Trailer brakes, etc, was: Re: [ihc] making a 1/2T a 3/4T

[Joel M Brodsky <jmbrodsky@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My 'lift' was to put 3/4T springs in the truck from a '73 3/4T pickup.  I'm
putting 2.5" blocks in the back, and longer shackles in the front for the
next 'stage'.  The truck still rides like a living room sofa (very comfy)
so the 'lift' should clear 33s perfectly and then I should be done, until
this 3/4T axle thing.  I'm thinking if I take it easy on the running gear,
when towing, that the 1/2T hardware ought to last for a while, but I'd like
to have a plan just in case, y'know?

I've towed a whole bunch with the Traveler in the past year, and I've flat
towed with the Travelall, but I've never towed the trailer with the
Travelall because it doesn't have trailer brakes...yet.

Which brings me to my next question.  My Traveler has a Kelsey Hayes brake
control mounted under the steering column.  The unit is plumbed in with the
hydraulic brake circuit.  This works great when I step on the brakes, the
controller (adjustable) applies trailer brakes and the truck stops straight
and manageable.  Now, the question is, when I work the brake controller
manually (without applying the brake pedal) does it also apply rear brakes
in the truck as well as activating the electric trailer brakes?  The tail
lights come on when I manually operate the brake control so I'm not really
sure how it works.  The thing looks to be quite sturdy, but also possibly
antiquated as it is made out of metal and the controllers I've seen for at
least the past 15 years or so, have all been plastic.  Any ideas?  I think
I posted some time back that I was looking for documentation for this type
of brake controller, but without a model number that made it quite
difficult.  The unit has hydraulic in and out, a red LED on the right
front, a round knob with the K-H logo on it and the knob turns in and out
for adjustment, and several wires exiting the back to points unknown.

Thanks in advance for your help, and for listening,

JoelB




Chevy front ends should bolt in.  Several people have done it.  No need
to swap springs around, unless you want to.. and you're one of the guys
that already did all of that research on finding a "lift" for your '75.

-Tom