Technical Another Brake Hardware ? Update 9-1-26

A resent thread reminded me I need to resolve what Ford application will work?

Unlike a current thread asking for self adjusting hardware, I want to delete it.

So what kit for just two return springs, course star adjuster and star adjuster spring since Ford always has too many design’s that do the same thing but won’t interchange?

Here’s what I have. Aftermarket loaded rear brake package with 2 1/4” x 11” shoes.

 

You just need to trade with the guys on the other thread who don’t know how to adjust brakes.

 

All you need to do is remove the cable, the cable guide and the adjustment lever. Connect the blue spring into the hole vacated by the adjustment lever and you're done...

The blue spring will rub on the adjuster, that keeps it from moving out of adjustment.

Although honestly, I don't know why you would want to remove the self-adjustment function as it works very well if installed right. One thing that should be done is to apply some high-heat silicon grease on the cable guide and adjuster thread for best operation. Make sure you have the 'L' adjuster on the left side, 'R' on right...

 

Yep, what @Crazy Steve said.

 

Or, you could leave it all and bend the star wheel adjuster away from the star wheel.

 

Well, i don't care for self adjusting on certain cars. Most of the Fords I owned I put on a change over kit from self adjust to manual adjust. worked good for me. I pretty sure that O'Reilly, AutoZone and RockAuto carry them. The one below is a H12 fits early Chevrolet.

 

All ready looked into doing blue spring as described. Way too much of a reach.

 

I’ve given that a thought.

 

Wouldn't that hold the spring away from the star wheel?

Johnny, take a look at the springs and adjusters on the "etrailer" website. They have any number of combinations that might work.

 

Are you familiar with what it takes to get the self-adjusters to work as designed? It takes more speed than just idling in reverse and stabbing the brakes to set all the monkey-motion into play. Find a paved open parking lot or a long enough driveway where you can safely back up at 5 or 10 mph and then quickly apply the brakes. Remember that the stopping force will be less than when driving forward.

Also don't try to self-adjust when the brake drums are hot and slightly expanded (after driving with a heavier load or making a downhill grade, or being chased by law enforcement). Doing so may adjust the brakes out far enough that as the drum cools and contracts slightly it might drag or lock the brakes on those wheels.

This was mainly an issue on pursuit vehicles, taxis or vehicles slowing down quickly from highway speed to catch an exit or pull into a rest area.

 

It'll reach, but you'll have to work a bit. There is a technique for doing this. Remove both top springs and pry the adjustment lever up to get the cable and guide off, then reinstall the top spring on the rear shoe. Then remove the round spring on the leading shoe, disengage it from the wheel cylinder and pull the top towards you then rotate the top of the shoe towards the rear shoe to remove the adjuster. Remove the lever, then hook to the rear shoe, insert the adjuster then lever the front shoe back into position. It will stretch the spring but it doesn't matter, it's only there to keep the shoes tight against the adjuster. Finish re***embly.

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, make a small 'C' clip 'extender' out of some 1/8" steel or a stout flat washer. You'll probably have to buy a full hardware set to get the one spring if they're even available for Fords. Every kit I've seen has what you have. They went to self-adjusting in '61 on the big cars, everything else by '66.

 

Looking to go through a pair of 9" backing plates like yours with 11x2.250 shoes. The hardware listed at orileys for 1976 Ford F150 is this:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...e-truck-1976-ford-f-150?q=hardware+kit+brakes

 

How about NAPA UP80304 retract springs for the top, UP80503 adjuster springs for the bottom (come in bag of 4 for some reason), and H1500 for the adjuster (large teeth for normal manual adjustment. Your hold downs and shoe retainers will work.

 

That H12 kit fits 11 inch brakes A check of the compatibility tab shows it fits a lot of f 100 that have 11 inch brakes. As Johnny Gee said the blue spring off the self adjusting brakes is too long to work with the non self adjusting ones. With those kits you have to get the correct hold down pins for your width of shoes.

 

And here I am after recently rebuilding the brakes on my ‘51 Plymouth wishing that adjusting the brakes meant only turning a star wheel

 

I don’t know if it was said but the automatic star wheel needs to be replaced with one with less notches. I hope like laying under your car adjusting brakes.

 

The fronts will be horrible as well then.

 

I would be looking at a 69 Chevy Belair brake drum return spring kit on Rockauto for a replacement for the blue spring and a little hole in the backplate to adjust the star wheel. Just make the notches a little larger in the star wheel for easier adjustment.

 

What Rich B said

 

If you know the specification of the spring I'm sure I have some. Years ago I bought a big box full of brake spring kit at an auction that was some guy that worked at a Sears auto center.

 

The back bone (I’ll call it) of the Ford shoe and Early Chevy shoe match up.

Tri-Five Chevy hardware it is then.

By the way, seen this yesterday. H12 it say’s.

 

Springs and adjuster hardware for early GM 11” drums fit. Red spring Ford gray springs GM, gold adjuster Ford silver adjuster GM, black spring (lower that installs over adjuster) GM.

 

^^^^
That gold adjuster is the fine toothed variety for self-adjusting brakes.

 

Correct. I deleted that feature.