Brake Upgrade Guide for Classic Cars & Trucks | LEED Brakes

Upgrading the brakes on a classic car or truck can make a major difference in how the vehicle feels and performs, but figuring out where to start isn't always straightforward.

Do you need to convert from drum brakes to disc brakes? Should you upgrade the front, rear, or both? Do you need power assist? Is your engine producing enough vacuum?

Before you start ordering parts, it helps to understand how the different pieces of the braking system work together.

That's exactly why we created the LEED Brakes Essential Brake Upgrade Guide.

Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes

One of the first decisions many classic vehicle owners face is whether to keep their factory drum brakes or make the move to disc brakes.

Drum brakes did the job for decades, but driving conditions and expectations have changed. Disc brake conversions have become a popular upgrade for classic cars and trucks because they can provide more consistent braking performance and better heat management.

But choosing a brake upgrade isn't simply about replacing one component with another. The goal should be to create a braking system that works together.

Think About the Entire Braking System

Calipers and rotors may get most of the attention, but they're only part of the equation.

Your master cylinder, booster, proportioning, pedal setup, available engine vacuum, and other components can all affect how the braking system performs.

That's why it's important to look at your vehicle and braking system as a whole rather than choosing individual parts without considering how they'll work together.

What About Power Brakes?

Power assist is another area that can create confusion when upgrading a classic vehicle.

A brake booster helps reduce the amount of pedal effort required from the driver, but a traditional vacuum-assisted system needs sufficient engine vacuum to operate properly.

For many stock and mildly modified engines, that may not be an issue. More heavily modified engines, particularly those with aggressive camshafts, may produce less vacuum.

In those situations, adding a vacuum pump may be one solution for providing the vacuum needed to support consistent power brake operation.

Start With the Right Information

There's no single brake setup that's right for every classic car or truck.

Your vehicle, modifications, intended use, and current braking system should all be considered when deciding what to upgrade.

The LEED Brakes Essential Brake Upgrade Guide was created to help classic car and truck owners understand these fundamentals before making that decision.

Whether you're planning your first disc brake conversion or taking another look at an existing braking system, it's a great place to start.

GET THE FREE ESSENTIAL BRAKE UPGRADE GUIDE

Need Help With Your Build?

Still not sure what you need? The LEED Brakes team can help you determine which components and brake setup make sense for your application.

From complete disc brake conversion kits to master cylinders, boosters, vacuum pumps, and individual components, we're here to help you build a braking system that works together.