best options for upgrading steering and breaks ?

[the hammer]

I have had my 71 k5 blazer longer than my oldest son (22) .did a quickie restoration in 1995 then a full frame off in 2005 . always garaged used only a few hundred miles a year . I didn't feel the need to upgrade steering and brakes until now . I want to use it a lot more as I want to travel with it .
please let me know if you have done these type of upgrades and how they preformed . thank you !!!!!!! The Hammer

[DeadheadNM]

I'm planning to add a close ratio steer box from Red Head (http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/), which can be had from board member/vendor and all around good guy Wes Hepp (Classic Heartbeat: http://www.classicheartbeat.com/) . Those folks who've added a closer ratio box note an improvement in responsiveness. I'm interested to hear what others have done to improve braking, I hate standing on the pedal to bring the 33's to a halt. If my front frame crossmember wasn't in good original condition I'd swap in a front sway bar from a later model truck.

[the hammer]

deadhead thanks for your response ! i am going to check that out .

[cleszkie]

Brake upgrade - I replaced the 1/2 ton booster and master cylinder with a 3/4 ton/1 ton dual diaphragm booster and master cylinder. This required a change of the hard lines at the master cylinder, but Inline Tube sells the kit. You will also need the booster support bracket from a 3/4 ton/1 ton truck, as the supprt bracket for 1/2 ton trucks is too short. This really helped the braking power with the 1/2 ton drums and discs. I then installed disc brakes in the rear and swapped out my proportioning valve to a disc-disc valve (Inline Tube). Brakes got better yet. Lastly, I swapped in 1 ton axles with discs front and rear. The 1/ton discs have a larger diameter, and the 1 ton calipers are bigger as well. Best braking I've had yet. Can lock them up with 35 inch tires.

hydroboost is another option. But I'll let someone who has done that talk about it.

[67swb72klb]

thinking about hydro boost too for my 4x4
maybe this should be moved to the 4x4 section too get some more feed back ?

[mcmlxix]

CaptianFAB makes a nice bracket to convert to Hydroboost (or use a late model booster).
I have it on my truck but I havent finished the resto yet, and have custom brakes on 1 ton axles as well... so it wouldn't be a fair comparison.
You can check out my build thread fro msome pics...

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=347484

[the hammer]

thanks all , I will research these options . I did call redhead and am planning on the new steering box .

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by cleszkie

Brake upgrade - I replaced the 1/2 ton booster and master cylinder with a 3/4 ton/1 ton dual diaphragm booster and master cylinder. This required a change of the hard lines at the master cylinder, but Inline Tube sells the kit. You will also need the booster support bracket from a 3/4 ton/1 ton truck, as the supprt bracket for 1/2 ton trucks is too short. This really helped the braking power with the 1/2 ton drums and discs.

Cleszkie - Which is the correct part # for the conversion kit to a 3/4t booster from Inline Tube? I linked what I believe is the relevant part of the catalog here: http://inlinetube.com/Preformed%20Li.../CT-CAT-15.htm

Thanks! Pete

[Mike C]

8 lug axle swap. 3/4 ton brakes have significantly more area than the 1/2 tons. I kept my 1/2 ton booster, front calipers, and master cylinder.

For steering, get a variable ratio box. I put an AGR constant ratio in my truck, and wish I had done the variable which will give you a more modern feel to the steering.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Cleszkie - Which is the correct part # for the conversion kit to a 3/4t booster from Inline Tube? I linked what I believe is the relevant part of the catalog here: http://inlinetube.com/Preformed%20Li.../CT-CAT-15.htm

Thanks! Pete

Anyone else know about this conversion kit and #? Just got my 3/4t booster/bracket.

[GhostTown]

I went with a hydroboost from Hydratech, steel braided lines up front, and Bendex pads. It will stand on it's nose from any speed. Money I would spend again, and plan to spend again on another rig of mine.

[rwhite692]

I am about to do the 1-ton booster swap as well, have everything but the needed firewall bracket for the booster.