Brake drum types

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Feb 6, 2019 | 06:23 PM

john jamieson

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Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2015

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From: tucson

Brake drum types

At some point in the near future I need to replace my front drums on my F100. I see on several sites drums listed as cast iron, composite and free floating. The cast iron is a no brainer, but what are the differences, what's better, and what is free floating?
Thanks.
john

Feb 6, 2019 | 11:31 PM

tboggus

Trailering

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I'm not sure about free floating but all the drums have been cast iron and originally all were composite. The hub and drum were two separate pieces held together by the studs pressed into place.

Feb 6, 2019 | 11:41 PM

Tedster9

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Waterloo, Iowa

Composite drums today (I think) have a liner. What you want imo, are cast drums, US made preferably. It is true from 64-67 they were sold as one piece hub/drum assemblies, but these are not available today. For the front axle buy the better quality drums and have the old hubs pressed on the new drums using new wheel studs.