Drum Brake Madness

[SgtLee511]

I worked hard, and got my front suspension back in my car. I had built my drum brakes on the bench, then I installed them with the backing plates onto the suspension. First thing I notice was, brake lines from wheel cylinder were to the front of backing plate. They should be to the rear of the plate. So to correct this a simple swapping of sides put them in correct positions left and right side. So now Im sitting back looking at this, thinking Its done. Then I realize the auto adjusters which happen to be labeled L or R must now be on the wrong sides. I figure I have to correct this, because I'm thinking the adjusters will not operate correctly. The left is at the front of the drum. So will it work? That way....... ?

 

[Ranger]

No, they are bassackwards. You have the primary shoe in front and the secondary in the rear (or do my eyes deceive me? It almost looks like you have 2 secondary shoes. :huh. They need to be reversed.

The auto adjusters look backwards to me as well after looking at the service manual pictures. I believe they are on the wrong side and upside down, but you must have added them as the RR did not come with them from the factory so the pics are not of the RR 11" brakes, but should be the same I believe. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Come to think of it, I should add a set.

 

[69hemibeep]

No self adjusters they must have been added and yes they are backward with two big shoes. Do you have two small ones on the other side? If the adjusters work and you like em keep em but I'm a bit leery of the bent up spring.

 

[SgtLee511]

It really is madness, lol. Thats Y I ask the experts, I was not using a manual at all, trying to do it from memory , getting old. Good news is I ordered the manual and should be here this week end. I added those adjusters, the brake assemblies was missing from the car, it sat on blocks 20 years with her feet off. Thanks for the help. That pic is really helpful beep. And Ranger it looks like I need to start over because I have forgotten about the shoes being two different sizes. Sad thing is I tried to use a bit of memory and old 68 repair book, and the pics were of older set ups. It is bad when I have an extra backing plate with shoes still on it sitting in my garage and it looked like Beeps pic. I didn't use it because it as a guide. I looked at it and thought it was not right because the spring at the base of the brakes was touching the adjuster.

 

[Ranger]

That spring is supposed to touch the adjuster wheel. It's what keeps it from moving unintentionally.

Sad thing is I tried to use a bit of memory

Mine is older than the car..................................... and less reliable.

 

[SgtLee511]

Mine too.........You don't happened to have a reliable memory on how to take the E Brake loose from the cable Do ya?

 

[Ranger]

Off the top of my head no. I'd have to look at it, or the service manual. I have one stored in my computer. You can download one here. http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=109

 

[SgtLee511]

Thanks

 

[69hemibeep]

E- brake to shoe is easy its just spring tension

 

[Ranger]

Ahh yes. Now that you mention it, it all comes back to me.

 

[ricks_RR]

here is a question where is a good place to buy the 11 inch front brake drums .I bought some and they came from china and was belled and warped .got them to work but would feel better if I could find a place for better ones

 

[69hemibeep]

here is a question where is a good place to buy the 11 inch front brake drums .I bought some and they came from china and was belled and warped .got them to work but would feel better if I could find a place for better ones

If you put the new drums on your spindles they require turning to true them up to the spindle. Just part of the process and don't break them apart after turning unless you want to do it again. The service manual is your friend

 

[SgtLee511]

While this thread is still warm, I corrected my shoes, and to keep it original, ordered the manual adjustment set instead. There is a big "But" in this set up I received. But The third bottom spring as shown in your photo on the star wheel is not the same as yours. Its a little longer, and is the same as the set with auto adjusters. I went back to the 68 RR backing plate with pads attached I have and the spring is the same as yours. I manage to attach the spring from the kit, but Im not happy with its odd angle it sits at, how long ago did you get your kit and where because I looked and did not find any of that style. The attachments points on these springs are at least a half an inch longer or so at the ends of the springs. They are the same as the adjuster kit.

 

[Ranger]

here is a question where is a good place to buy the 11 inch front brake drums .I bought some and they came from china and was belled and warped .got them to work but would feel better if I could find a place for better ones

I do not believe you can even buy American made rotors anymore. They may be "machined" in the U.S. and claimed as "Made in America", but they are cast in China. I suspect the same would be true for brake drums.

 

[SgtLee511]

Most Likely, Chinese are getting better they are building Islands why didnt we think of that......

 

[ricks_RR]

I know that aways have them turned but these were real bad