Best Performing C/K Series Stock GM Brake System ???

[Alex V.]

My '85 single-wheel, 454/auto C3500 has hydro-boost brakes. The pedal doesn't travel nearly as far as vacuum-boost setups I've driven before you get a good application, but aside from getting used to the shorter pedal travel I've never had a problem with them - in many conditions, the wheels (especially the rears) will lock up before you run out of boost. I think a properly functioning vacuum-boosted system is more than adequate for most trucks (save for something extremely heavy or towing something heavy) but from my experience the hydro-boost is at least as good a system.

And, as with my '67 Suburban that has a dual-diaphragm booster on 4-wheel drum brakes... just don't expect it to stop like a new Corvette. Being another car's length closer to the guy in front of you won't get you to your destination 10 seconds faster.