Can I simply pirate the self adjusting hardware from a later model PU and put them on all 4 wheels on my 57?
I'm already tired of adjusting brakes and this thing hasn't been on the road THAT long.

 

A simple answer: Yes

I think Fords went to self adjusters in 1966 on the trucks. All you need to do is go down to the local parts store and buy a brake hardware kit and a spring kit for each wheel. I did this not too long ago on my 1960 differential, I went to NAPA and bought the kits for a 1969 truck. Its pretty quick and easy. It will help if you have a diagram of the brake hardware.

I'll look and see if I have one
Bobby

 

Bobby, did you have to change emergency brake cables?

 

Ross,

uh....er...well......(embarassed grin)...um...........

Actually I havent gotten that far yet, but, when I posed the question way back when I was told that the original 1949 emergency brake cables would work with the backing plates on my 1960 differential. I don't have the original cables and need to buy a pair (thats one of the things on my "to-do" list)

Bobby

 

Make sure you get the adjuster kits for an 1964/72 F100 (parts are the same), the cars use different parts. Cars had self adjusters beginning in 1961.

btw: The adjusters only work when you back up and step on the brake.

 

When you go to buy the kits you need to buy the hardware kit AND the spring kit. If I remember right the hardware kit comes with everything you need but one spring.....LOL

Again, I suggest having a good diagram of the hardware. I looked though my stuff and I can't find the pic I thought I had. Shouldn't be too hard to find a pic on the net somewhere

Bobby

 

THANKS one and all. Once again I am wondering what in the world I did before the internet and FTE.

 

It's so true. I'm 31 and pretty much have had the internet at my fingertips my entire adult life. I don't know how you old guys (40 and up)....heh heh, did things way back when.

 

What did we do?
Read the book. (Motors Manual.)
Ask Old Farts questions.
Experimented.
Made mistakes
And we either it out or forgot about it.

 

Now WE are the Old Farts..........

 

Same drill for my '56 Effie? I'd sure invest the time in that upgrade if it'd work.

 

Nuthin'

Maybe if you can find a parts diagram for the 56 brakes and compare it with the 57 and up brakes you could figure out if it would work. Another option would be to try and bolt on a set of later model backing plates.

LOL....are you getting tired of remembering to adjust the brakes every now and again?? Dang driving new-fangled cars sure make us spoiled doesn't it?

Bobby

 

You reckon that's it? I just thought the trucks from my memory drove much better than they do now.