D200 brake rebuild
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 9:44 am
I'd like some advice on rebuilding the brake system on my truck. This is a 1966 D200 with the 225 /6. When I bought this truck (a little over 9 years ago), it's engine was on the way out and the brakes only worked on two wheels. The engine has since been rebuilt, and I'm getting close to getting it fired back up.
So here's my current situation: the brake system was the first thing I tried to fix 9 years ago when I bought the truck. I replaced everything from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders, new shoes, turned rotors, etc. It was a good project to learn on, but I didn't do a great job. For example, instead of learning to double flare the hard lines and buy a roll of tubing, I cobbled together shorter lengths of pre-fab brake line that were already flared. I also had a bear of a time getting good connections at the brake booster, and I know that at least one of these connections is still not tight. Additionally, some parts I replaced have now failed (most notably the master cylinder, which leaks to the cab). Obviously, these are all things that I need to fix correctly before this truck is back on the road.
This is becoming a rambling post but the bottom line is I'm looking at a redo of the brake system, and I'm willing to consider some changes as I go. Here's what I currently have:
- single reservoir master cylinder
- brake booster under the driver's side cab
- drum brakes all 4 wheels
Since the master cylinder needs replaced anyway, I'm definitely looking for alternatives to the single reservoir. I also don't know anything about the type of booster that came with this truck. I understand how it works, but since this truck was barely running when I bought it, I don't know if it works well compared to other booster options. I'm also consider a front disc conversion, although I think I'd prefer to keep the drums for the time being.
I've been searching the posts on these topics and will continue to do so, but I thought I'd go ahead and start a conversation here. If you've read this far, thanks for your patience s, and I really appreciate the advice!
So here's my current situation: the brake system was the first thing I tried to fix 9 years ago when I bought the truck. I replaced everything from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders, new shoes, turned rotors, etc. It was a good project to learn on, but I didn't do a great job. For example, instead of learning to double flare the hard lines and buy a roll of tubing, I cobbled together shorter lengths of pre-fab brake line that were already flared. I also had a bear of a time getting good connections at the brake booster, and I know that at least one of these connections is still not tight. Additionally, some parts I replaced have now failed (most notably the master cylinder, which leaks to the cab). Obviously, these are all things that I need to fix correctly before this truck is back on the road.
This is becoming a rambling post but the bottom line is I'm looking at a redo of the brake system, and I'm willing to consider some changes as I go. Here's what I currently have:
- single reservoir master cylinder
- brake booster under the driver's side cab
- drum brakes all 4 wheels
Since the master cylinder needs replaced anyway, I'm definitely looking for alternatives to the single reservoir. I also don't know anything about the type of booster that came with this truck. I understand how it works, but since this truck was barely running when I bought it, I don't know if it works well compared to other booster options. I'm also consider a front disc conversion, although I think I'd prefer to keep the drums for the time being.
I've been searching the posts on these topics and will continue to do so, but I thought I'd go ahead and start a conversation here. If you've read this far, thanks for your patience s, and I really appreciate the advice!