The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Brakes Brakes Brakes

So im now onto the brake stage... i've never ever done anything with drum brakes. I'm familiar with disc brakes but this is all new here.

Any advice? ive got my rear tires off curently

I take it it is a 1/2 ton. Get a good pair of brake spring pliers. Do one side at a time so you can use the other for reference. O-haul or replace the wheel cyl. If there is any signs of grease from the axle replace the axle seals. These are pretty basic & simple.

its actually a 1 ton... is it any more complicated than a 1/2 ton or 3/4?
Ive realized most vendors only sell brake parts up to 3/4 ton

So i took off one drum (the other was already off) and took a couple of pics... i don't even know where to begin
Driver's rear
Again
Passenger's rear
Again

I would start with the shop manual. I have a 1 Ton with the same brakes and when they are restored, they work great. I would take lots of photos as you take them apart and try to save everything.

I completely forgot to mention that the brakes are shot, im going to start with an overhaul of the master cylinder, but i dont know what to look for... also the passenger side rear is seized which is why the PO took the drum off

Josh,

Like Truckernix said - the shop manual is pretty descriptive.

Master cylinder comes apart fairly easy in a vise. Once its opened and you've removed the plunger etc, you can inspect the cylinder walls for pitting. Pitting is bad - There are options for honing / sleeve - or you could just replace the whole thing for just over $100. A rebuild kit is available from most vendors for cheap.

ALL my brakes were seized when I got my truck, and the neighbors got to hear some choice language as I removed the drums! I ended up buying all new wheel cylinders.

Finally - yes, you won't find rear 1-ton drums very easily. My guy machined them lightly to try and preserve them. If you can find some in a yard - grab em.

My brake work here... http://1949chevy.com/index.php/brakes/

Good luck

Those are Huck brakes. Pre-Bendix. harder to find parts, but work well. NOT self adjusting, and both ends of the wheel cylinder need to be adjusted regularly. I had my 3/4T shoes relined at a truck shop. They did good work. Just my opinion, but a dual cylinder master is a good idea. I got a mounting kit from a local shop and a drum-drum master for a 72 3/4t from NAPA. All new lines. Works great, and peace of mind.
If you need to do bearing work, you will need the proper socket for the hub. Look at the internal ring nut after you pull the axle shaft so you know how many teeth you need on your socket. If you find one, buy it! It's a good $20-30 investment which will save you time searching when you need it. I believe mine was marked for 67-72 3/4T 4wd, but it fits and works. Your axle should be the same HO52.
It would be nice to find a newer truck that had brake drums similar enough to use, but no luck yet.

Good luck and enjoy your truck.

Thanks Highflyer, and BigTonka thanks for the link to your rebuild, i know ill be running back and forth between computer and truck to see what to do next :P