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James Lamb · 03-08-2021, 05:55 PM

Hey - nice find.

In case you have not discovered LMC Truck, they carry a ton of parts for our vehicles. I've had nothing but good experience with them. I know they have several dash replacement options, but cannot comment on any of them since I've never bought that part.

They also carry a bunch of gauge options. Some cool, but very $$$$$

Brakes - I have a 1989 1500 4 x 4. Very first thing I did after I bought it was to rebuild the brakes. As in, turned rotors and drums, replaced pads, replaced rear cylinders, etc. I recently had to do a near panic stop from 55 mph. The entire truck was heeled forward, me against the seat/chest strap, but it stopped just fine. No pulling to one side. Stock brakes should be ok if they're in good shape.

The short rubber lines from the frame to the front calipers have a tendency to collapse internally. When you step on the brakes the pulse of fluid pushes the gap open, but when you take your foot off the brakes the lines constrict and keep the brakes partially clamped. This is a serious pain - ask me how I know. Replace those with high quality stainless ones. Trust me, worth it not to have to try and drive 30 miles trying not to use the brakes, because if you do you'll have to get out and crack the bleed valve on that wheel open to get the brake unlocked. Happened to me twice, including two replacement hoses before I spent the extra for the stainless lines.

Also, many of these trucks at this age the rear springs are shot and the truck tends to ride nose up. I put some new rear springs from General Springs on mine, lifted it back level, and really noticeable improvement when towing as the extra weight was lifting the front even further and it was squirelly to drive. I finally added rear air bags so I could lift the rear if towing something heavy and that was worth the effort.

03-08-2021, 05:55 PM	#4
James Lamb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Knoxville AL Posts: 74	Re: Looking for advice and/or resources Hey - nice find. In case you have not discovered LMC Truck, they carry a ton of parts for our vehicles. I've had nothing but good experience with them. I know they have several dash replacement options, but cannot comment on any of them since I've never bought that part. They also carry a bunch of gauge options. Some cool, but very $$$$$ Brakes - I have a 1989 1500 4 x 4. Very first thing I did after I bought it was to rebuild the brakes. As in, turned rotors and drums, replaced pads, replaced rear cylinders, etc. I recently had to do a near panic stop from 55 mph. The entire truck was heeled forward, me against the seat/chest strap, but it stopped just fine. No pulling to one side. Stock brakes should be ok if they're in good shape. The short rubber lines from the frame to the front calipers have a tendency to collapse internally. When you step on the brakes the pulse of fluid pushes the gap open, but when you take your foot off the brakes the lines constrict and keep the brakes partially clamped. This is a serious pain - ask me how I know. Replace those with high quality stainless ones. Trust me, worth it not to have to try and drive 30 miles trying not to use the brakes, because if you do you'll have to get out and crack the bleed valve on that wheel open to get the brake unlocked. Happened to me twice, including two replacement hoses before I spent the extra for the stainless lines. Also, many of these trucks at this age the rear springs are shot and the truck tends to ride nose up. I put some new rear springs from General Springs on mine, lifted it back level, and really noticeable improvement when towing as the extra weight was lifting the front even further and it was squirelly to drive. I finally added rear air bags so I could lift the rear if towing something heavy and that was worth the effort.