Power drum brakes?
 

Has any one done a power drum brake update. Lots of posts about disc brakes, but you don't hear anything about just adding a power vacuum booster. If anyone has done this please advise. What donor booster is needed? Is this not a good idea? Thanks Todd

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

I'm about to do this, they'll still fade under heavy braking but you won't need to stand up in an emergency to stop! I drove a friends 68 Impala 427SS with power drums and I just have to power mine as the difference was night and day in temrs of the pedal effort needed.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Best bang for the buck to improve your braking.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

I like this idea !

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

just pick up a 67-72 brake booster with brackets and the pushrod, exchange the booster at Autozone to be sure that you have a good operational and safe setup. Bolt in and go... Only thing is if you MC doesn't fit it then you have to swap it too. <$150 for a new setup... add a vacuum post to your manifold and viola... 3/4 ton and 1 ton boosters had dual diaphragm's and better braking.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Thank Guys, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a crazy idea. I still won't need to mess with a proportioning valve since both fronts and backs are drum correct?

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

nope
drums = distro block
disc/drum = prop valve

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

I just did mine a couple weeks ago. What a difference! I can lock 'em up now no problem, before not even on it's best day. I used a booster and master cyl off a '70 one-ton.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Piece of cake. I just bent the lines. Very nice improvement.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

The one I did, with pics. Made all the difference, darn easy upgrade.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=221598

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Thank You!
This is now top on my to do list.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Best 45 minute upgrade you can do.
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Re: Power drum brakes?
 

If yu are very careful and don't take the lines loose,just adjust and pull the MC far enough forward to get it together,you may not even have to bleed the brakes.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

That's how I have done it on two of my trucks. Was fairly easy.
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Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Did power drums before I went power disc. Lots nicer

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

I like that link too....makes it look easy. Straight 6 is a little more involved it looks like (which is what I plan) dealing with room for air cleaner and booster. What is the difference in boosters....pancake vs pumpkin shaped ones? I pulled a setup from a GMC that had drums and it had the pumpkin shaped one....now I have to figure out how the linkage goes back together after I cleaned and painted them!

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

Not sure about our trucks, but on my 2+2 (Impala) there are two different holes in the brake pedal, one for power brakes and one for manual brakes. You need less leverage with the power booster.

Re: Power drum brakes?
 

I've had power and manual drum, BOTH SUCKED, compared to disc. Sorry that's my experience. Not knocking ANYONE!!!

You CAN buy 6 lug disc conversions, don't remember from who, but would be simpler, you could keep 6 lug wheels, and not have to convert rear end to 5 lug, going to disc.

I have a 67 and 68, both will get 5 lugs, and front disc, factory style. There's all knds of super duper disc comversions aviailable, lot's of $$$ choices. The factory style works GREAT!!!