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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,157 Posts1,056,894 Members48,458 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 | Hate to bother with another silly question but I've tried to do my own research with you tube and in general google searches to no avail. What is the correct spec brake fluid used in '78 for Chevy Suburban, big block with disc brake front only if it makes any difference. Thanks in advance. P.S. Have a merry Christmas all! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,980 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,980 | Yours probably came from the factory with Dot 3 brake fluid which is suitable for your drum/disc brake setup. If you are worried about the brakes getting high usage (heavy regular braking that might cause excessive heat in your components) then you might consider upgrading to Dot 4 which from what I recall is meant to withstand higher temps. Since they are compatible fluids, no need to completely flush the systems unless your concerned about debris or contaminants. Everything I've read says DON'T use Dot 5 unless your equipment and operation demand that. The fluid is silicone based, which is not compatible with nor will it mix with Dot 3 and 4 fluids. Switching to Dot 5 requires complete flushing of the brake systems as well as replacement of some components that flushing the system can't completely remove the Dot 3 or 4 fluids completely. My understanding is it's very costly and unnecessary for regular vehicles usage. Merry Christmas back at you! 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow 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)
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,200 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,200 | Service manual says "Delco Supreme 11 fluid or DOT 3"
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 | Thanks for the quick replies! I even bought a factory service manual for a 1978 Suburban, after receiving it realized it was for "unit" rebuilding. Transmission, rear end, brake master booster etc. Not much usable info that I needed. Got exited about finding a factory manual instead of a Chilton's etc. and didn't read closely enough. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,852 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,852 | DOT 3 and 4 are compatible with each other- - - -the DOT 4 just has a higher boiling point. That's useful if you have disc brakes and tow trailers, etc. Either one can be used for light to medium duty applications.
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: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2025 Posts: 106 | Thanks Jerry, I wanted to get a good answer here instead of going to O'Reily's counter to ask. Comfort level not high enough there. | | |
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