I just purchased a 55 Buick Special. Previous owner had (term he used) a hot rodder install a Ford rear end to handle the 455ci and TH400. He had no clue as to what year it was. Problem..........both rear rear wheel cylinders need to be replaced as well as the both axle seals (will do shoes too since they now have oil and fluid on them). I have NOT a clue as to what the rear end came out of let alone the certainty of 9" or 8". So.......if one of the many Ford experts can help me out here, I would really appreciate it. Hopefully the pix will help solve this mystery.
I made an error posting previous pix (to big). So here is a few more at thumbnail size. Would like to add Brake shoe width 2- 1/4" Drum depth (picture was to big to upload) outer dims are 3-3/8"
It is a 9 inch you should be able to take the shoes and wheel cylinders to parts store to have them matched up. You will have to pull the axles to see what size wheel bearings it has to get the axle seals.
Saltflats, Thank you for that info. I'll do just that. Thankfully the former mechanic left the Emergency components attached to shoes. I need to find a universal emergency brake cable kit somewhere. Pix of The Beast
it has a 9-3/8" center, so it's probably from a big car, maybe early 70s? like a 1970 Mark III for example http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1188165,parttype,1688
I would not replace those brake shoes. Hand sand them with 120 grit meant for wood. They have many miles left in them.
If the oil contamination is only on the surface soak the shoes in acetone posted via smoke signals made with a Mexican blanket
looking at it some more...is it 5.5" bolt circle? or 5"? if it's the bigger one, it's probably from a truck. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1119956,parttype,1688
It looks like a truck to me since the drums are marked 11.120 max oversize. If there's still a tag on it, that's a help. I would definitely put new shoes on it, clean up everything else too. The fact that all the hardware is there is good. Get a new spring kit while you're out shopping.
How do you detmine a 9 3/8 from a 9"? The web spacing on the pumpkin? For sure is 5.5 pattern, there isnt much more room on the axle for a wider pattern. That would mean a 3.150 bearing, with the big bolt pattern.
Early ford 9 inch pick up, 63-65, 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern, big bearing. Take parts to Napa they will match
Thanks to all for the awesome info. Yes there is still a lot of meat on the shoes.........but I am a sick perfectionist. So.....new shoes, springs etc. Had one of those spring buggers snap right in half on my old 48 Ply. Will also check that vent. I'll definitely be busy for awhile. Still have to locate that universal emergency brake cable kit. Have a great Sunday!
Beautiful Buick. Iconic style, enjoy the ride and the smiles you will get!! TEB Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Everytime I cleaned brake shoes, the 90 weight would bleed back through the brake surface. The material would look ok after sanding, but would be greasy again in a few days.
Apart from that rib, this is the housing with no pumpkin, notches on top and bottom flanges to clear larger diameter ring rear.
The 9-3/8 center sections are OK but limited parts and gear ratios. Fine to run as-is, but if you want to add limited slip or other, just put a std 9-inch carrier and parts. It will bolt in the same, but the notches shown by mgtstumpy are not required for the slightly smaller ring gear. Just make sure the axle spline count is the same.
Update. Finished rear brakes. Based on xref brake part numbers, turns out the rear end is out of a 75 Ford 100. Replaced Drums Cylinders, Shoes and hardware. Purchased a Lokar universal emergency brake system (Cables etc) that (after minor mods) hooked up to stock emergency brake (Pedal type). Front brakes are done. Now on to the front suspension. Loosey goosey at best. Upper lower control arm bushings are shot, blah blah blah. Looking at some of the sites that supply stock systems. Only thing I don't like is the caliber of rubber used for the bushings. So far Kanter has been the only one I have found. I will continue the hunt. Also, have to address the high heat (455ci) this tends to run. Radiator (IMHO) needs to be replaced. Weeping from bottom tank. Previous experience, if not addressed points to a disastrous failure. Also....previous owner removed fan shroud. Arrrrrrgh! I'll shop for aluminum with electric fan. Car now has a name. "THE BEAST" Ha! This takes time, and of course $$. I will get there. Focusing on the mechanics first. After that I will determine how much (or how little) more I want to go. Other than that fellas..........it is a big sleeper.
I've had great luck with Kanter while working on my wife's 57 Buick special . Their new brake drums are nice . Kanter was fast and had good cust. Service .
Joyflea, Re: Kanter. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am really leaning that way. The price is fair enough for the kit. I know that this will not be as easy as changing a tire. Honestly I have to admit I will have to ping this site for suggestions on how to safely remove the lower and upper control arms without being mauled by those coil springs. I also noticed that when the previous owner installed the custom Ford rear end setup, he mounted the shocks straight up and down. On some of these two lane roads here in Texas the rear will start to do the tail swing like a fish in water. IMHO I think the top mounts should have been angled slightly towards the body center. I certainly could be wrong here but.............that is just how my central computer works.
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