Power Drum Brakes????

[beeftip]

I currently have manual drum brakes all around on my '70 CST. For a whole list of reasons that basically add up to one giant P.I.T.A. I've decided to do no modifications or restorations to my truck. Being called a dumbass by Sam (a.k.a. Sweet72)

Originally Posted by Sweet72

You wouldn't know a nice truck if it bit you in the ass. Your wife made you buy it? You sure sound like a dumba__ to me, but I could be wrong... That's one of the nicest trucks I've seen on here, and to cut it up and f__k it up would be a shame. But as others have said, it's your truck. Have fun and enjoy the site.

finally set my notions of "ruining" my truck to rest.

But the braking really really sucks. I'm wondering if any of you can give me some insight into how much improvement I'll see by just adding a booster to my drum brakes. Will it be dramatic or just a little better?

Then when I've gotten enough enjoyment out of owning the truck I'm selling it and buying a '67 Suburban that I can hack up. :gay:

Darren

[RSRXION]

Darren, why not do the whole changeover ? You can literally " bolt up " a 73-87 front suspension with power disc brakes and power steering. It's easily accomplished in an afternoon and the parts are readily available in every salvage yard in the country. It's a sure fire fix to manual steer and drum brakes and you're using all GM parts. It shouldn't hurt the value of the truck at all. In fact, if I were buying one I think I'd give more. Just a thought... Dean

[69TowRig]

Hmm. No comment on the other stuff, but on the power issue: I upgraded to power (and added discs) to the front of my K5. Braking is vastly better than before. A lot of guys here will say that the drums are good enough. I think the power upgrade did wonders.

[clay68c10]

Do the discs, it's totally worth it the first time everyone in front of you hauls down to a stop on the highway unexpectedly. The 73-87 swap is super easy and I also think it makes the truck worth more.
Spindles w/rotors & calipers, steering linkage w/pitman & idler, lines and hoses, and master cyl from junkyard. Knock out the old ball joints and put in 73+ ball joints and put in the "new" parts. Get someone to re-drill the rear to 5x5 and you're done.

[krue]

Damned if I would let someone else tell me what to do with my truck. It's not like it's a super rare/valuable vehicle that should be kept under plastic. Do what YOU want to and build it like YOU want it.

[jescates]

I have two 70's, one with power drums and one with manual drums. The power stops a little better with less leg muscle. If I had the money, they both would have power disc brakes all around! I prefer safety over originality any old day!

[ante_up13]

I agree with Krue.

[beeftip]

That settles that. Power discs all around.

As a funny aside, my 5'1" wife locked up the manual drums the first day we owned the truck. She was so busy getting used to the 3 on the tree that she failed to notice the idiot in the Oldsmobuick in front of us decide he needed to make a left turn right now. What would have really sucked is hitting that guy because the bench seat was cranked all the way forward so she could reach the pedals with her little hobbit legs. Adrenaline is a great brake booster.


Thanks,

Darren

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by krue

Damned if I would let someone else tell me what to do with my truck. It's not like it's a super rare/valuable vehicle that should be kept under plastic. Do what YOU want to and build it like YOU want it.

I agree. Plus If and when they ever do become really valuable, Our grand kids can put them back the way they were. Just like all the 55-57 chevy's that were chopped up and turned into drag cars.
That is the nice thing about this hobby. You build it the way you want it.