55.2-59 Heavy Duty Front Brakes

[1project2many]

I'm working on a project to recreate the "heavy duty front brakes" option available for '55-'59 1/2 ton trucks. I'm using parts from a few different models. So far I've collected NOS front drums from a '67-'71 3/4 ton G van; backing plates, wheel cylinders, and hardware from a '59-'64 full size car, and NOS hubs from a '63 1/2 ton as these are six lug and use tapered wheel bearings. I've also collected a few different sets of shoes since aftermarket information is a bit muddy. If this works it will give 11" X 2.75" brakes vs OE 11" X 2.00" brakes.

The goal is to assemble the parts to see how they fit together before disassembling the truck. Does anyone have a stock spindle they would be willing to part with for a reasonable price? Or does anyone know of a source for a reasonably priced spindle? 55-59 definitely work, but GM parts books show the same forging number from 47 - 59 although they have a different part number before 1950.

Thanks,

[mr48chev]

I see no mention of "heavy duty brake option in the GM heritage center archives.

Three years of GM heritage center archive brake info does not show any option on brakes for 3100 trucks> I am just curious as to where you got the info on Heavy duty brake options for a TF 3100.