Just picked up an 85

[dtkarst]

Just picked up the newest squarebody I’ve had to date. 1985 Silverado 3/4 ton camper special with a factory 454 and 4 speed. It was only about 15 miles from me and the guy said he parked it because he thought the clutch was going out. Anyway got it home today, threw some fuel on the passenger side tank and started cranking and she fired up. Runs smooth and the clutch actually works fine. But if anyone can help me with this I’d appreciate it, the front brakes were really tight at first and I cracked each line and they released. So I drove it and after using the brakes a couple times they got really tight again but release if I crack the line. So would that be an issue in the proportioning valve? Or in the calipers? If anyone has a clue let me know, but I think the brakes got tight on him and maybe got hot and it wouldn’t move so he assumed the clutch was out. Anyway here it is, been repainted white at one point from what I can tell.

[dtkarst]

And the spid. Has all four original whee covers but I think I’ll go with the dog dish like in one of the pictures

[wildwilly4x4]

Take the calipers off and lube the slides. Also may be a good time to go ahead and put new pads on....just to make sure that the pistons aren't coming too far out of their bores. It's possible that the combination valve has too much residual back pressure from being dirty/ stuck. Maybe flush out the system with all fresh fluid before tossing parts at it. My $0.02

[Big Chip]

I would replace the rubber lines while you were in there just to make sure they aren't collapsing and holding pressure at the caliper.

[DoubleDubya]

It could be your brake hoses. They are known to deteriorate inside and not let the fluid return to the reservoir. I'd try that first.

[peabobble]

X2, brake hoses.

[Hart_Rod]

Nice truck! X3 on above.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Nice truck! X3 on above.

x4. Replace the brake hoses. Lube the caliper pins while doing the brake service.

[dtkarst]

I’ll try out the rubber brakes lines and spraying down the calipers. If not they’re not too expensive to replace

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

x4. Replace the brake hoses. Lube the caliper pins while doing the brake service.

And remember these old pickups do not have sealed front wheel bearings.

So while you're in there, might want to think about re-packing.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

And remember these old pickups do not have sealed front wheel bearings.

So while you're in there, might want to think about re-packing.

Truth. I didn't think to mention that but I've never owned a vehile w/sealed bearings.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Truth. I didn't think to mention that but I've never owned a vehile w/sealed bearings.

Yeah, and there's probably younger folks on here saying: "Re-pack wheel bearings? WTF does that mean?"

Back in my service station days, re-packing wheel bearings was a big part of our business. Also an essential part of replacing front drum brakes.

[dtkarst]

I replaced the old rubber brake lines and they fronts no longer stay locked up but I bled them once and the pedal feels soft but it’s stopping it. Tried bleeding them again with no change but when I hit the brake pedal and push it down almost to the bottom the brake light comes in. Still a little spongey for my liking so would the next step be the proportioning valve?

[v30crewcab]

sounds like the proportioning valve got off center. need to bleed the front and rear again and get all the air out, and hope it will recenter by itself.