I would like to start out by saying thank you for reading my post. I have a 61 unibody that needs complete brakes all the way around. My first question is the front brakes. I found a backing plate kit that comes with al the internal brake parts. The problem is, it is for the rear. The company says I can use it on the fronts also, but looking through a parts diagram, the front and rear brakes are a different size. Has anyone tried this? Thanks again for your time

 

Here is a pic of my truck

 

Nice truck!

Depends on the "kit", they seem to have different parts depending on who is putting it together. Did you try RockAuto online? They have a pretty good software system or whatever and parts #'s to help wade through what you need. The self adjusters and springs and other gee gaws in the kits may well be the same. Thing is though, returning parts that don't fit is a pain in the azz. Try to track down the correct part numbers for everything, and then armed with those, buy local. Bring in the old parts and match them up before ringing them up.

What I did with my slick is replaced the drums all the way around. The fronts provide most of the stopping power, probably 70% or better. They can be turned, but the diameter gets to be a bit much unless the new oversize shoes are fitted. Front drums have an integral hub and are not available, so you may have to swap the old hub into new drums. The fronts had plenty of meat left on them, but one was cracked. Maybe you already know this, but Brake work is always done in axle pairs. Everything has to be on the same sheet of music on both sides. Brake work is definitely an example of "Peeling the Onion", everything you look at is usually trashed or connected to something else that is, or soon will be. New drums - new bearings and cups for the hub. Better replace those wheel cylinders, or rebuild them anyway. And those rubber hoses gotta go. And the steel lines... And the master cylinder ... Pedal should be OK!

 

Thank you for the reply. I am going to try local first and then hit rock auto. Thanks again. Cannot wait to get this on the road!

 

Unibodies are 1961/63 F100/250 2WD .. 1953/67 F100's have 11" x 2" front brakes, 11" x 1 3/4" rear brakes.

1961 F100 2WD: Front wheel cylinders are 1 1/16" diameter. Rear wheel cylinders are 7/8" diameter.

Ford did not offer self adjusting brakes for F100 2WD's until 1964.

 

Hi, If you haven't replaced your front brakes yet I have a complete set of newer front brake brake set up that you can have for the shipping.
Includes;
2 good serviceable drums
2 backing plates w/newer cylinders, shoes, good hardware
needs new hoses
These were take offs from a disc brake upgrade.
I haven't weighed them but you could figure 70-100 lbs. from zip code 49525.

Nice looking truck by the way, I wish mine was in paint.