & 1 Ton truck, instead of the GM# 3694822 Bill listed. All can be found from various vendors. Anything from some NOS stocks, NORS stocks from aftermarket manufacturers and some of our usual vendor sources to. Search using the GM part numbers and you should find what you need.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
I went back and looked at the return springs in the image from the GMC parts book I posted above. I copied the 1/2 ton number into my text by mistake. The 3/4 and 1 ton GMCs used the same 3697428 as your Chevy books have. Net is that all three different spring numbers are the same for 3/4 and 1 ton GMCs and Chevys.
Sorry for my short between the keyboard and my chair.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Thanks for the update Bill. I sometimes suffer from that affliction too.
Good to know that they all work for Dennis's needs and hope he comes back to let us now if successful on finding the parts.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
My mistake, I read the OP as wanting to change the suspension springs.
Brake springs may be the same between 3/4 and 1-ton but the wheel cylinders and shoes and drums are not, at least during the Huck years. I have no experience with the Bendix brakes in this application.
1951 3800 1-ton "Earning its keep from the get-go" In the DITY Gallery 1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
Update: I ordered and just received the Brake Spring Set 71-522 (3/4 Ton only) from ClassicParts of America, everything looks as it should. Thanks to all for your help !! Dennis
Great news Dennis! Let us know how they work out on your 1 ton so others can use the knowledge to get them too if needed.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
