Beginning in 1941 many of the GM long wheelbase (usually 1 ½ and 2 tons) trucks did not use cables to reach the rear brakes and hold the vehicle in its parked position. Debris from the tires could shorten the life of the under bed cables.
Another method was created. A drum at the rear of the 4 speed transmission could be squeezed by a riveted-on woven lining attached the inside of a metal band. This one piece system was a very successful system used from 1941 through 1950. GM refers to this system as “TRU STOP” and is listed in the 1950 Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog in Group # 5.606 Part # 2130764.
The woven linings were like earlier years. They hold the best when the vehicle is not moving.
In 1951 GM changed to a more conventional 2 shoes for each drum to replace the one piece system. NOTE: As with all trucks, this system is NEVER referred to as an “emergency brake”. That is not how it should be used. It should be referred to as a hand or foot operated park brake! Hopefully, this could lessen some lawsuits!
