Somebody stop me! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DruBlazer · 02-16-2006, 01:15 AM

Hey guys,
It's been a while since I've been on. My 71 4wd isn't stopping very well. I had to make an emergency stop the other day and I realized I couldn't even lock em up. Might I have a bad booster? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Drew

jhow66 · 02-16-2006, 01:47 AM

How must pressure do you have to apply in a normal stop?

**special-K** · 02-16-2006, 08:21 AM

How much fade on the pedal?Right away,only when hit hard,after pressure applied for awhile?

vtblazer · 02-16-2006, 08:58 AM

One very common upgrade is to swap to 3/4 ton master/booster.

What size tires are you running?

jbon64 · 02-16-2006, 09:12 AM

the best way to check a booster : with your truck off , apply pressure to the brake pedal , start the motor , if the pedal moves down , the booster is good.

Jason915 · 02-16-2006, 10:36 AM

71-72 1/2 ton trucks and K5's brakes suck in my opinion. My GMC is the same way in panic situations, and for towing they are very underpowered and fade out easy. I have replaced everything in my braking system and have achieved nothing as far as better performing brakes. I will be getting a ¾ ton power brake booster for both my K1500 and my Blazer that is the way to go. If you noticed that GM addressed the problem with the 73 ½ ton’s and K5’s they went to a larger dual diaphragm power brake booster and wider brake shoes in the rear otherwise they are basically the same braking system but stop much better. The 67-70 ½ ton trucks used drum front brakes and the power brake booster was adequate for a 4 drum braking system but in 71 they changed to disc brakes and still used the old power brake booster and that is why they suck. When I drive my Dad’s 70 K20 I just about put myself through the windshield the first time I tap on the brakes, and that is what makes me realize how bad mine really are.

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-16-2006, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DruBlazer

I had to make an emergency stop the other day and I realized I couldn't even lock em up.

Scares me just reading it

*Medicanman71* · 02-16-2006, 05:54 PM

Luvy u havent mobbed yours around enuff to have any "emergency stop" situations, huh?

or have you just gone out and gotten on the brakes as hard as possible to find out how yours stops?

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-16-2006, 06:00 PM

Mine is 100% new parts, pads, rotors, drums, shoes, lines, m/c,
booster, ppv, fluid, everything and it doesn't stop very well

chevy_fatman · 02-16-2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

Mine is 100% new parts, pads, rotors, drums, shoes, lines, m/c,
booster, ppv, fluid, everything and it doesn't stop very well

Meybe yours only need a good bleeding?

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-16-2006, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy_fatman

Meybe yours only need a good bleeding?

Oooooops, I forgot, we gravity bled it, power bled it, bench bled the mc,
and I still got squishy brakes, I think my 4wd needs the 3/4 ton upgrade

DruBlazer · 02-16-2006, 09:33 PM

I'm running 33's on a 4" lift. During normal driving situations it seems to be adequate. The pedal seems a little stiff. I've bled a couple of times thinking "this time I'll get it". So I don't think that's the problem. I just want to make sure that, before I upgrade, there isn't anything else I could do.

And speaking of upgrade; has anyone done a rear disc conversion kit with e-brake that they'd be willing to recommend?

Thanks for the input.
Drew

ClassicStyle · 02-16-2006, 10:07 PM

mines exactly the same, i got new everything also. looking into doing a 3/4ton system now its scary driving on the freeway when everyone stop's and your left hoping your truck stops..

-Cameron

vtblazer · 02-24-2006, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DruBlazer

I'm running 33's on a 4" lift. During normal driving situations it seems to be adequate. The pedal seems a little stiff. I've bled a couple of times thinking "this time I'll get it". So I don't think that's the problem. I just want to make sure that, before I upgrade, there isn't anything else I could do.

And speaking of upgrade; has anyone done a rear disc conversion kit with e-brake that they'd be willing to recommend?

Thanks for the input.
Drew

My one ton blazer running 39.5's w/rear disk's stops better than my 1/2 ton running 33's...

High Angle sells a drive shaft e-brake set up.
http://highangledriveline.com/

Huck · 02-24-2006, 09:18 AM

Similar crappy braking with my blazer. Just swapped to a 3/4 ton booster--same problem. The only thing I haven't replaced is the calipers which will be next. Given that 70-80% of the braking comes from the front and I can lock up the right rear, I'm hoping this is the problem. What a PITA though!!

ClassicStyle · 02-24-2006, 09:28 AM

im gonna try steel braided lines and a correct brake job, somthing tells me the PO just slapped pads on a glazed over rotor.

-Cameron

vtblazer · 02-24-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicStyle

im gonna try steel braided lines-Cameron

I bet that would make a world of difference.

Now that you mention it, my one ton has those as well.

ClassicStyle · 02-24-2006, 02:25 PM

yea i figured it would be a good mod regardless if i stayed with 1/2 ton brakes or went to a 3/4 ton setup. never know, they just might fix the problem.

ian villeza · 02-24-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

Oooooops, I forgot, we gravity bled it, power bled it, bench bled the mc,
and I still got squishy brakes, I think my 4wd needs the 3/4 ton upgrade

Just wondering if you adjusted the pads properly before bleeding the brakes?

My 72 blazer brakes great and locks em up.

70blazerpickup · 02-24-2006, 11:11 PM

ya must be nice. im not messing around. im getting the hydrobust setup from a 73 style one ton. that will solve my breaking problems. my dads 83 one ton stops better than most new trucks.

