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12-08-2002, 12:59 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Ventura, Ca.
Posts: 87
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Brake Question
I have a 1972 GMC Super Custom 1500 and was wondering how the brakes rated. My truck stops fairly well, but if I needed to to make a quick stop in this L.A. traffic gridlock, I might be in trouble. I know it'a a truck and all, but I know they can be better. My brake system seems to be in good shape. I just put new pads on it and a new master cylinder. I want more response out of my brakes. How were the brakes on these trucks when they rolled off the lot? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Aaron Ventura, Ca. 1972 GMC Super Custom SB350/TH400 |
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12-08-2002, 02:32 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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brakes
Are they power brakes? Does it take much pedal pressure to stop.
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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12-08-2002, 02:51 PM
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#3 |
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14.1 @ 96MPH
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,811
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I can't comment on out-of-the-factory since my front discs are a conversion (using a lot of factory parts, though; I used the Early Classic 6-lug kit, the only custom parts in the kit were the spindles and the 6-lug rotors) and while it won't really put you through the windshield like my brother's '94 Z28 or my dad's '97 E320 will (both have four-wheel discs with Kumho tires and ABS), it does get a 4000lb truck stopped pretty damn well. IMO, newer truck brakes aren't a whole lot better.
Just make sure everything is working well...and if you want some simple upgrades, try Praise Dyno pads/shoes...I don't know their address...but some of the guys here with four-wheel drums still installed their shoes all the way around and say it made a world of difference, so I can only imagine what it'd be like with them on a disc/drum truck...they're kevlar pads, by the way.
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Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete! 
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12-08-2002, 03:20 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Ventura, Ca.
Posts: 87
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Yes, they're power brakes and it does seem like it takes a little much to stop.
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Aaron Ventura, Ca. 1972 GMC Super Custom SB350/TH400 |
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12-08-2002, 09:40 PM
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#5 |
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What if?
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Choctaw,Oklahoma
Posts: 649
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well i had to convert mine back to manual brakes,my booster went out and due to xmas no funds.
all i can say try stopping on manual drum brakes kind takes the fun out of driving the truck.
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12-08-2002, 09:51 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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brake booster
Here is a way to check to see if your booster is working:
with engine off pump brake pedal 4 or 5 times--hold pressure on pedal and start engine--if pedal moves down booster should be ok--if it does not move booster is bad. I have a 71 Cheyenne with power brakes that takes very light pressure to stop. Hope this helps.
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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12-08-2002, 10:47 PM
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#7 |
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Grubbin'
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 293
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I'd suggest trying to stop on manual drum brakes on a whindy road next to a cliff going about 50 or so. That's how I found out about bad braking when I test drove my 69 for the first time. Oh, don't forget to bring an extra pair of undies!
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project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!! |
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