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First off, I do not want any such discussion muddying up my build thread. I didn't start one, I don't want one. That kind of crap, "pounded into the mud", is why I have considered leaving this forum.
David. No one here wants to "bust your chops" about what your doing, but having said that we do want what is best for you. If you had really read up on DOT 3 versus DOT 5 you would see that DOT 5 is FAR superior then DOT 3. Not just because the military used it either. I'm telling you this from personal knowledge and experience . I have been a "ASE Certified Master Mechanic" for over 35 years now so I'm not blowing smoke up your undies. It has been proven for years now that the Silicone Brake fluid (DOT 5) last longer, has better heat tolerance, has better seal life (actually lubricates the seals) and prevents rust in your brake system. Now some will say that water will collect in the lowest place in your system. This is only partially true. If your system is exposed to excessive water ( going under water) then yes there will be some water in your system, but under normal circumstances you will not have any water in your system since the Silicone does not absorb water like Dot 3 does. Just checking your brake fluid in a DOT 3 system your exposing it to moisture. Let alone the fact that it has a vent to the outside air (absorbing water). That is why in a DOT 3 system the fluid is supposed to be changed out every 3 years ! Have you ever wondered how these old military trucks after 30 to 40 years still have operating brake systems ? I can tell you it is not from having maintenance done on them as most have not seen a military base in decades. Silicone fluid lasts decades and does not break down like DOT 3 will.First off, I do not want any such discussion muddying up my build thread. I didn't start one, I don't want one. That kind of crap, "pounded into the mud", is why I have considered leaving this forum.
EDIT: It's not good for the forum, the hobby, or anyone. Already way too many good and potentially useful people have been driven away for no good reason.
It's my truck, my thread, and my money and I'll do what I think is best for me. DOT3 works and has worked in hundreds of thousands of vehicles for eons.
I've done plenty of reading elsewhere, and I'd rather have a little moisture suspended in my DOT3 and flushing it every so often than settling to the lowest point in my brake lines and rusting them out with 5. Having to flush every couple years is still cheaper than buying 5, and should be done. I have no use or patience for idea that the military always knew the best way to do everything.
But thanks anyway.
I realize being a foot shorter isn't much...but the bed is huge size-wise, hangs out there on all 4 corners. Seems like without it and half the rear tires it would be quite a bit narrower and a couple thou lighter...?
OK in David's defense he does not have easy access to DOT 5 fluid. He lives in the dry desert (no water issues) and he doesn't want to spend the extra money on DOT 5. I totally agree Dot 5 is the best for so many reasons, but you got to admit it is very expensive . I bought 5 gallons last month for a new project. Trust me I know it is expensive !
