To disc or not

[sixTsix]

Well I didn't mean to start some kind of debate really. I mainly had some questions and wanted opinions ...but you know starting a thread about brakes is like asking which engine oil is the best, or asking "how long is a string"

As far as my truck its a 66 c10 short stepper, 350 4 speed sbw and this is how she sits now







Anyhow I am curious about the wheel clearances with the dropped spindles. I have my heart set on chrome steelies so this is an important question to get answered. I don't want modern wheels ...just don't do the truck justice.
So maybe some of the disc brake guys running steelies can answer my question about this issue.

[66Submarine]

A string is 13.0378" long, how dare you question that. Lol. I can't say for sure, but I'd think most any 8" wide 15" wheel will clear a factory disk setup. I think only the factory 5.5" wide wheels won't clear, and I think narrow 67-70 wheels actually do.

[Sharps40]

I didn't like wide wheels on my old John Lee, it would skip thru the turns rather than turn...I think they were 10" wide rims. Went back to factory wheels and tires and he turned like a truck should, smooth!

Run drums and yer wheels will fit! HA!

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Sharps40

I have 4 wheel non power drums on the 64 and now on the 65 and in the past on my 37/48 and 52 Dodges, 66 and 68 Valiants, 67 and 68 VW Beetles, 62 Impala, etc. They always stop great when you keep them adjusted properly. Most folks bring em up till they just drag and then go ride. Ya gotta get em closer and have the drums truly round but that's the subject of never ending discussion. We always do three things every 5K miles....oil/filter change, tire rotate, check/adjust drum brakes.

I agree!! I have no issues with my non-powered drums.. They stop straight and quick!

[wutnxt]

So i have a 64 with 4 wheel disc no power......
a 58 with 4 wheel disc's power set up..................
a 65 with front disc brakes and rear drums....
a 66 with 4 wheel drum brakes....................

So in my humble opion i know what works for me.....The 4 wheel drum stops great....and it is what it is....The power front disc brakes is better........The 4 wheel disc with out power booster I like....But when I am cruising around and just out to have fun i love the power 4 wheel disc set up. I now convert everything i do and plan on keeping to atleast power dics on the front. One of the reasons I do is because I let all my kids drive all of my builds they help out on . I found that the kids get used to disc power brakes and have trouble adjusting so it just keeps it easier for all of us to drive. Another reason is i rotate alot of my trucks as in build em... sell em ..buy em and people will always buy a truck with front disc brakes over drums. For what thats worth.....it just suits my driving style more

[64shortbox]

If you're having trouble getting a good pedal feel try pressure bleeding your brakes. Either take it to a reliable shop to have it done or you can make up your own pressure bleeder like I did. Here's the link on my home made pressure bleeder. Just make sure you keep your master cylinder full of brake fluid, it goes quickly.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post6054458

Also if you decide to go the disc brake route grab everything off the donor truck and I mean "EVERYTHING". The brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines, proportioning valve, everything. I found I was able to use ALL of the brake hard lines from my 73 donor truck with only slight tweaking but I did have to make a small bracket to mount my proportioning valve. here's the link on that.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...45#post5926045

Hope this helps some.

[Sharps40]

I pressure blead all my brakes. I open the valve while GoodWife Stomps the everlovinhelloutta the pedal with 160 lbs of Angry-Ol-Lady-Don't-Wanna-Pump-The-Forkin-Brakes-Again power pumps!