About 8 months ago I replaced the brake shoes on the rear of my truck. Like a fool I didn't replace the cylinders. They were only a year old right? Well the chinesium crap from O'Reillys lasts about a year then it started pulling to the right and losing fluid so today I pulled the left drum off and replaced the cylinder again. I couldn't find any made in in the USA so had to go with a Dorman CCP model.

Hopefully it will last until I get to Oklahoma and I can redo it again. Does anyone make kits anymore?

I may have to start thinking about a disc conversion.

Edwin

 

You mean the little box with the boots, pistons and spring? I haven't done that in forever. I have had good luck with Raybestos parts, although I think all their stuff is CCP.
Rear discs, what I want. Hate drums.

 

Yep. The biggest problem I have with the rear drums is they are so F---ing heavy. That and they have a tendency to fade. I'll see if I can find Raybestous for the next go-round. Assuming I don't convert to disc before then.

Edwin

 

Boy, the good ol' days of front drums and honing cylinders are gone huh, sniff...

What I'd like (I think?) is a rear disc with an internal e-brake. My KJ has one, but I've never messed with it yet either.

Or maybe just a parking brake on the driveshaft like my '51 Power Wagon...

 

The slide-off-drum style cuts the weight in half (for servicing anyway).

I've found the drum-in-hat parking brake on our KJ to be almost useless. I adjust it about twice per oil change, and its still barely holds. I've been through several sets of shoes and hardware. Its just not as effective as a fullsize drum. Quite sure that once I get my disc D80 installed I will be supplementing with a hydro lock or tcase brake.

 

Well you may be right, since it's an auto I've never really had to depend on it.

Now the hydro-lock, I've got one from an old parts Power Wagon that I hope to incorporate into my '51 one day. Press on the brake pedal, flip the lever over and walk away.

Know what type disc conversion you'd like Edwin?

 

It's vaporware right now. I'm busy getting things ready to drag our 5th wheel to Okiehoma right after Labor Day. I have seen some info on DTR from time to time but haven't paid all that close attention. The only thing I remember was getting stuff from an Eldorado Cadillac. I was hoping there is someone who provides a kit to do the job.

Since I replaced the cylinder the brakes are working OK again. The left cylinder was rusted solid. I guess some water got in there even though I completely flushed the system last time. I've never had this much problems with rear brakes before. When I got the truck the left side had been gutted and the line was plugged. The P.O. apparently couldn't afford to buy the parts to do the job right. I can afford the parts I just can't find good parts.

Edwin

 

Edwin just curious did you use the Chevy 1 ton cylinders .I ran Henderson Nv for 5 yrs depending on the wind on I40 it could cost me as much as 200 more for fuel so I’m hoping for a tail wind for you buddy.Be careful.

 

I measured the new one and it's 1-1/8 inch diameter pistons. I'm told that that size is correct for a D-350 dually.

I have no idea what the mileage will be for the trailer tow but I'm not hopeful. I wish I'd been able to get the 4 inch D.E exhaust installed but we do what we can. I do plan to wash the truck before we start out. Every ounce of dirt left in the sewer helps.

Edwin

 

I wonder if that would cause the rear to lock up quickly when empty.

 

No it does not everything works as it should

 

Before I fixed the brake cylinder the right rear would occasionally lock up if I ran over some blotz dots on the road while stopping. I don't know if it still happens since I haven't driven it that much.

Edwin

 

Blotz dots? That a California thing?

 

Yep. We have these little bumps they glue to the roads and streets to let you know when you stray across a lane line. It's for blind drivers.

Edwin