Power Drums

[Scott68-93-97]

Has anyone just thrown a booster on the drum setup, I would like a little more stopping power for now until I convert to 5's and disc on my 68

[ChevLoRay]

My truck had power brakes before the drums were swapped for discs. You will not have any better brakes, but you will notice that the system will act differently because of the mulitiplication of the force that the power system can do.

[68gmsee]

Yep, a lot of people have done that. I have power brakes on my 68 GMC and 69 Chevy both with drums. No problems other than the adjustments are more critical for the front brakes. You can readily notice if they need adjusting. At least that's been my experience.

[Scott68-93-97]

will it be easyer to push the pedal(obviosly will), The brakes work and they'll lock up if need be but my leg is shaking at a stop light holding the truck still after having to stand on the pedal to slow down, my idle is low around 500 in gear so its not that the truck wants to take off any more than any other auto car, how does it feel for the driver is more of what Im concerned with, is it worth my time.

[68gmsee]

Definitely worth it in my opinion. Find you a donor truck or vehicle of an earlier vintage and swap out the components. Or buy them from the vendors.

I've heard some guys have had problems with the gear box. Not fitting properly to the frame. I didn't have those problems with mine so you may want to do a search on power brakes.

[gkolmatycki]

I started with 4 wheel manual drums & converted to power drums with the addition of a power brake booster. BIG DIFFERENCE!!! Took some getting used to afterwards because I had to press the pedal all the way down to the floor just to stop my 4500 lb truck and keep it stopped (from rolling). Now I just have to the touch pedal ever so slightly and its already stopping.

[BurnerBrown]

Hope I'm not hi-jacking the thread, but not many parts trucks here is the PA rust belt to copy. I have a 68 3/4 with manual drums and plans this winter include power drums. Do i need more than just the power booster to do this?
I had 2600 lbs of stone in her a few weeks ago and the lack of power brakes made it a work out......Bill

[rick0312]

had manual brakes and bolted a booster on...WOW what a difference! I like you would have to stand on the brakes just to keep it from moving at a stop light. just be carefull in the begining because they can be real touchy , but you will get use to them.

[76bonanza]

And use the dual diaphram booster off of a 3/4 or 1 ton, I really don't think I will switch to disks now. Like it fine the way it is now

[Scott68-93-97]

Thanks for the replys Im definatly putting it on, will my master work with the booster, I have a 78 camaro booster the master looks like it will bolt up but Id have to add to the bracket on the booster to mount it to the firewall or should I just find one of the 3/4 1 ton booster

[jott_06]

My 68 has factory power drums all the way around and although i havent had it out on the road other than around my house it seems to stop really well without any real effort compared to my old ford(sorry guys) i had that had manual drums that you had to practically stand up on the petal. So in my opinion i definately think it would be worth it to convert your manual brakes to power.