Upgrading brakes on a 71 K1500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jason915 · 10-18-2005, 09:48 AM

I am looking to upgrade my brakes on my GMC currently it has the factory set up with front disc brakes and drums in the rear with power brakes.

What I have been brainstorming was to get 73+ rear backing plates and drum set up from the JY because they are wider and have more contact area with the shoes and drums. Also I was thinking of geting a power booster and master cylinder from a 71 K2500 I would think that this upgrade would give me better towing brakes and better panic stop reaction time.

Any one else attempt to upgrade your brakes by doing this? Any ideas?

*FormerMember* · 10-18-2005, 10:23 AM

The MC is the same from a 71 1/2 ton to a 71 3/4 ton. The booster is different, but a bolt in.

Have not done the rear brake swap, but if it's the same bolt pattern on the axle flange and same dimensions out to the hub, why not?

I usually swap in rear disks.

Jason915 · 10-18-2005, 10:41 AM

Thanks Grendel, yeah I know that the newer backing plates are the same pattern, flange and dimensions so I will attempt this upgrade and post if it if it is a success. If not then my next post will be "disc rear brakes for a 71 K1500?" LOL

10-18-2005, 09:48 AM	#1
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Upgrading brakes on a 71 K1500 I am looking to upgrade my brakes on my GMC currently it has the factory set up with front disc brakes and drums in the rear with power brakes. What I have been brainstorming was to get 73+ rear backing plates and drum set up from the JY because they are wider and have more contact area with the shoes and drums. Also I was thinking of geting a power booster and master cylinder from a 71 K2500 I would think that this upgrade would give me better towing brakes and better panic stop reaction time. Any one else attempt to upgrade your brakes by doing this? Any ideas? __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

10-18-2005, 10:23 AM	#2
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: Upgrading brakes on a 71 K1500 The MC is the same from a 71 1/2 ton to a 71 3/4 ton. The booster is different, but a bolt in. Have not done the rear brake swap, but if it's the same bolt pattern on the axle flange and same dimensions out to the hub, why not? I usually swap in rear disks.

10-18-2005, 10:41 AM	#3
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Re: Upgrading brakes on a 71 K1500 Thanks Grendel, yeah I know that the newer backing plates are the same pattern, flange and dimensions so I will attempt this upgrade and post if it if it is a success. If not then my next post will be "disc rear brakes for a 71 K1500?" LOL __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder



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