Trying to locate reputable truck brake mechaniic in East Texas

I have an old Divco milk truck that needs some brake attention.
I live in the Tyler, Texas area. Would be most appreciative if someone could make a good recommendation for a mechanic.

Thanks

 

Can't help you there but Waco Brake and clutch can reline your shoes.

 

Find a shop manual and do it yourself.

 

That is the one ******** thing that I hate to see posted on here. As you are clueless to what he feels that he can do himself on one or is set up to do. The smug do it yourself BS.
That and I have fixed way too many "Did it myself and now it doesn't work right" brake jobs in my life and most of those in Central Texas.
Lets help the man out with actually helpful comments rather than condescending comments.

 

Mr 48chev how do you really feel? Come on let it all out.

 

A service manual would be a good idea.
Is it just a matter of putting on new shoes, or are there other issues?

 

I am with mr 48 chevy. The asked for help did not ask for comments.

 

Brake drums on a Divco are a lot bigger and heavier than a normal car or truck. Then there is the problem of where to get them turned and how to get them in his car or truck to get them there. I’m afraid in this case the op is right. If he does not feel confident and is not a weight lifter he should not do it. Any big truck repair shop should be able to handle the Divco. Cool trucks by the way!

 

What are the issues with the brakes ?

I know some of the Divco trucks did have a “ standing driver” option so you had foot and hand brakes and a dual brake/clutch lever as well ( inching pedal )

if your having an issue with the hydraulic section and are not confident at doing the repair yourself or don’t have a service manual . Then take it to a pro.

if it’s a standard brake job ( she’s , wheel cylinders , springs and hold downs ,) and heavy truck shop can accomplish this .

maybe call the shop @Mr48chev posted that does relining of friction material .

they should be able to point you to a shop that would take this on .


And if shops in Texas are anything like shops in Toronto, expect to pay a premium to get a “ cl***ic vehicle” in a bay. Or be patient and wait as they do the bread a ****er jobs and will sneak your truck in when they have time .

hence why @BJR said to get a shop manual and do it yourself . I have done a ton of **** I didn’t know I couldn’t do simply by asking questions , reading , the internet ( sites like this really are helpful most of the time ) and MR48chev usually is a helpful guy ( must not of eaten his wheaties this morning )


Anyways if you don’t feel up to the challenge one way or another of doing it yourself , start putting feelers out locally .

 

Been a while since I've been in Tyler, but I think there is a truck shop around there somewhere. Might look in the yellow pages and look for Truck Repair. The Divco is what, 3/4 or maybe 1 ton? Don't know for sure, but I figure they used common axles and brakes that fit several makes.

 

Thanks Mr48 for helping out. Your input is mush appreciated.
I am 75 years old and partially disabled. I pay little attention to many replys for it easy to spot the many have no idea of most subjects. Some members are pretty predictable with there comments and are very confident of there preceived skill set . For this reason is why so many do not ask questions. Ashamed.
My ability to do it myself is somewhat limited. A couple of years ago when I was a bit more mobile my wife and I replaced all the linings and finally located someone that could turn the really heavy drums. All looks perfect however I am unable to build much fluid pressure. Fluid flows well through the lines just not enough pressure to activate to wheel cylinders. System is well bleed.

 

Well said .

the hydraulic system .
Has it been modified ?
Single line master cylinder ?
Have the rubber lines been replaced ?
****py pressure at all 4 wheels ?
Inline booster or booster of some kind ?

in my last post I asked if it was a standard brake pedal or does it have anything different ? Levers etc ?


Reason I ask is it’s pretty common on forklifts and heavy equipment for the pedals to get out of sync and either bleed pressure off of don’t allow the brakes to apply fully .


Find out who services the postal vans and garbage trucks etc in your area as they should be familiar with the set up.
I worked at a ford dealership the worked on all government vehicles for that district regardless of make. Right now we service a customers forklifts that service all the units for the city I’m in now . ( independent garage )