Need better brakes on my 1953 M38A1

[Mike_B]

After a 4+ year restoration on my 1953 M38A1 Fire Jeep I'm now driving it and have come to the conclusion that it needs help stopping...the 9" brakes aren't getting the job done.

So my question is, has anyone installed Herm's Hydrovac unit and how do you like it?

Should I consider the 11" brake upgrade? I heard my existing rims may not work if I go with the larger drums...

Any other thoughts/suggestions???

Thanks,

Mike B
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Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[wesk]

Herm's is a good choice but so are the Civvy 11" conversions if you can access parts for a reasonable price. I have been building and driving stock 1942 thru 1971 jeeps for the last 55 years and I have never found them underbraked unless they are way overweight or using more than the stock engine. Any brake system is only as good as it's condition and one should , if not familiar with a good running and braking stock 42 to 71 jeep, get professional help with determing the actual condition of their entire brake system, including hydraulics, plumbing, mechanical drums and shoes and all linkage before deciding the adequacy of their system. It is very common for folks who have limited their vehicle use to modern vehicles with quality hydraulic and power hydraulic brake systems to underestimate the performance of their antique jeep's brake system.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[Mike_B]

Wes, The Jeep in question is my over weight Fire Jeep. I can drive it, but it's not fun when in heavy traffic. I've been driving antique vehicles since my first car in 1972 (1948 Dodge 4-door sedan) and have been working/restoring them since the beginning, so I understand the limitations of the old brakes. My 1952 M38 stopes just fine as do my '78 CJ5 and '84 CJ7. I've had the drums turned twice and the shoes replaced 3 times to see if different shoes would help. At a 30 mph roll I can't lock the wheels up, so I'm looking for the best way to improve the situation.

My concern with the Hydrovac is whether the F134 can provide enough vacuum for the unit to work. Hern does provide a vacuum tank, but it looks a little small to me and wouldn't provide much reserve. I was hoping someone here has one in service that could ease my mind with a review.

BTW, did you mean to send me an email today? Not sure I understand why I got it.

Thanks,

Mike B
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Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[wesk]

Thanks for explaining in more detail the crux of your braking issue which is now an overweight jeep. You don't mention how much overweight but if you are still running the stock engine then I see absolutely no need for power assist. I would strongly suggest going with an 11 inch drum & dual reservoir master cylinder setup, NON-POWER.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php