Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I know there are several threads on the site regarding rear brakes on our trucks, but I thought (after spending nearly an hour searching the various posts) it might be of value to put all the info in one spot.
I am about to replace the rear brakes on my '99 4X4 2500 rear ABS. The original factory brakes are being replaced along with the wheel cylinders and brake drums (155,000 miles). I would like to improve the stopping power of the truck, but don't want to cause rear wheel lock up in the rain or snow. Most of the time I'm running without a load, but do occasionally pull a car hauler trailer.
#1 The factory manual (for '99) lists shoes/drums as 12. 5X2. 5 in. for the 2500 and 12. 5X3. 5 in for the 3500. It seems going with the wider drum/shoe offering would be a good choice unless it's only for duellies?
#2 The factory manual lists the wheel cylinders as 1. 06 in for the 2500 4X4 and 1. 06 for the 3500. The 2500 2X4 shows 0. 937 in bore diameter.
#3 If I have the 1. 06 in. bore already, would staying with the 1. 06 bore and upgrading to the 3. 5 in wide shoes make a noticable difference?
#4 If I have the 1. 06 bore cylinders and I upgrade to the Chevy 1. 375 (?) bore (NAPA 4637337) should I stay with the 2. 5 in. wide shoes? Does the Chevy cylinder cause more pedal travel?
#5 Finally, since I adjust the rear brakes every oil change anyway, do I need to replace the "self adjusting" mechanism? Sometimes (when it's working) it seems to cause one side or the other to be adjusted closer.
#6 I have also thought of lengthening the rod, or shimming the bracket for the load-compensator to increase the brake pressure to the rears.
Is there any ONE "ultimate" fix like... stock cylinders + 3. 5 wide shoes + longer compensator rod = just right???
I know a lot of you guys have experimented with different combinations and it would be nice to collect them in one place. Thanks in advence for your inputs.
Ed
I am about to replace the rear brakes on my '99 4X4 2500 rear ABS. The original factory brakes are being replaced along with the wheel cylinders and brake drums (155,000 miles). I would like to improve the stopping power of the truck, but don't want to cause rear wheel lock up in the rain or snow. Most of the time I'm running without a load, but do occasionally pull a car hauler trailer.
#1 The factory manual (for '99) lists shoes/drums as 12. 5X2. 5 in. for the 2500 and 12. 5X3. 5 in for the 3500. It seems going with the wider drum/shoe offering would be a good choice unless it's only for duellies?
#2 The factory manual lists the wheel cylinders as 1. 06 in for the 2500 4X4 and 1. 06 for the 3500. The 2500 2X4 shows 0. 937 in bore diameter.
#3 If I have the 1. 06 in. bore already, would staying with the 1. 06 bore and upgrading to the 3. 5 in wide shoes make a noticable difference?
#4 If I have the 1. 06 bore cylinders and I upgrade to the Chevy 1. 375 (?) bore (NAPA 4637337) should I stay with the 2. 5 in. wide shoes? Does the Chevy cylinder cause more pedal travel?
#5 Finally, since I adjust the rear brakes every oil change anyway, do I need to replace the "self adjusting" mechanism? Sometimes (when it's working) it seems to cause one side or the other to be adjusted closer.
#6 I have also thought of lengthening the rod, or shimming the bracket for the load-compensator to increase the brake pressure to the rears.
Is there any ONE "ultimate" fix like... stock cylinders + 3. 5 wide shoes + longer compensator rod = just right???
I know a lot of you guys have experimented with different combinations and it would be nice to collect them in one place. Thanks in advence for your inputs.
Ed
