![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ojai, CA
Posts: 361
|
Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Just picked up a 69 k5 blazer 4x4 . Took it for a drive , runs great , but the brakes are awful to the point of dangerous. Barely any stopping power and don’t engage till pedal damn near is touching the floor.The booster on it is stamped remanufactured , so I’m guessing the master cylinder is as well . Just debating on if I should even bother going through messing with this setup or just replace it with a fresh one . If I replace it I want to use something that will be a direct replacement for what’s in there and not require a bunch of other changes or mount location etc .
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Md
Posts: 2,473
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Best to pull each wheel/ brake drum and check condition, wheel cylinders brake pads etc. Decent replacement booster and master cylinder are probably not easy to find....nice looking Blazer BTW.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ojai, CA
Posts: 361
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Thanks for the input I will take it by my buddies shop and we can pull each wheel and assess how things look. I figured an original brake /booster in good shape would be super hard to find so I can live with a reproduction unit if I can find one that’s just like the one in there so it’s an easy swap . Appreciate the compliment on the blazer ! I had been wanting a mostly original one to daily drive , and this one popped up . It’s a solid vehicle overall , no major rust anywhere and original paint is weathered but presentable .
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,513
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Some things should not be kept original especially drum brakes if you plan on driving this on public roads. Do a disc swap so you can actually stop like modern cars.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
All stock and staying that way
![]() Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Elkland, PA
Posts: 1,469
|
![]()
There were a couple of things that I absolutely hated about driving my 1970 Blazer. One was the accelerator pedal that would fall off if you looked at it cross eyed, and the other was the front drum brakes. The braking effectiveness was mediocre at best, and more often times than not the thing would pull to either side. During the restoration, I have addressed both. Both designs were updated to 1971/72. Should not be hard to convert it over. The parts are still plentiful and will solve your poor braking.
__________________
1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... ![]() 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... ![]() 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ojai, CA
Posts: 361
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
I’m cool with upgrading to disc brakes if it’s an easy swap . Car will see daily driving use so power disc brakes would be worth doing .
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Md
Posts: 2,473
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
I agree with upgrading to disc brakes, didn't want to suggest changing out original parts. I have no experience with 4x4 drum brakes up front. Those with similar trucks can possibly suggest compatible axle swap or kits to get it done. GM 6 lug axles were used thru the 80's..I tried a Classic industries booster master combo....looked wrong, tilted down and leaked....my better choice was 3/4 ton booster and master cylinder from 83-84 Chevy 1500....disc / drum combo. Works well...Good luck.
__________________
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,513
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
I made my own disc brake conversion for my70 and still retained the 70 axle and hubs. It was a fairly easy swap, but some fabrication/machining is required.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,505
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
While your in there
I would strongly recommend a hydro boost, it will put you into the windshield, if you’re not careful Brake lines tend to rust, I went with braided SS, and ni cop tubing, easy to work with I can takes of my stock brake components as a guide for what you need if it helps
__________________
Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,513
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Quote:
Hydroboost should only be used on diesels and boosted engines IMO. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,505
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Quote:
Good point though didn’t think of that
__________________
Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: LaSalle Mi
Posts: 504
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Hydroboost has an accumulator that still provides boost when the engine is turned off. Vacuum boosters also rely on the engine for power. You can usually get a pump or 2 from vacuum booster, but more from the hydroboost.
If hydroboost is good for diesels then it us just as good for gas engines. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 3,076
|
Re: Questions about brakes on a 1969 k5 4x4
Some swap the diff with a disk setup of a late year with the same ratio.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|