Rear Drum Brake Question

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Jan 14, 2018 | 08:12 PM

jmstuede

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Rear Drum Brake Question

Replacing rear drum brakes for 1972 F250 4WD. Old pads are 2.5" in width but in searching for replacements, there are also 3" pads. Do I have the option to use either size? Also, are there US made suppliers for these and the associated hardware? Thanks for any help.

Jan 14, 2018 | 09:35 PM

fe390pc

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From: Minnesota

You have to use 2.5" shoes. As far as hardware it is a crap shoot. I think you can get some parts from Dennis Carpenter. The other option could be to find a Wagner Kit as I believe they are made in the US.

Jan 14, 2018 | 09:37 PM

fe390pc

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As for the Shoes, you are on your own there. I know there used to be small shops around that actually rebuilt pads, shoes and clutch discs but not sure if any are still around.

Jan 14, 2018 | 11:14 PM

willowbilly3

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From: Black Hills of SD

I always go to Rock Auto first on that stuff. They usually have several choices and sometimes good close out prices

Jan 15, 2018 | 04:33 AM

GaryKip

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2X on willowbilly3's comments. I thought Raybestos was made in the USA.

Jan 15, 2018 | 07:44 AM

ultraranger

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From: El Dorado, Arkansas

Wider brake shoes can't be added unless you change out the drums and the backing plates too.

The wider backing plates have a greater inboard offset, towards the center of the rear end housing, to accommodate the wider shoe width.

Jan 15, 2018 | 08:06 AM

willowbilly3

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From: Black Hills of SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKip

2X on willowbilly3's comments. I thought Raybestos was made in the USA.

I went with some of their cheapo Centrix stuff on my 59. Got a wheel cylinder that was boxed wrong and the hoses look pretty crappy next to the originals. It's about the only complaints I have. Stay with Wagner, Raybestos, Dorman. The better names.

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Jan 15, 2018 | 11:50 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmstuede

Replacing rear drum brakes for 1972 F250 4WD. Old pads are 2.5" in width but in searching for replacements, there are also 3" pads

(no such thing on F250's of this vintage).

1967/75 F250 4WD: Front brakes are 12 1/8" x 2" .. rear brakes are 12" x 2 1/2."

12" x 3" front/rear brake shoes: 1967/72 F350. Or rears only 1968/79 F350 with front disc brakes (optional: 1968/72 / standard equipment 1973/79).

All 1953/78 F350's are 2WD .. 1979 was the first year that F350's were available with 4WD