Last week we picked up a "project" truck we plan to use around the farm. It is a 1989 F700 with a 16 foot flat bed dump with twin triple stage cylinders. While it is rough around the edges after the 300 miles up I-24 including Monteagle "hill" it seems to be fairly solid since it ran better as we drove (took a gallon of Sea Foam to use on the drive back hauling the PU).

The one issue it had was the parking brakes would set and not release so the owner lost interest. The cause was one parking brake chamber O-rings were leaking and over time the pump (looks like a second power steering pump on the engine) would get low and not be able to build the pressure to release the parking brakes.

I got a diesel shop to cage it and block the line to it so I could get it home and not have to rush to fix it leaving me a good parking brake on one side.

Yesterday I picked up two rebuilt parking brake chambers from O'Rielly's. If you have this Lucas Girling system you will find the parts on page 22 of their Fleet Quick Reference catalog volume III. When the weather breaks I may install them. There is not much need for more parking brake power right now but I would like to get my $100 core charge back ASAP.

After reviewing the system in the 1989 F700 official shop manual it is impressive and fairly easy to understand due to pics, diagrams and the narrative. The 429 4v Lima engine seems like a strong engine. I grew up with and used a 1955 F600 flat bed dump that I upgraded with the transmission and complete third member out of a 1956 F700 but this is my first big block Ford. I had to get a step ladder to carry to see over the radiator.

 

There is a specific tool to adjust those brakes so you might want to see if O'Reilly can get it for you.

 

Thanks jpr38057. I found pictures and parts numbers for the adjusting tool and the rear brake band springs removal/install tool over at www.otctools.com