71 c10 brake upgrade
 

Hi guys, I got a 71 c10 with the stock braking system (manual, front disc, rear drum). It has a mild 350 and is a great cruiser but I’d like a little more stopping power. Just curious what experienced people have done and had succcess with. I don’t think it’s necessary for rear disc in this application. Thanks

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

I've converted both my Nova and C10 to hydroboost and have been real happy with the braking performance.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

Ceramic pads on the front help a lot.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

It has 20’s all around. Would it be worthwhile to upgrade to power brake booster? Different calipers/rotors? Or is all that just overkill for a weekend cruiser?

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

"Yes" to power assist with disc brakes. There's a reason they are a standard combination today.

Hydraulic power assist (hydroboost) even better

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

That’s a nice nova, it’s a got a cool look to it

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

When I saw "stock brake system" I assumed it had power brakes. Certainly power brakes would be the first thing to do.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

Power brake booster, I did mine a year ago and it made alot of difference. Additional: Braided brake lines, flush system with new fluid, have front rotors true up, best qaulity brake pads and shoes. Clean all moving parts in the rear drums and adjust properly.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

I've never driven a manual disc steup. I know that the pedal effort is likely a lot more (is yours, Daminal?).
It would be interesting to drive a manual drum pickup, then drive a manual disc pickup, for comparison.....
I might try the manual disc on my 67, to start with.......

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

Add a power booster. Done. I’ve got stock disc/drum with a power booster in my 72, stops on a dime.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

Question, did you change the pedal throw?

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

My 72 came from the factory with power brakes. I added one to my 68 when I did the front disc conversion. I did not have to adjust the pedal throw.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

It takes normal effort to push the brake pedal. Thanks for all the suggestions. Happy thanksgiving everyone

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

I'm with Scott. Bone stock power 71 system is more than adequate for a 71 C10 - just add the booster and you'll be very happy. I'd buy all the booster, mounting brackets, hardware, braces, rods, etc etc from someone parting a 71/72 C10. May want a new booster, but they are easy to swap out if the old one you get from a parter happens to be bad. You MIGHT need new lines from the mc to the first block, but might not. Don't quote me, but I think you might need a new master cylinder - seems I recall the piston hole depth is different between a power and manual mc. I'd confirm that though, might be able to do without changing the mc, might use an adjusted rod length between the booster & master, but I like to use exact factory parts when it comes to brakes so I know if it's not working, it's me and not the design.. ;) (for a change)

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

More aggressive pads will also make a big difference.

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

The guy I bought it from said it didn’t have power brakes but I’m not sure. This is power right?

Re: 71 c10 brake upgrade
 

The reason you need more brakes are the 20 inch wheels. It takes more brake power because of the extra leverage the larger wheels and tires give. Check the search box at the top of the page for hydro boost braking. The reason you see these trucks in the mags with 13 in Wildwood rotors is because with bigger wheels and tires you need BIGGER brakes. If the stock system was perfect it would just be at the edge of its limit.Even then after 4 good panic stops you would probably have no brakes.