Hi- Picking up a 66 one ton Panel next week, and I need to know: 1. Is there a dual master cylinder bolt-on that I can upgrade to WITHOUT having to install disk brakes? Also, if I buy the ChevyDuty power brake conversion kit, can I use it without having to install disk brakes? And what do I have to do to adapt the brake lines? (It's still original, single master cylinder.) At the end of the day with a dual master cylinder, is one half the brake system split between say, left front/right rear, or is it simply split front-rear? 2. I've read all the posts on rear-end ratios versus highway speeds. The seller of the vehicle I'm buying has just swapped the rear axle to a three-seventy-three (he said 3:83, but I think he may be mistaken). In any case, with a 292 CI, original 4 on the floor tranny (one ton, mind you) and the three-seventy-three rear, is it reasonable to expect the vehicle will be able to cruise in the 50 - 55mph range without hammering the engine? Thanks for your responses and patience with a newbie.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Apr-25-04 AT 09:24 PM (CST)]You don't need to convert to disk brakes to go to a dual bowl M/S. A 70's GM truck Master will work for sure, but there are probably a ton of others. Remember that you will probably need a thrust rod, ( the rod that connects to the brake pedal.) of the correct length. You will need to run new hard lines to the front brakes and a new hard line from the m/s to the right frame rail where a T is located for the rear lines. Bleeding the brakes will take longer than installing the hardware. On the engine trans rear combo ? If you are talking about a 4 speed with a non syncro compond low 1st gear ? It Will Be Screaming at 55 and 60. That will most likely be as fast as you will want to push that motor on a truck of that size. Dennis
Thanks Dennis- I figure to make the brake upgrade my first priority. Having read all the posts on rear/end speed, I was estimating that 55-60 would be near the top. Will be a slow trip home.
Yes i do carry a dual master cylinder for that truck Yes the power brake conversion kit will work with your drum brakes
