The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Self-adjusting brakes on the '64 and up?

http://www.64moneypit.pages.qpg.com/6066chevytrucks/id4.html has the best year-to-year model change descriptions I've seen. On that site, for 1964, it lists several cosmetic changes and new options available, but the only mechanical change I see was the addition of self-adjusting brakes.

So...

If I convert a '64 to power disc brakes, will I lose the self-adjusting feature, or will I be adding self-adjusting disc brakes?

For that matter, if I add power disc brakes to a '63, will I be giving it self-adjusting brakes?

Still learning...

Thanks.
Steve.

yes you will.....discs are pretty much self adjusting!

the self adjust or manual adjust is just on the shoes, so with out them it won't matter. the rotors uses a inferior method of runout for adjustment.

Great. Thanks, guys.

So given that I'm going to replace the drum brakes with disc brakes, there will be no real mechanical difference between the '63 and '64 truck for me. The differences will all be cosmetic, like the grill, the headlight bezels, and the windshield.

Right? If so, I'll begin searching for a 1963-66 truck instead of 1964-66.

Thanks.

The 63 does not have self adjusting brakes. IF you add disc to a 63 you still have to adjust the rear brakes. You could retro fit the rears for self adjusting brakes. It may be a non issue if you decide to change the rear axle for better gear ratio.

The 64-66 are self adjusting, and adding disc to the front, doesn't change anything as far as brake adjustment goes.

Larry

i think you are right on, not much mechanical difference. changing the rear over to self adjust is pretty easy i think. but really the manual adjust is pretty simple, i wouldn't let it scare you off. you'll always have the "powerful" rotors up front where most of the stopping power will be. i think the 63 cabs look a little cooler anyway with the dogleg windshield. good luck in finding one.

I have a 64 GMC 3/4 ton pu and it does not have self adjusting brakes on it.Dont know if its a GMC thing or maybe 1/2 ton verses 3/4 ton.

my 64 chevy 3/4 ton has self adjust. i junked a 65 jimmy 3/4 ton one time that had them too, best i remember. my 63 1/2 ton has manual adjust on front and self adjust on back since someone swaped out rear end like larry said above before i got it.

Thanks, guys. What about putting disc brakes on all 4 wheels? I know lots of modern cars still have drums in the back, and most of the stopping power is in the front. Would it be worthwhile to put disc brakes all the way around? I want the truck to be as safe as possible, but that might be overkill.

I haven't looked into that seriously, seems like a lot trouble and money. Particularly if you consider that most of the weight is transferred to the front. I'll be interested in what others post.

This post recently came up on inliners.org;

http://www.praisedynobrake.com/

The poster was quite happy with ceramic brakes he purchased from them, and their customer service was excellent. I'll definitely have them in mind for my next brake job. Here's the post;

http://www.inliners.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showthreaded&Number=56223

Larry