Anyone running all drum brakes, daily driver?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Anyone running all drum brakes, daily driver?
Hey Dudes,
So I've been sifting through tons of magazines, articles, etc on other peoples setups. I was curious if anyone is running just stock drums, but with power steering etc. My brakes have been completely rebuilt and they stop well (I not a hardcore speed demon) but am wondering if they are completely safe. I was thinkin if I kept them to switch to a dual master cylinder as opposed to the stock one.
Reason for the question is that I've finally saved enough to get some serious parts, work done and am (like most) trying to pen down a plan to get the most for the amount. Bobs F100 said $3000 for IFS, power steering, disc. I also want to get my motor rebuilt and that will cost me $1500 so I was thinking of doing the motor and just new springs, heavier tie rod, kingpins etc.. for the front and the engine rebuild or just the ifs set up and that would be it. Couldn't touch the motor or anything else for a while. Any thoughts?
So I've been sifting through tons of magazines, articles, etc on other peoples setups. I was curious if anyone is running just stock drums, but with power steering etc. My brakes have been completely rebuilt and they stop well (I not a hardcore speed demon) but am wondering if they are completely safe. I was thinkin if I kept them to switch to a dual master cylinder as opposed to the stock one.
Reason for the question is that I've finally saved enough to get some serious parts, work done and am (like most) trying to pen down a plan to get the most for the amount. Bobs F100 said $3000 for IFS, power steering, disc. I also want to get my motor rebuilt and that will cost me $1500 so I was thinking of doing the motor and just new springs, heavier tie rod, kingpins etc.. for the front and the engine rebuild or just the ifs set up and that would be it. Couldn't touch the motor or anything else for a while. Any thoughts?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
Joe I can't recall seeing any dual master cyl setups for 4 drum brakes there probably out there but i can't recall. You can rebuild your front end and install discs for way less than $3k but no PS. That would leave about enough to rebuild the engine or purchase a long block with a warranty. You could also clip it on a budget. just make sure you get a good clip. Rich.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 283
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Yeah i'm still going through possible options. I could have sworn I saw a dual cylinder for keeping stock brakes, CCP or somewhere. I'll dig it up...
I was all about the IFS until I got the quote for rebuilding my motor, the would pull it and do everything! I would get a 12k or 12 month warrenty too. So that with all new wiring seemed like a cool idea to go with.
I was all about the IFS until I got the quote for rebuilding my motor, the would pull it and do everything! I would get a 12k or 12 month warrenty too. So that with all new wiring seemed like a cool idea to go with.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I drive a 56 with 4 drums and a modern ford power booster every day across town to work. I am happy with how it works, I am not speeding around, however, I just drive it like an old truck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,793
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From: San Diego CA
I just did a long block in my brother in laws 93 F150. I got it from ATK North America. They're in Santa Ana Ca. I got it through a local supplier I know for $1800 with a 3yr unlimited milage warranty. It was a 302 with efi and a roller cam.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,890
Likes: 9
From: La Verne, California
I am running stock drum brakes, they are as Safe as any system made for the era they come from.
Though I'm looking foreword to installing the Midland Power Brake Booster in the near future.
Eventually going to a front disc brake bolt-on conversion.
Though I'm looking foreword to installing the Midland Power Brake Booster in the near future.
Eventually going to a front disc brake bolt-on conversion.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I have stock drums on my '60 F-100, but no power steering. She was my daily driver in Los Angeles traffic for 3 years. Right now I need to repace the valve seats, then she'll be my daily again.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
I'm into my 5th year running stock drum brakes. The system was completely rebuilt in '01. After nearly 70,000 miles, several panic stops for deer and driving daily at speeds up to 75 mph I'd say the old system is totally adequate. I don't tailgate!
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: OK
I run four wheel drums on my 48. When it's not broke, I drive it a lot. I have a dual resevoir master cylinder and a power brake booster. I think it does pretty good, just make sure everyting is adjusted properly. Although, I don't have power steering, but I don't really need it anyway. Good luck. 
hotrod48
hotrod48
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
Here's a little more grist for the mill -
How often have any of us lost half of a dual reservoir m.c. and needed the second one to stop in one of our newer vehicles? If it's all about redundancy then why not triple or quad res systems?
If your emergency brake is in good working condition and you properly maintain the the single pot system it should be more than adequate. If your brakes fail in low speed conditions the e-brake will get you stopped. Highspeed? You're probably SOL either way so pucker up and grab something - which may be a good time to think about seatbelts
I'd say they're more important than a dual res system IMHO
However, we live in a safety paranoid society......... so you make your choices and pays your money.
How often have any of us lost half of a dual reservoir m.c. and needed the second one to stop in one of our newer vehicles? If it's all about redundancy then why not triple or quad res systems?
If your emergency brake is in good working condition and you properly maintain the the single pot system it should be more than adequate. If your brakes fail in low speed conditions the e-brake will get you stopped. Highspeed? You're probably SOL either way so pucker up and grab something - which may be a good time to think about seatbelts
I'd say they're more important than a dual res system IMHOHowever, we live in a safety paranoid society......... so you make your choices and pays your money.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
i have a 57 ranchero, and i run on 4 drum brakes, and i used it as a daily driver, but i blew the trans a few days ago. the drum brakes have been flawless since i repaired them, 6 months ago, no power steering. works perfect. i would like to put power brakes and power streeing in, but im only 16 and dont make too much money. well good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: Deridder, LA
gents,
I have the original stock drum brakes and I stop, lockup and slide on a dime (can't beat it)...that is the way to keep it ol'skool without all problems with discs, calipers and proportional valves....maybe later on (like 10yrs from now) i might decide on disc but the brakes are fine....easy and cheap parts to find....have the power steering conversion from the toyota 4x4 and it works great...
I have the original stock drum brakes and I stop, lockup and slide on a dime (can't beat it)...that is the way to keep it ol'skool without all problems with discs, calipers and proportional valves....maybe later on (like 10yrs from now) i might decide on disc but the brakes are fine....easy and cheap parts to find....have the power steering conversion from the toyota 4x4 and it works great...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by mtflat
Here's a little more grist for the mill -
How often have any of us lost half of a dual reservoir m.c. and needed the second one to stop in one of our newer vehicles? If it's all about redundancy then why not triple or quad res systems?
However, we live in a safety paranoid society......... so you make your choices and pays your money.
How often have any of us lost half of a dual reservoir m.c. and needed the second one to stop in one of our newer vehicles? If it's all about redundancy then why not triple or quad res systems?
However, we live in a safety paranoid society......... so you make your choices and pays your money.
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Mile Hi
I have the 4 wheel drum brakes on my 56 and they work OK.
Having 4 wheel disks on my F-150 is really nice.
I'm with the COL, when I can afford it I will do the bolt on front disks and the Toyota steering with maybe the rack and pinion bolt on unit!!
Having 4 wheel disks on my F-150 is really nice.
I'm with the COL, when I can afford it I will do the bolt on front disks and the Toyota steering with maybe the rack and pinion bolt on unit!!