Technical '48 Ford brakes

I have a set of 1948 Ford brakes on my Model A. Now that I'm putting it all back together, I cannot remember which direction the stepped bore rear wheel cylinders are supposed to go. Does the large bore point to the front of the car or the rear ?? thanks

 

On 1948 Fords the long shoe goes on the front and larger bore points to the front also to match the longer shoe. Photo shows 1940 Ford which are also Lockheed style brakes and operate on the same principle. The only difference is you adjust 48 Ford brakes differently due to their lower anchoring point mechanical differences.
This explains the reasons why and the history. Pretty interesting.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2684

 

Great, thanks for the info. Another question, my new relined shoes have the same length linings, all 8 are the same length. Is that a problem ?? Also, they have not been arced to the drums, how critical is that ?? Thanks...

 

I don't think the fact that the shoes are all the same length will really matter as long as they are all the "longer" shoe length. Arcing the shoes to the drums is best. Go over to www.fordbarn.com and do a search on "installing brake shoes" and tons of info. will appear. I hope your drums are not over 12.060 in. inside dia. as .060 in. is the max allowed by law. Some folks also recommend "tapering back" the first inch or two on the brake shoes to get better braking. So, do a search on Fordbarn on anything related to brake shoes, brake drums etc and you will be a happy camper. It's all be talked about.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=6949214

 

Thanks again for all the help. I'll go to Fordbarn and educate myself...thanks again

 

Another way to figure it out is, on the rears (when your certain you have front and rears separated) install them so the opening for the brake line faces the front of the car.

 

Just for the heck of it, with your drums removed, place the shoes inside the drum to see if the brake shoe surface completely contacts the drum. If you decide to not have the shoes arced,after you install the brake shoes on the backing plate, make cross hatch marks on the surface of the brake shoes, adjust the brakes and drive the car for a while. Then remove the drums and check to see where the cross hatch marks have worn away. That will give you a good idea as to whether or not the shoes are contacting the drums completely. One last point, use the KR Wilson type puller to remove the rear hubs - not the old style 3 legged type. Using the KR Wilson puller is much easier and doesn't ruin the axle threads or bend the drum.
The torque specs on that rear axle bolt is 220 foot lbs, but I go to 150 as I don't eat my Wheaties. Do a serach on "axle nut torque" also.

 

Installed correctly the brake connection faces the rear. Regards, Ron

 

Ron: Are you referring to an original type of installation or restoration? I always run them across the front of the rearend housing but seems Ford run them up the bones. Tim

 

I can't remember any of mine being set up that way but I have had to many birthdays lately. thanks.

 

Henry Ford was a "bones" man.
The OEM rear brake lines do run down the rear radius rods. The front brake lines do not.
Yes, the wheel cylinder threaded outlets point towards the rear.
Those "things" bolted to the wheel cylinders that hook over the top of the drum are brake drum retainers - a must have if you're using the stock rear.