Brake Drums

I have a 1953 Chevrolet 1/2 ton truck and I was looking to swap out my rear differential with one that I already have, a 1970 nova 10 bolt. I still have the factory drum brakes in front, but they have been updated with new shoes and bearings and wheel cylinders. Will my braking be affected if I swap in the 10 bolt from the nova. Don't know if it will make any difference having the factory big drums in front and the smaller drum in back. Just curious.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

I am by no means an expert in brakes but I don't think it is anything you cannot control or overcome with an adjustable proportioning valve.

 

It'll work ok. Just don't use it as a work truck.

Also you can use 51-54 car front 5 lug drums and hubs to make the bolt pattern match, if it still has 6 lugs up front. Or maybe someone already did that?

 

I don't think you will actually see a lot of difference. I've driven the 48 for years with 54 Chev car front brakes and drums and a drum brake Nova rear axle in the back. I used a 68 Chev Pickup dual master cylinder with no prop valve. The brakes maybe could be a little bit better but I never had issues with stopping ability or the back stopping before the fronts.

 

set it up and run it around the block and see how it goes.you will be able to feel if you need proportioning valve or not.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone. It is very much appreciated. I will give it a shot and see how it does.

-Jeff