PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

Soooooo...why do 18 wheelers, which carry heavy loads at interstate speeds, use drum brakes? Those manufacturers know the owners of those trucks and trailers don't really use them as truck either?

 

I'll argue my stance on the platform of braking surface area. The more surface area something has, the more efficient it is. Is heat dissipation the number one consideration factor when designing a braking system? I'm sincerely asking. I would bet it's not, but I'm certainly receptive to hearing why it is.

 

My friend, who I consider to be the foremost expert on postwar Rolls-Royces, says the same thing...

I asked him why the Rolls-Royce Phantom (the REAL Rolls-Royce Phantom, not the overpriced BMW that debuted in 2003) used 4-wheel drum brakes up until production ended in 1991. He said "18-wheel lorries still have drum brakes."

NOTE: My friend is British and lives in Hong Kong, hence why he said "lorry" instead of "truck".

 

Mine has rear drums too... for me I wouldn't think that the cost and work time to be worth the payoff.. yes rear disc is cool but not worth it imo

 

This is a 1992 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a REAL Phantom...

Yes, this fine motorcar is a 1992 model, but features a carbureted engine and 4-wheel drum brakes!




This, on the other hand, is an overpriced BMW in drag (Yes, it has 4-wheel disc brakes, but it is not a real Rolls)...

 

Lol! Really?? Have you seen the size of those wheels? Way more room to add a shit ton more metal to soak up heat. On cars/ pickup trucks you don’t have that much space

 

Yea...I hate that this devolved into somewhat of an armchair-braking-theory-experts thread(I'll own up to my role in that), however, I think the takeaway advice is that it's not worth the cost. It would likely be an improvement on daily driving, but if I were in your shoes, pondering the same thing, I could easily see myself thinking "I spent how much for THIS marginal amount of improvement???" Just my two cents.

 

Posr #25 says it all,sorry

 

Not to discount your logic, BUT. I am currently 64 years old and almost 65. I have been driving and working on vehicles since I was 14 years old. I have never had to manually adjust my drum brakes on any of my many vehicles over those years front or rear drum brakes.

Granted if they are not maintained the adjuster threads will get dirty and seize then they will not self adjust. That would be due to poor maintenance, not an inadequate design. Just for another data point and a second opinion.

 

A Softtopper might work with some modification, although possibly without. The structure would be likely clear. Not sure about the rail that the canvas snaps to.

 

In case these options don’t work I would look into a DIY tonneau.

 

Just gonna drop this in here and leave:

When the trucks are brand new, the “use the parking brake and driving in reverse” methods *may* work to adjust the drums. However, I have never found that to be true in a vehicle that’s more than a year or two old. That’s just my experience.

 

A tonneau cover. Here are 2 that will fit your 2010.

https://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/60A1742A0A0.aspx

https://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/extang-express-roll-up-toolbox-tonneau-cover

 

This makes zero sense.

 

Nothing wrong with a drum brake.

 

Here you go... I found an image but not a link for sale. If I find it I’ll post it.

 

Even with rear discs, most of the braking would need to be done with the front discs to prevent the rear from locking up (other than when towing or fully loaded truck). So it would need to be biased to the front most of the time. My old 2001 Silverado had 4 wheel discs but my newer 2009 had rear drums. Pickups generally do not need rear discs unless hauling weight. And the cost to convert to rear discs makes it even harder to justify. For better braking, you really want to upgrade the front setup. I know I need extra stopping distance when towing the boat(s) so I leave room in front of me. It still gets hairy when a light turns yellow and you know you can't make it and have to stop!

 

Unless you are towing / hauling HEAVY loads often (which at that point id recommend a bigger truck). Keep the drums. When consistently used with the parking brake they self adjust, or take all of 2 min to adjust from the outside with a screw driver if you are so inclined. They last for a damn long time, and on the tacoma with such a light ass end they are perfect. Ill often find myself during spirited off road fire road type driving putting the truck into 4hi not for the added forward traction, but to link the front and rear axles together via the driveline to stop the tendency of the rear tires to lock up FIRST.

Keep the drums, they do a damn good job.

If you really wanted better braking performance, stainless steel braided lines to replace the stock rubber lines, + OEM toyota 4 runner bigger calipers and rotors up front off a limited 4 runner (17in rim or bigger), would be the route id take. But in my TRD OR 4x4 with its electric boosted master cylinder, i can EASILY make all 4 tires completely lock up at 60mph without abs on.

 

Because they are Cheaper don't anyone tell you that drums are better than discs because they aren't. Over in Europe the big trucks run discs. The rules on truck safety are tighter over there.

 

Less than 1,500 miles to go!