Ok, I'm new on here, but I am here because anytime I do a search for a question I have about my 71 K10, it turns out to be a question either asked or answered on this forum. If any of you have ever driven a 67-72 K10 (I realize the true name of the truck is a C10 from the factory) you probably realize that the brakes leave lots to be desired, especially when running 37" tires. My plan was/is to swap out the 1/2 ton axles for the 1 ton axles I have in there now with full 1 ton brakes on them, and by default would help the braking power. However this hasn't been enough help. So my plan was to switch to a hydro assist set up. I purchased one that was out of an Astro Van, and on another forum was able to get adapter plates to mount it to the firewall, however I am not sure what I will need to modify in terms of the hard or soft lines, and the power steering pump itself, or the gearbox. Can you Please Help me out for what I should purchase. Thank you.

If any of you have ever driven a 67-72 K10 (I realize the true name of the truck is a C10 from the factory) .

if its 4wd its a K

the 2wd is a C

the pickups actualy had c badges though.





you dont need hydro for 37 and 1 tons.

first things first, do you already have power brakes with the vac booster? if you do it will ass loads simpler to swap.


you might need the pump and seperate res setup unlike the reular p/pumps.

all of you hard and soft lines will work, but you may need to whack the flares off and change teh fitting at the booster for metric stuff to fit the van garbage.

it does have power brakes, with vacuum assist. but with the tires, I have been in a few situations where I was Standing on the brake pedal and it was barely enough to get it slowed down enough to not hit the dumb&^s that pulled out in front of me.

Before you go doing all this, have you checked to make sure your booster is functioning correctly?? You can also try upgrading your disks/pads in the front, and doing a rear disk conversion.

I did the swap in few steps
67 k20, d44 with 4 wheel drums, manual brakes and steering

First, installed power steering pump and gear from a 75 blazer. Easy swap including the frame mod for the power steering gear.


Second, swapped in hydro boost from 80 p30 van.

Used the van pump/res, master and booster but had to have a custom line made from the metric oring hose fitting on the booster to the standard flare steering gear.

I used the van's booster mount and redrilled it to match the studs on the firewall.

Even with drums the truck stopped pretty well. The booster made a big difference but still 4wheel drums and they would fade with a load on.


Lastly, after getting pushed through an intersection by 4400 pounds of seed in the bed. I swapped to front discs.

I used a 72 d44 and prop valve.

I don't have any complaints it stops as well as any 3/4 ton pickup i have driven.

I did eventually swap in a newer style steering gear. Now my hoses are off the shelf parts.

After doing this I will recommend getting all your parts from a single vehicle.

Any diesel mid 80s sub, blazer or pickup should have everything you should need. Take all of it including the power steering pump and brackets.

If you want pics I could get you some this weekend.

My pickup came with K/20 badges on the front fenders and the VIN starts with a K (just fueling the hijack fire)