Brake upgrades

[Skunksmash]

Didn't see a brakes forum so i guess i'll post this here. I had a couple questions about brakes. Let me start off with what got me thinking about this. Yesterday what appeared to be a 105 year old man pulled out in front of me. While we can all agree that old people have no business behind the wheel, it made me realize that the brakes on my truck are just not what they should be. When it was new, maybe they were up to par. But even many new vehicles dont really brake like i think they should. So my first question is this: If you were going to do a brake upgrade, what would it be? Obviously the rears could stand to be upgraded to disc, but off of what junk-yard model? Like most people i will need to just find a newer truck that had a better braking system, due to the high cost of aftermarket braking systems. I can remember looking at them for my Mustang, the Baer's and Wilwood's and such started at around $1500. And needless to say racing brakes are more than a truck will ever need. I will not be trying to stop from 80+ mph. So, which truck has the best brakes? Which one should i scavenge from? I have a junkyard near me called GM Heaven and another called Truck Heaven, so it should be no problem to find whatever brakes are suggested.

Next question. Kinda not on the same lines of thought as the last, but oh well. If i wanted to simply be able to use the 8 lug wheels, (i think it's 8 lugs...) all i need to do is install some 8 lug rotors, correct? Might sound like a dumb question but i have never messed with a 3/4 ton before. I guess there could be more involved as the 3/4 ton might need to brake a little better with it's load.

[VileZambonie]

You should just rebuild your factory braking system and flush everything out. You'd be amazed how well these brakes work when everything is working correctly.

[zieg85]

You should just rebuild your factory braking system and flush everything out. You'd be amazed how well these brakes work when everything is working correctly.

2X what Vile said.  My 85 and 86 both have excellent brakes.  My 85 is the 8600GVW, biggest brakes offered on the C20 and my 86 is the lightest bare bones C-10.  I consider both to stop very well.  Some of my previous 79-87 did suck with good pedal but didn't stop well.  Usually refreshing the rubber hoses and master cylinder and all new fluid will fix it up.

[The dream]

my truck stops good. i also have a 3/4 ton. but it skids from time to time in sudden stops, makes a big deal out of a little thing. Something like an ABS system would help. my 2 c.

[VileZambonie]

ABS on these trucks makes them harder to stop unless it's we weather. The RWAL systems were junk. I would never go through the hassle of converting one of our rigs to rwal.

[Skunksmash]

Maybe the ABS just wasn't calibrated correctly? It is only supposed to kick in when the wheel locks up. Then again maybe the wheels lock up to easily on these trucks??

As for my other question, how can i get the 8 lug wheels to fit/work? Is it a simple and easy conversion? If so what all is involved?

[choptop]

you would have to use the 3/4 ton spindles and a-arms at a minumum I believe, and for the rear swap the whole rear axle.Why are you wanting to run the 8 lugs? Like the others are saying, if he brakes are right, these trucks stop very well. It would be cheaper and better to just rebuild your existing system. They make upgraded rotors and pads, calipers etc. If you just put 3/4 ton parts on it, then you still have old components and really havent helped yourself any.

[Skunksmash]

Well it's probly something that i will never do, but it's just that most if not all of the wheels that i like are the 8 lug wheels. I really dont like most of those gawdy aftermarket wheels. I like to stick to GM factory wheels if i can.

[eventhorizon66]

What about a modern RWAL?  Have you ever tried one of these Vile?  I'm kinda curious about it.

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chassis_suspension/lbs.htm

[Skunksmash]

I'll probly just end up getting something from a junkyard, off of a late model. I have decided one thing for sure, those drum brakes have got to go.

[VileZambonie]

Event, I have never used an aftermarket abs system. I wouldn't see the need for it in our trucks. ABS works better with 4 wheel disc independant sytems and the advantages vs cost factor is minimal in my opinion. I would much rather sink big coin into suspension or drivetrain upgarades or asthetics.

Drum brakes are actually more effective than disc brakes especially duo servo. They are self energizing and have a lot of stopping power. The problem I see with most drum brake systems is usually due to age, lack of maintenance or improper service. They are easy to rebuild and get working like new again though. They do have their disadvantages but if you have high pedal effort or wheel lock up you have an issue that needs to corrected. If drum brakes were a bad thing you wouldn't see them on the back of all of my trucks.

[choptop]

My 08 has drum brakes on the rear, that should day something. Sure got me thinking.

[smitty77]

My 08 has drum brakes on the rear, that should day something. Sure got me thinking.

My '05 F150 work truck has rear disc, and I've had nothing but trouble with them from the e-brake freezing up to warping the rotors twice.  Big trucks use drums, so the stopping power isn't an issue.

As a side note, is there anything I need/should do to the proportioning valve before I put my brake system back together?  Any way to make sure it's cleaned out and in good working order?  Or is this a fairly maintenance-free item?

[VileZambonie]

Are you talking about the height sensing proportioning valve or the combination valve?

[Skunksmash]

What replacement brake rotors would yall recommend? They vary wildly in price. So much so, that they raise the question. Oreilly's sells some for $28.95. They also sell some for $49.95. They also sell some for $90.00 each. And if you really want to, you can get some Brembo brand ones that are $168.00. But that is for two of them. So which ones should i go with? It has been my experience that the cheapest is seldom the best. But, it does happen. Or sometimes the cheapest is no different from the expensive.