I am in the process of doing brakes on a 34? Ford commercial vehicle, dual rear wheels. Information,knowledge & parts seem sketchy. Anyone have any tips,leads or advice on the subject? Also, how do I know exactly what year truck I actually have. Thank You!

 

There are books and manuals out there with details about brake work on these trucks. Maybe yo should do a google search and see what's available these days. I bought all mine many years ago. My favorite big truck parts supplier is Bob Selzam, although his business is called 'half ton fun', he has a tremebdoush stash of hard parts for prewar ford big trucks. Bob is in Tom's River NJ. Also many here swear by Chuck's Trucks. Old standbys are Mac's and Joblot Automotive. Chuck might be in Conneticutt and I think Macs and Joblot are both in New York. This is a '34 I had a long time ago, and I think a '33 or '35 looks different. Hope this helps.

 

I'd start by finding the VIN on one of the front frame rails next to the engine, and/or it should be stamped into the bell housing and visible by removing the tranny cover. Then one of us can help sort out the model and year for you. The primary parts reference is the "Green Bible", correct name is Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalogue. Covers 1928 to 1947 trucks. Here's a picture of my repop'd copy, also available in CD form. Stu

 

For adjusting your brakes you want a copy of the Service Bulletins. These are available either as 1934 specific or as 1932-1937. These are available from many vendors. Here are some examples currently on that auction site:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-1934-Ford-Service-Bulletins-Ford-V-8-of-1934-Ford-V-8-Car-and-Engine-19-/221661389186?_trksid=p2054897.l4275http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Service-Bulletin-Ford-V-8-of-1934-Ford-V-8-Car-and-Engine-1934-Mint-/151565218627?_trksid=p2054897.l4275http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Service-Bulletins-Repair-Manual-1932-1933-1934-1935-1936-1937-Car-and-Truck-/161020829325?_trksid=p2054897.l4275http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Service-Bulletins-Repair-Manual-Hardcover-1937-1936-1935-1934-1933-1932-/161307753344?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

 

Expanding upon Gary and Stu info: ChucksTrucksLLC.com in Hamden, CT and JobLotAuto.com, Queens, NY have more big truck parts than MacsAutoParts.com in Lockport, NY. You can get just about anything that is also used on cars and pickups at Mac's. You can get a free download of the green manual off the internet. I just googled it and found: Northern Ohio Regional Group #20 - All Documents Index I think that's the site I used. I just bought two engine and one transmission book from VanPeltSales.com with great service. Good luck.