Need some brake help, please...

[EagleChief]

So, '78 calipers are what I need to go with, it sounds like. I'll add that to my notes for future reference. Are the banjo bolts still the same size for the '78 calipers (7/16")?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Hey Rusty, did you go with the 67-72 BB-2 11 booster from Summit? I have replaced all the front and rear brake parts, except the rotors on my 71, brakes are fair.

Reface your existing rotors. If your rotors are still above minimum thickness after machining, you should be OK. Have those new drums checked for roundness. Drums are famous for getting knocked out of round during shipping.

My truck's 454 BBC is so cammed up it doesn't make much vacuum.. I needed something that would work well under low vacuum conditions.. Here's the link to the conversion kit I used:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-760197

I see they've reduced the price approximately $30 since I bought mine... Also, I see they've dropped the proportioning valve from the kit.. I don't have a part # for it, just tell them you want the one that goes with Disk/Drum truck applications..

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by EagleChief

So, '78 calipers are what I need to go with, it sounds like. I'll add that to my notes for future reference. Are the banjo bolts still the same size for the '78 calipers (7/16")?

To be honest, I didn't check the bolt size.. The calipers came with new bolts and copper washers.. You have to remember I didn't set out to install '78 calipers on my truck, I was looking for all '71 stuff.. The parts store where I get my stuff had only one '71 caliper.. The guys working there have been in the parts business a long time and they know their business.. We started looking at what they had and came up with the '78 calipers.. We compared the '78 hose to the one I brought with me.. The fitting opposite the caliper was a perfect match to the old one...

Before everybody gets the wrong idea, I'm not saying the '78 calipers will necessarily give you better brakes.. What I am saying is cover all the bases, do quality work using premium parts, always machine the friction surfaces .. Take no shortcuts and you will have good brakes.

[notsolo]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

Reface your existing rotors. If your rotors are still above minimum thickness after machining, you should be OK. Have those new drums checked for roundness. Drums are famous for getting knocked out of round during shipping.

My truck's 454 BBC is so cammed up it doesn't make much vacuum.. I needed something that would work well under low vacuum conditions.. Here's the link to the conversion kit I used:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-760197

I see they've reduced the price approximately $30 since I bought mine... Also, I see they've dropped the proportioning valve from the kit.. I don't have a part # for it, just tell them you want the one that goes with Disk/Drum truck applications..

Thank You, Rusty, that gives me a place to start.

[EagleChief]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

To be honest, I didn't check the bolt size.. The calipers came with new bolts and copper washers.. You have to remember I didn't set out to install '78 calipers on my truck, I was looking for all '71 stuff.. The parts store where I get my stuff had only one '71 caliper.. The guys working there have been in the parts business a long time and they know their business.. We started looking at what they had and came up with the '78 calipers.. We compared the '78 hose to the one I brought with me.. The fitting opposite the caliper was a perfect match to the old one...

Before everybody gets the wrong idea, I'm not saying the '78 calipers will necessarily give you better brakes.. What I am saying is cover all the bases, do quality work using premium parts, always machine the friction surfaces .. Take no shortcuts and you will have good brakes.

I understand, completely. Knowing that whatever I have is giving me fitment issues, but I made it work - the next time I go to change front pads I can update the calipers and hopefully won't have to worry about shaving the next set of pads down to fit. I appreciate your input!

[Resto-Rand]

Definite big thanks to RustyPile for the info.

I'll be putting a new power booster and hoses soon. I'll follow your directions to the letter.

I'm going from manual to power brakes, just to help out my old legs get 'er stopped.

[RustyPile]

Thanks all you guys for the vote of confidence.. I'm just glad to help you guys...