I'm new to posting so please bear with me. I've done some searching regarding the issue of weak rear brakes on our trucks. Some say to do the GM cylinder swap, others say flush the fluid, change the position on the brake proportioning valve, remove the ABS fuse to test the brakes etc. My question is really where to start?

 

The rear brakes of these trucks are just plain weak. I upgraded to the Chevy 30mm rear brake cylinders and have been very pleased. And we also did this upgrade on our '99 CTD 3500 service truck, also with good sucess.

Starting point for you? I'd say start simple. Do the easiest, cheapest things first. First be sure you have plenty of shoe and drum life. Make sure they are adjusted properly; the self adjusters leave a lot to be desired, so do it manually with both rear wheels off the ground (be sure to use good jack stands). Then change the brake fluid. Then if still not to your satisfactory, consider the Chevy 30mm rear brake cylinders. I got mine from Napa for under 20 bucks out the door.

 

Second the motion. And for your info, the part number is
37337

 

Thanks for that part number. I couldn't find my reciept. Something that we noticed when we purchased them; Napa's brake cylinder maker ships them with two different bleeders, even though the part number is exactly the same. The first bleeder we ran into was only sticking off of the body about 1/4 inch. This will work, it's just a PITA to bleed. The second one, and I do feel more desireable, the bleeder sticks out from the body of the cylinder about 1/2 inch. This one is just easier to bleed. Both will work, it's just the longer bleed makes it a pleasant chore.

 

Mine stops pretty well once I started keeping the rear brakes up manually.

 

95 chevy wheel cylinders they are like 1 3/16 or somethin like that i really like mine

 

I keep rears adjusted and it reduces pedal travel. Don't believe I need larger rear cylinders as shoes only last about 50 K with trailer always behind.

 

Thanks for all your help. I think I'll start with the adjustment first and go from there.