Are the brake boosters the same between C 10 and C 20 ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72MARIO · 12-09-2002, 12:28 AM

Just wondering . I have a booster from a 71 C 20 and I need one for my 72 C10 will if fit and are they the same design I dont want somthing that does not look correct because I am not building a farm truck.

da-burb · 12-09-2002, 12:35 AM

Technically they are not the same. The C10 will be a single diaphram and about 3" thick while the C20 will be a double diaphram and about 5" thick. I have never tried it, but people have said you can use a dual in place of a single.

TERRYP · 12-09-2002, 02:54 AM

I use one out of an 85 Citation, smaller, seems the same 'boost' to me.

jmil1974 · 12-09-2002, 10:41 AM

I use a C20 unit in my C10. They say it has more stopping power and I think I believe it. Even with a leaky MC and line, this truck stops like a sports car (at least empty and in a straight line).

72MARIO · 12-09-2002, 10:47 AM

cool does it look similar to a c 10 stlye ? or really out of place if it makes more stopping power which it should because you need more brake power to stop a 3/4 ton load i may consider using it.

Southpa · 12-09-2002, 11:14 AM

I'm using a 3/4 ton booster as well. Works good.

**1971Stepside** · 12-09-2002, 12:32 PM

I believe they are bigger than the C10's. I had a C20 on my truck years ago and it was visibly larger. I didn't like the look of it. In your truck I would say you would want a smaller booster for looks.

72MARIO · 12-09-2002, 12:39 PM

cool thats what I was thinking I will see if I can trade this for a C10 one . What are you gonig to run on your truck ?

jmil1974 · 12-09-2002, 04:00 PM

From what I understand, there are several styles/sizes, even on C10s, due to different motors, clearances, etc.

Mine looks similar but not exactly the same as the big block units, thicker front to back. You shouldn't have a problem with clearance unless you have a big block, and probably not then either. You MIGHT if you were to adapt one from a later model truck as they had a pretty big diameter.

**1971Stepside** · 12-09-2002, 04:18 PM

72Mario, I think I will fork over the extra cash for one of the reproduction units from somewhere like Classic Performance since they are smaller in diameter. I may just order a new C10 reproduction unit though since I am going back to a stock looking engine compartment (very dressed up, but no shaving)

I believe your truck is shaved on the firewall, right? If I would have done that I think I would have gone for the frame mounted booster. It always seemed a little pointless to shave your heater box and then have all this brake stuff sticking out on the other side...that is why I choose to leave mine stock.

Your truck is looking sweet. Let me know what you choose to do. I would like to see how it turns out.

cableguy0 · 12-09-2002, 06:38 PM

imo brake parts are nothing u wanna screw around with. i would get a new booster if i were u. i replaced everything with new or rebuilt parts b/c the truck sat for three years plus u gotta remember these parts are 30yrs old. a new booster isnt all that expensive to risk it

Hooter · 12-09-2002, 10:21 PM

If you want a small booster, order one that is made for clearance of tall valve covers. I think they were optional in 1st gen camaros

12-09-2002, 12:28 AM	#1
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Are the brake boosters the same between C 10 and C 20 ? Just wondering . I have a booster from a 71 C 20 and I need one for my 72 C10 will if fit and are they the same design I dont want somthing that does not look correct because I am not building a farm truck. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

12-09-2002, 12:35 AM	#2
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	Technically they are not the same. The C10 will be a single diaphram and about 3" thick while the C20 will be a double diaphram and about 5" thick. I have never tried it, but people have said you can use a dual in place of a single. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

12-09-2002, 02:54 AM	#3
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	I use one out of an 85 Citation, smaller, seems the same 'boost' to me. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

12-09-2002, 10:41 AM	#4
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	I use a C20 unit in my C10. They say it has more stopping power and I think I believe it. Even with a leaky MC and line, this truck stops like a sports car (at least empty and in a straight line). __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

12-09-2002, 10:47 AM	#5
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	cool does it look similar to a c 10 stlye ? or really out of place if it makes more stopping power which it should because you need more brake power to stop a 3/4 ton load i may consider using it. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

12-09-2002, 11:14 AM	#6
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,410	I'm using a 3/4 ton booster as well. Works good. __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

12-09-2002, 12:32 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I believe they are bigger than the C10's. I had a C20 on my truck years ago and it was visibly larger. I didn't like the look of it. In your truck I would say you would want a smaller booster for looks. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-09-2002, 12:39 PM	#8
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	cool thats what I was thinking I will see if I can trade this for a C10 one . What are you gonig to run on your truck ? __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

12-09-2002, 04:00 PM	#9
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	From what I understand, there are several styles/sizes, even on C10s, due to different motors, clearances, etc. Mine looks similar but not exactly the same as the big block units, thicker front to back. You shouldn't have a problem with clearance unless you have a big block, and probably not then either. You MIGHT if you were to adapt one from a later model truck as they had a pretty big diameter. __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

12-09-2002, 04:18 PM	#10
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	72Mario, I think I will fork over the extra cash for one of the reproduction units from somewhere like Classic Performance since they are smaller in diameter. I may just order a new C10 reproduction unit though since I am going back to a stock looking engine compartment (very dressed up, but no shaving) I believe your truck is shaved on the firewall, right? If I would have done that I think I would have gone for the frame mounted booster. It always seemed a little pointless to shave your heater box and then have all this brake stuff sticking out on the other side...that is why I choose to leave mine stock. Your truck is looking sweet. Let me know what you choose to do. I would like to see how it turns out. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-09-2002, 06:38 PM	#11
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	imo brake parts are nothing u wanna screw around with. i would get a new booster if i were u. i replaced everything with new or rebuilt parts b/c the truck sat for three years plus u gotta remember these parts are 30yrs old. a new booster isnt all that expensive to risk it __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-09-2002, 10:21 PM	#12
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	If you want a small booster, order one that is made for clearance of tall valve covers. I think they were optional in 1st gen camaros __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life



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