I have new front ‘37-‘48 spindles with new set of Lincoln self energizing brakes and backing plates. Can I use an existing pair of 1940 ford hubs? If so what is the maximum inner diameter for brake shoe contact? Thank you
I can't tell you if it will work with the '40 hubs but the maximum safe diameter is diameter plus .060" over new. The Lincoln drums on a "40 hub (outside mount) depends on the bolt pattern of the drums (5 stud on 5 1/2" bolt pattern) and the width of the brake shoes. The '46 to '48 drums mount on the inside of the hubs and they probably won't work. You also need to check for any difference in the backset of the Lincoln baking plates. An easy way to tell is finding a '40 drum and laying it on the floor (open side down) and compare. Don't know more than that as I never tried that combo. Good luck
I’m assuming since you didn’t mention the drums that you are talking about hub and drum assemblies. Either the 40 style or the 48 style assemblies should fit directly on the repro Lincoln brakes. If you don’t mean assemblies, and intend to use the repro drums from Boling Brothers, you need 40 hubs. The 48 style won’t work. And, off the record, I have personally had a 40 drum cut over .090 and it’s worked just fine with no warping on my Lincoln brakes.
Just a short reply about turning brake drums . 060 oversize. That came into law many many years after the early Ford, lincoln, and Mercury were designed. Most current brake people don't know how far one of these drums can be turned. In reality, not modern law reality, these drums can easily and safely turned as much as .120. We did so for many years without failure of the drums or overheating drums or shoes. Modern drums do not have enough thickness to safety turn more than .060 oversize. At 76 and retired, I turned who knows how many drums that far out without problems. I even did it on my own old Fords. Again, newer drums won't withstand more than .060 removal. Problems will occur if you try it.
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