1/2 ton brakes not what they should be?

[bfr57]

I've had my 71 1/2 ton 4x4 for almost 20 years and have never been real happy about the brakes. I have factory disc in front and drums in the rear running a 31x10.50 tire. I've tried many different things from new masters, a dual booster from a 3/4 ton, bleeding the snot out of it, stainless brake lines. The pads/shoes are just over-the-counter items. The rotors/drums are all within specs also. Even in a panic type stop, the rears won't lock up! Is there something I'm missing? Would high performance pads/shoe help? Could proportioning valve be bad? If I put 3/4 ton axles under it, would that help? Not sure on a 3/4 ton Dana 44 if they run same calipers or not, but I'm sure a Dana 60 is bigger. Now don't get me wrong, it isn't un-safe to drive, but feel they should be a little better. Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Blazer1970]

I run 33X12.50s on my Blazer, and the brakes are fine. Something is wrong with your brakes. Have you tried pressure bleeding? I can't get mine to bleed properly any other way. A 3/4 ton Dana 44 runs the same calipers but bigger rotors.

[bfr57]

I've done the regular pump-and-hold routine, vacuum with Mityvac, and just letting it gravity bleed over time. Never have done pressure bleed as I don't have the equipment for it.

[bfr57]

Do the Phoenix reverse bleeders work? I've seen these before, but never used one. They push the fluid up from the bleeder.

[dammitmitchell]

hey you can get this at any auto parts store it's a little squeeze hand pump thing i had to use it to suck all the air out after my axel swap.. .. .
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...9223_200329223
but also switching from standard to "bi metallic" pads helps improve braking alot...

[hdflstf]

Just did my whole system (72 3/4T 4x4). Used the Hawk LTS pads for the front. Stops much better. Rears got all new hardware and work really well now too.