Rear brake hardware

[84GMCSierra]

Good Morning everyone. I have a question concerning drum brake hardware. I bought a Raybestos kit from Rock Auto, and noticed a couple of things. First off, there is now spring that goes under the self adjuster arm, and 2nd, there are only 2 of the "cups" that the pin goes through. Shouldn't there be 4 of the cups for the pins?. Last thing, what are the black clip pieces for? I've never seen any of them on any of my past brakes. One last thing. Sorry, I know I said " a couple" of things. Where do the 2 "C" clips go?. Hopefully the pics are clear enough. I have a red arrow pointing to the 2 black clips. Seems like all the kits are the same. Thanks. My truck is an 84 Sierra C2500.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

The two cup things go on each shoe with the parking brake lever, on the bottom of the retaining spring, I believe it helps the e brake arm, or it's for the adjuster arm, I can't remember right now. The 4 bowl looking things are for the retaining pins.

There's supposed to be a spring under the adjuster arm, the dark green/black springs. Lastly the black clips are plugs for the inspection holes on the backing plate.

 

[84GMCSierra]

Thanks PrairieDrifter. Going to get these back together today.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

The black clip thingys are the covers/plugs for the adjuster access slots in the backing plate or drum. These used to be formed rubber, somewhere someone decided to make them metal instead. Prolly cheaper to make....
I think by the 400 era, the factory was using this style. My '97 CCLB has them in the backing plate, I haven't pulled the rear wheels to look at the drum brakes yet. Truck has only 129K on it so there's the possibility they are still original....the PO had done front pads not too long before selling it. It stops quite well for 5500# of big a$$ Chevrolet though.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

There's several videos on GM rear drum brakes assembly on YouTube. The 11" drums are pretty similar, from the 50s into the 90s. My Dad used to do brake jobs on our vehicles, and I remember him saying that when we were servicing one of our square body trucks or Burbs. The 13" are bigger versions of the 11". The only exception is the 10" leading/trailing shoes that the 400 half tons used, maybe the cheaper late model squares had these too?

 

[Turbo4whl]

The springs you are needing are in a different kit. They are in the self adjuster kits, left and right.

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GM advertised these squares as having computer designed brakes. Most all have D52 front pads, what was different are the size of the rear brakes. Many options for the different weights.

The hold down kit you have fit most. The self adjuster kits have different cable and swing arm lengths to match the different diameter shoes.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Yup I sold many a set of D52s! Installed a few too. The '70s car 11" shoes were#363, and the truck ones were #449. When they came out with the Big 10 and Heavy Half, those got 11 and 5/32" drums, #473 shoes. The JB6 400 trucks got that setup too, my Burb has it.

 

[84GMCSierra]

The springs you are needing are in a different kit. They are in the self adjuster kits, left and right.

You must be registered for see images attach

GM advertised these squares as having computer designed brakes. Most all have D52 front pads, what was different are the size of the rear brakes. Many options for the different weights.

The hold down kit you have fit most. The self adjuster kits have different cable and swing arm lengths to match the different diameter shoes.

I guess I should have got the "Master Kit" so to speak. I ended up using a couple of old springs. I had to order new steel lines for the rear axle to wheel, as the left rear line is bent at the nut so cant get it off to change the wheel cylinder.(I'm wondering if this is why my wheel locks up every once in awhile? By the time I'm done, I'll have all new lines front and back, lol.

 

[84GMCSierra]

Another brake question for everyone. Did GM install plastic and cast iron master cylinders on all trucks in the 80"s? I was looking at Rock Auto and they show both for my 84 GMC. Mine is leaking a little so may need to replace it, and was wondering if I should stay with the steel or go with the plastic.

 

[WebMonkey]

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/webmonkeys-1985-k20.28635/post-578215

that is my post when i did the HD drum brakes on my rig.

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i 'think' the cast reservoir went with the big drum brakes.

my 4k20 ultra hd came with the cast and is NOT hydroboost

'monkey

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Another brake question for everyone. Did GM install plastic and cast iron master cylinders on all trucks in the 80"s? I was looking at Rock Auto and they show both for my 84 GMC. Mine is leaking a little so may need to replace it, and was wondering if I should stay with the steel or go with the plastic.

I'm sure the metal is for one tons with hydroboost, not 100% sure. But replace it with the version you have. Although that doesn't say much because someone may have swapped the wrong one on.

 

[84GMCSierra]

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/webmonkeys-1985-k20.28635/post-578215

that is my post when i did the HD drum brakes on my rig.

You must be registered for see images attach

i 'think' the cast reservoir went with the big drum brakes.

my 4k20 ultra hd came with the cast and is NOT hydroboost

'monkey

The small red spring is what I need. I have been to ACE and went through everything they have, and even went to NAPA and they only carry the complete kits. I'm trying to avoid that kit if I can but if I need to, I will get them. Are there any places that carry just automotive type springs? Maybe they carry one that will work. This is the current spring, or what's left of it.

 

[84GMCSierra]

Has anyone ever used this kit by Dorman?

 

[84GMCSierra]

Went ahead ond ordered a full kit. New brake lines are on the way from inline tube as well. Should be good to go soon, I hope, lol

 

[84GMCSierra]

It's amazing how a simple job turns into a 2 week job. Started out just replacing the wheel cylinders, then the complete hardware kit, which I didn't use most of. Then ended up replacing both brake lines from the tee to each rear wheel. Got it done finally, and truck is back on the road. They still need some adjustment, but at least I know all the hardware is good. The left rear line was bent/pinched, so couldn't get the cylinder of, so waited until I got my new lines. Ended up using vice grips to get the line off to replace the cylinder.

Has anyone ever used this kit by Dorman?