This year's project - brakes

[Shugalou]

When I was thinking about converting to rear disk set up, the shop swayed me away from it telling me the factory set up is pretty good and was designed to stop carrying a full load...I haven't driven a disk converted truck to see if there is any difference and if that opinion holds any weight.

To save yourself some money you could try upgrading the lines to stainless drop lines. and put a more aggressive pad EBC yellow stuff with some slotted rotors. That's what I have done (actually stop tech rotors and pads but I wished I went EBC) and it stops pretty good and my tires are in desperate need of replacement (20 years old probably)

[kipps]

Originally Posted by Shugalou

When I was thinking about converting to rear disk set up, the shop swayed me away from it telling me the factory set up is pretty good and was designed to stop carrying a full load...I haven't driven a disk converted truck to see if there is any difference and if that opinion holds any weight.

Drums have more stopping force, but they are a little more likely to grab. Disks can be controlled more precisely.

The reason for this, is drum brakes are partially 'self-actuating', and don't need as much line pressure to operate. Disks are not self actuating at all, so they need higher pressure, and can be controlled more accurately.

If you go with a disk brake conversion in the rear, definitely pair that with an adjustable proportioning valve. That way, you can dial in the rear brakes, for maximum braking without locking them up on a hard stop.

[79vette]

Is there anything wrong with the existing brake system? I have a 77 K5 on 31s and an 86 K5 on 33s, and both will lock up the tires on dry pavement. 77 is a 350 with vacuum brakes and the 86 is a diesel with factory hydroboost.

What brake performance are you looking to add, specifically? As other posters have stated if you want better pedal feel discs and hydroboost could help with that. If you're racing or towing heavy and are getting brake fade you might need some upgraded parts, but both of those seem unlikely in a K10.

For what it's worth, I can't see needing fancy brakes on a half ton outside of those applications and I feel like the money could be better spent on engine, trans, suspension, steering, or interior upgrades and give much better bang for the buck. But it's your truck.

[Factory Guy]

Do what you want but Scotty Baccus feels Hydra boost is a waste of time.

I am in the middle of re-doing my brakes as I am like you want better stopping.

Just got my parts. I am getting ready to preform Scotty Baccus brake upgrade, which involves a better master cylinder and a new reservoir so It will all fit under the hood.