ClassicJimmy · 02-26-2006, 01:38 PM

Just curious.......does the 3/4 ton setup just bolt on to the Blazer? Sounds like a no brainer if it does.

02-16-2006, 01:15 AM	#1
DruBlazer Got Blazer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Newcastle, California Posts: 76	Somebody stop me! Hey guys, It's been a while since I've been on. My 71 4wd isn't stopping very well. I had to make an emergency stop the other day and I realized I couldn't even lock em up. Might I have a bad booster? Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Drew

02-16-2006, 01:47 AM	#2
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: Somebody stop me! How must pressure do you have to apply in a normal stop? __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

02-16-2006, 08:21 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Somebody stop me! How much fade on the pedal?Right away,only when hit hard,after pressure applied for awhile? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-16-2006, 08:58 AM	#4
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: Somebody stop me! One very common upgrade is to swap to 3/4 ton master/booster. What size tires are you running?

02-16-2006, 09:12 AM	#5
jbon64 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sidney , illinois Posts: 312	Re: Somebody stop me! the best way to check a booster : with your truck off , apply pressure to the brake pedal , start the motor , if the pedal moves down , the booster is good. __________________ hey.....smell my finger 64 nova wagon , 63 nova convertible

02-16-2006, 10:36 AM	#6
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Re: Somebody stop me! 71-72 1/2 ton trucks and K5's brakes suck in my opinion. My GMC is the same way in panic situations, and for towing they are very underpowered and fade out easy. I have replaced everything in my braking system and have achieved nothing as far as better performing brakes. I will be getting a ¾ ton power brake booster for both my K1500 and my Blazer that is the way to go. If you noticed that GM addressed the problem with the 73 ½ ton’s and K5’s they went to a larger dual diaphragm power brake booster and wider brake shoes in the rear otherwise they are basically the same braking system but stop much better. The 67-70 ½ ton trucks used drum front brakes and the power brake booster was adequate for a 4 drum braking system but in 71 they changed to disc brakes and still used the old power brake booster and that is why they suck. When I drive my Dad’s 70 K20 I just about put myself through the windshield the first time I tap on the brakes, and that is what makes me realize how bad mine really are. __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

02-16-2006, 05:54 PM	#8
Medicanman71 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Where the Wild Things Are Posts: 696	Re: Somebody stop me! Luvy u havent mobbed yours around enuff to have any "emergency stop" situations, huh? or have you just gone out and gotten on the brakes as hard as possible to find out how yours stops?

02-16-2006, 06:00 PM	#9
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Somebody stop me! Mine is 100% new parts, pads, rotors, drums, shoes, lines, m/c, booster, ppv, fluid, everything and it doesn't stop very well __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-16-2006, 09:33 PM	#12
DruBlazer Got Blazer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Newcastle, California Posts: 76	Re: Somebody stop me! I'm running 33's on a 4" lift. During normal driving situations it seems to be adequate. The pedal seems a little stiff. I've bled a couple of times thinking "this time I'll get it". So I don't think that's the problem. I just want to make sure that, before I upgrade, there isn't anything else I could do. And speaking of upgrade; has anyone done a rear disc conversion kit with e-brake that they'd be willing to recommend? Thanks for the input. Drew

02-16-2006, 10:07 PM	#13
ClassicStyle Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 215	Re: Somebody stop me! mines exactly the same, i got new everything also. looking into doing a 3/4ton system now its scary driving on the freeway when everyone stop's and your left hoping your truck stops.. -Cameron __________________ 1972 Dark blue, Cst, Highlander

02-24-2006, 09:18 AM	#15
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: Somebody stop me! Similar crappy braking with my blazer. Just swapped to a 3/4 ton booster--same problem. The only thing I haven't replaced is the calipers which will be next. Given that 70-80% of the braking comes from the front and I can lock up the right rear, I'm hoping this is the problem. What a PITA though!!

02-24-2006, 09:28 AM	#16
ClassicStyle Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 215	Re: Somebody stop me! im gonna try steel braided lines and a correct brake job, somthing tells me the PO just slapped pads on a glazed over rotor. -Cameron __________________ 1972 Dark blue, Cst, Highlander

02-24-2006, 02:25 PM	#18
ClassicStyle Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 215	Re: Somebody stop me! yea i figured it would be a good mod regardless if i stayed with 1/2 ton brakes or went to a 3/4 ton setup. never know, they just might fix the problem. __________________ 1972 Dark blue, Cst, Highlander

02-24-2006, 11:11 PM	#20
70blazerpickup Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: bernardston ma Posts: 33	Re: Somebody stop me! ya must be nice. im not messing around. im getting the hydrobust setup from a 73 style one ton. that will solve my breaking problems. my dads 83 one ton stops better than most new trucks. __________________ 70 blazer/pickup 104" wheelbace

02-26-2006, 01:38 PM	#21
ClassicJimmy FNG to resto/mod world! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 196	Re: Somebody stop me! Just curious.......does the 3/4 ton setup just bolt on to the Blazer? Sounds like a no brainer if it does. __________________ 71 GMC Jimmy - under construction 75 GMC K25 Sierra Grande - under deconstruction 92 Chevy K2500 ECSB - sold 04 Nissan Titan ECSB Off Road - sold & missed 13 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck) - sold 16 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck)



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