Brake Question

[dlr5948]

I'm restoring an 83 GMC 3/4 ton 4 wheel Drive Pick up.  I found that a lever and pin is missing in both drums.  The lever is activated by the emergency brake cable and rides inside the rear brake shoe.  The brakes have shoe size of 11 5/32 by 2-3/4 inch.  The rear end has no markings or tags.  Can anyone tell me who made the rear end?  I need to find a source for those levers new or used.  Doorman(MotorMite) doesn't make the part and the local Chevy dealer couldn't even find a part number.  Source, GM Part Number and/or Proper Description, Rear End Manufacturer would all be of help.  Thanks.

[1979C20]

Which part is it supposed to be in the picture?

[Lt.Del]

salvage yard.  $2

[dlr5948]

The part has an arrow Hand drawn to the part and it is labeled "Lever".  If you can find them in a junk yard I'd gladly pay more than $2.  Toured two yards yesterday and didn't find a rear end that matched. There was two different rear ends installed in the 83 4WD 3/4 ton trucks.

[1979C20]

Im sorry, im viewing from my phone and didnt see the whole picture. So, on this diagram, its the parking brake lever, correct?

[dlr5948]

Yes it would be the parking brake lever on that drawing.  I am assuming the the lever and the pin that attaches it to the brake shoe are two separate items from the other picture.  Great drawing.

[1979C20]

I got that off of autozone, notice it is blacked out so I cant click on it as an object. Maybe napa or checker, but id say junkyard is best bet. That drawing is specs for my truck, 79 3/4 ton.

[dlr5948]

I've tried all of the major auto parts stores and all of them have that part blacked out on their screens.  Not available. The problem I'm running into here in the Wisconsin junk yards is rust.  People drive those old trucks until the bodies rust off.  One of the first things to rust up is the parking brake cables.  Most people just cut them off at the brake drum and throw away the internal parking brake parts when they replace the brake shoes or wheel cylinders.  Scouting the junk yards the other day we found a few trucks with that type of rear end.  All had the cables cut and after jacking several of them up and pulling the drums (in  a foot or more of snow) those parts were gone.  My truck is sitting in the shop on jack stands awaiting those darn $2 parts.  I've already purchased all new parts including cables.  Once the brakes and the exhaust are completed the box and rear bumper can go back on.  Then I'll be close to being done with this maddening four year frame off restoration project.  It should be fun to drive.

[Grim 82]

If you're in a rush I would just go without it for now if you can. When the snow is gone and I have access to my parts trucks I can hook you up with some if you pay the shipping.

What axle do you have? It may be possible that you could find what you need from a junkyard GM car or van from similar era.

[1979C20]

Im in AZ, no rust. If youd like I can check out pickapart for you and ship it. I can do it monday

[dlr5948]

Kyle, that would be great....No snow hey?  I'm restoring my truck right out to the vintage Western snow plow just for the heck of it.

Grim82, Let's see what Kyle comes up with all that sunshine.....Mine has a 4-5/8 wide brake drum,  shoe size is 11-5/32 by2-3/4 wide.  GM also used another rear end that had 13 inch shoes in 1983.  I don't know who manufactured either of them.

[1979C20]

Ill head to pickapart monday and see what I can find.

[1979C20]

Hey, im sorry I couldnt get to pickapart today. My center support bearing on my driveline took a dump and I had no way to get anywhere.

[dlr5948]

That's OK,Kyle.  Let me know when you can get over there.   I've been messing with that thing for years now so a few days won't make any difference.
Dave

[dlr5948]

Found those darn levers at a salvage yard today.  $8 apiece.  50 mile drive and dug through 3 feet of snow on each side of the donor vehicle to get at the hubs, but got them.  Thanks to 1979C20 and Grim82 for attempting to locate those levers for me.