After I got my truck back from the shop (front end rebuild, as well as brake job, thru and thru), I just didn't feel like the truck braked as a it should...it's easy when you're new to this hobby to forget what it was like 50 years ago when manual brakes were the norm...but, I was convinced that it just didn't stop like it should...I've mentioned here before that I'm having the heavier work done by a shop, and will tackle some of the simpler issues that I can do with the area I have to devote to it...anyway, I received an interesting email from my mechanic yesterday alluding to 12" vs 12 1/8" brake drums and shoes...he said that a source has told him that there were two sizes at one time, and he's convinced he's got mismatched parts...he's even having custom shoes relined to get to a shoe that conforms to the correct diameter of the drum...anyone ever heard of this before???

 

Nothing in the Ford parts catalog shows anything about a 12 1/8" drum. Only 12" front and rear for '55 F-250.

 

There were two different brake sizes at one time, but this has nothing to do with 1955 F250's, 1956/65 F250's.

It has everything to do with 1966/72 F250 2WD's.

12 1/8" x 2" brakes:

All 1956/65 F250's / All 1966/75 F250 4WD's / Some 1966/72 F250 2WD's (some of these F250 2WD's have 12" x 2 1/2" brakes as it depends on the GVW).

1956/63 F350 (F/R) / 1964/66 F350 front only.

1951/52 F2 / 1953/72 F250 2WD's & 1959/75 F250 4WD's all w/drum brakes: WHATEVER the front brake size is, the rear brakes are the same size and use the exact same brake shoes.

Note: Not relevent, but someone might benefit from this: 1968/72 F250 2WD's were available with optional dual piston caliper front disc brakes. The rear shoes with front discs are 12" x 2 1/2"

 

I was hoping you'd jump in here with part numbers, Bill...it sounds like he's aware of the two brake shoe sizes, but not the reason why...thanks for your help...Terry

 

Where can I find brake drums, I understand that this truck had 12X2" drums.
Can I go with the 12 1/8" X2 if I use 12 1/8" X2 shoes?

 

I have a set of F250 front brake drums off my 54 for sale. New ones are available but very pricing. Let me know if I can help.

 

Does anyone out there have any or know of anywhere to purchase a pair of F250 Rear Brake Drums?

This is all I need to get my Great Uncle's old pick-up moved to my home.
Thanks,

 

SruffyMcGuffy - This is old thread and not probably not a good one to look for items. You might try this thead.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...and-parts.html

 

Thanks for the Heads up!

 

TBAA-1126-A .. Rear Brake Drum / Obsolete

1951/52 F2/F3 & F3 Parcel Delivery / 1953/55 F250 & P350 (Parcel Delivery).

No Ford dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any NOS

 

Understand, but thought someone might have a good old one that still might be usable for sale.

Otherwise what is a replacement for it?

 

Scruffy, Does your truck have the original axle? If someone swapped in a Dana 60 at some point it will be easier to get drums for the rear.

 

Might have what you need McGuffy - but since you are a new member I can't PM you. Give me a few days to get some pictures together and I'll post them on the for sale link that is noted above.
Tom