Gents: I'm looking for some guidance or reference to any previous tech posts that could assist me in choosing the correct front suspension and brake components using a ford straight axle. Most of the set-ups that I have seen on donor vehicles are spring in front of axle. I would like to use a spring over axle set-up. I'll be making my own frame except for the planned 32 front crossmember and some ram horn extensions that I'll be using to mount my grill shell. At this point, it seems like going with a 39 - 41 axle with the use of 46 - 48 F1 backing plate and brakes is the way to go. I have a set of 1963 buick aluminum drums that I would like to use as well. I have been trying to read everything possible on the subject and I have gone out to look at different suspension set-ups so that I could do this correctly without making to many novice mistakes. Any assistance would be helpful.
Are the 63 drums 45 fin or 90 fin ? I do a lot of I-beam set ups with drum brakes. Have a look at my site,and Pm or email me any questions. www.riley-auto.com eric
Thanks for the post. The drums should be 45 fin, but I haven't confirmed that yet. We'll be taking the donor Riviera apart this weekend.
Tex Smith's book called "How to Build Hot Rod Chassis" has some great info and in the braking section it demonstrates how to install 53-56 F1 brakes on the earlier spindles as well as modifying your brakes to accept the Buick stuff. Good book, and you can get it at Amazon. Good luck!
Ok i have recently done this using both Buick drum and backing plate for enormous stopping power.I done a quick tech on it with photos so do a search.Basically i used 42 on spindles(Ford) the Buick Backing plate bolt holes were welded up then the ford pattern Drilled out and the centre hole opened up to ford spec.Once this was done i bought a pair of spacers from i think it was metecm on the hamb here then bolted the backers to the spindles.The drums were Ali welded and redrilled to 5 on 5 1/2 stud pattern then my 1955 ford f100 hubs were used with longer studs.Ok so whats the advantage?well ok the Buick drums and backers are meant to stop a very heavy car full up with gas and people 3 ton or there abouts.The Drums are 12 " and the Shoes are 2 1/2 " wide and the set-up is also self energizing also parts are cheap and plentiful.Adjustment is easy using the wheel at the bottom of the backing plate just like the f100 style.I used the bearing conversion from speedway for the hubs and found that the f100 style fit on the inside of the drums so as when bolted to a wheel look real nice as they don't stick out too far the later fords people use 42-48 i think can look a bit sticky outy asthe hubs fit outside of the drum..................your choice ..........Marq
Marq This information is exactly what I was looking for. I will try to find your earlier tech post, since I'm really looking for details and I probably have some inexperienced questions to ask. I'm a bit embarrased, but I'm at least admitting that I'm doing my best to learn from those that are more experienced. Thank you.
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