Hello and Thanks for a Great Forum!!!

I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5 L C VIN and need to replace my rear brake shoes. Motorcraft and other on-line sellers list a 9 inch and 10 inch brake shoe size. Other than measuring the diameter of a rear drum, how can I find out which size brake shoes to buy? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Edman
Virginia Beach, VA

 

most all of the 2wd have the 9 inch mine did then i changed the rear to a 8.8 rear it has the 10 inch

 

do you know if thats a hard and fast rule? Anyone out there that can say something different? I would love to know if its just that simple!

 

There should be a number on the drum that follows the "Max machine diameter" or something equivalent to that phrase. It should give the number in inches (sometimes in millimeters which you can convert) and if it starts with a 9 or 10, there ya go.

 

What Moore said.

You can also do it the old-fashioned way: stretch a tape measure across the opening of the drum. If it's less than 10 inches - you have the answer.

 

so is it measured to the greatest width? or the outer portion of the contact area of the pads?

 

I have a 98 2 wheel drive (3.0 standard trans) that has 10" drums. The drums come off quite easy. I would take the drum off and measure it.

 

Measure across the inside diameter of the drum, mfp. Where the shoes make contact.

 

gotcha!

 

Thanks to everyone who responded! The brake shoe size is based upon Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). If it is 4250 or less--the size is 9 inches. Over 4300--the size is 10 inches!

Another great resource is: http://therangerstation.com

Regards,

Edman
Virginia Beach, VA