Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 7/8 ton brakes?

[Texas Diesel]

I read about this here a long time ago.



The spouse's 98 2500 sprung a leak from the driver side brake cylinder.



So I got (2) wheel cylinders for a 3500 of the same year and 2 sets of brake shoes for a 2500 truck.



I didnt go with the 3500 shoes, (wider then the 2500 shoes) because that might be too much.



So with 1 ton brake cylinders and 3/4 ton brake shoes, I figure she will have 7/8 ton brakes. :-laf



The reason is to improve the marginal performance of the OEM brake system who's greatest flaw, is to place too much brake bias on the front wheels.



I'm interested in anyones practical experience with this mod. Please dont give me theories. It goes together Tuesday.

 

[Nate]

You should get the wheel cylinders for a 96 Chev 3500 duallie. I've got a set in my toolbox I have to install on my truck when I get a chance.

 

[DBohl]

I did what your about to do. works great, made a huge difference . You'll wish you did it sooner. Doug

 

[ttbird]

Agree with DBohl- did mine over two years ago. First time I had rear brakes and fronts seem to be lasting longer than before the improvement. You won't regret the upgrade.

 

[DJAustin]

I replace the wheel cyl on my 95 with the Chevy 1 tons, and new NAPA shoes. Saw a small improvement.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

here's the deal

You have options.

The 97 3500 Dodge Ram has 1-1/16" dia. cylinders. (med power)

The 90 Chevy 1 ton dually has 1-3/16" dia. cylinders. (max power)



If you use the chevy cylinders and find that your are locking up the rear brakes under hard braking.

You can change them out and run the smaller 3500 Dodge cylinders.



You want to avoid locking up the rear brakes!

Been there done that. (not fun!)



If you run loaded most of the time go with the Chevy.

Unloaded go with the Dodge.



SFB

 

[Texas Diesel]

Works well



She is happy with the Dodge 1 ton cylinders (daily driver so decided against the Chevy 1 3/16"). She says more stopping ability but not too much.



Thanks all!

 

[95REDRAM]

I've done this exact mod and am happy with it. That said, I am considering using a brake shoe that is 3" wide. As I understand it, the stock 2500 brake shoe is 2. 5" wide. The stock 3500 brake shoe is 3. 5" wide. NAPA is supposed to have one that is 3" wide. There is room for this using the 2500 brake drum and having it machined (turned) for the wider 3" shoe.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

3" wide shoe cool

You may find that the 3" wide shoe reduces the braking power a little.

It should last longer too.

It has to do with the ability of the wheel cylinder to apply force on the brake shoes to the drum.



Please post your finding's

Theories are like butts we all have them.



I'll be looking into the 3" shoes to with the Chevy 1-3/16" cylinders.

That should be a good combo?



SFB

 

[Texas Diesel]

95, if you can post the NAPA part number that would be nice. I would like to look into that too. Tnx