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IMHO, for performance, reliability and parts availability, I would stick with stock, but that's me... on all my older trucks, new drums or if the og ones were good, had them turned, all new cylinders and hardware, adjusted correctly, never had a problem not stopping or being able to lock them up if wanted.
+1
The only “upgrade” I want to do to mine now is swap pads in the front for something that’ll squeal less after a few medium stops in traffic. Otherwise original 78 f250 4x4 Dana 60s with original style discs up front and drums out back. Truck weighs a hair over 6500# right now, and stops just fine.
The main reason people think they need an upgrade is because their stock brakes aren't working properly for one reason or another.
The 4 wheel drums do leave something to be desired, but if they could keep loggers, farmers, ranchers construction companies ext. ext. going all those years they can make it to Walmart today. and if you had front disc brakes you were living large. they're more than good enough for what these vehicles are capable of. IF, they're working as they should.
Your money if you feel the need spend it. but my guess is if you're unhappy with your stock brakes something is not right with them.
Thanks, all, for some good points to ponder. If I spent a lot of time in the swamps, I would definitely have rear disc simply because it is not easy, nor thorough, to get the mud out from between the brake shoes and the drum. It is pretty easy to wash off the rotor.
But i am well into my geezerdom and what is pushing my buttons is that they stop well, reliable, easy to find parts for, easy to work on, and will actually stop after I go through a deep puddle. All pragmatic, no Lemans.
I'm thinking more and more about simply the best pads I can find on the front and maybe a hydroboost conversion.
Laugh if you like, but I have a gut level hatred for drum brakes because it emphasises my memory or lack therof. I take both drums off, then remove one side and make a couple dozen trips back and forth comparing it to the other side. Then reverse the process. I can't remember how the yellow spring goes on, or if the long straight part goes toward the top or the bottom. At least I get my laps. Discs assist in my denial.
I know you don't need these ........ but I keep them in my picture files in case I do need them someday. I just usually put the top Tee washer wide at top.
Below is an "as was found" picture taken in 2014, they had not seen the "light of day" then in over 20 years I guess.
If I did more drum brake jobs, it would be easier. But if you do it right and are as rural as I am with two traffic lights in town, there i snot a lot of opportunity for brake wear and a set of brakes lasts 15-20 years--plenty of time to forget how it works.
I can still rebuild a Quadrajet in my sleep, but brakes make me invoke a few deities and question its canine ancestry on its mother,s side.
I've never seen these. I had used Weld-on brackets. These must be a newer thing because I'd of sure went that route. I think I would have still tacked them but it would have been a lot easier to align everything.
Ring to center dodge rotor to Ford axle. Friend at work made mine so I have no idea what they would cost. Sorry for photo quality. I took a pic of laptop.🙃
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
