Hot Rods 1961 ford f100 front drum question

Need drums on my new 61 f100. Very surprised to find Ford was still swedging them on to the hubs this late. So, with a 5/8 hole saw I cut the swedge, and got them off.

The ford guys over at FTE say the new drums must have the studs swedged in again.
Is this correct? if the drum fits the hub to center it, can we not just leave it loose like a modern drum? Rock Auto has several choices, I think 50's to 66, but no specs on the hub hole size. What are you guys doing?

 

That seems odd being that '48-'56 and some later Ford truck hubs had pressed in studs and floating drums.

In fact the drums I use on my '53-'56 F-100 are listed to fitting up to '63.

I don't see why yours wouldn't work as long as the studs were serrated and not smooth like the early swedged studs.

My center hole measurement might not be exactly accurate at 3.150 or so, new drums fit the hubs right.

 

Thank you Rich. I'll push one stud out a bit to see if its serrated. Looking at the back side I see the stud is just round, no flat spot to hold it in place like flathead era drums. Any chance you remember who you bought your drums from?

 

Yeah, that’s weird. I also have a few sets of 53-56ish front brakes around and they have slide on drums.

 

I dont see why you couldnt if the hub fits tight. There are lots of rotors that slip on centering hubs,and rock back,and forth until you put a rim on,and tighten down the lug nuts.

 

I buy Raybestos 2600R drums from RockAuto. Usually can't beat their price even with shipping, drop shipping too.

They don't list them under your '61; but if you look them up by the part number, and check the application they show '61-'63 F-100.

The drums actually fit '53-'63; but are not listed that way.

Wouldn't surprise me if some of the other "brands" listed also came out of the same Chinese factory like a lot of other parts do.

 

As always, the B in Rich B. stands for "Brake king". Thank you sir!

 

Ford was still staking wheel studs to drums through the mid 70's until front drums ceased on light duty vehicles.
'74 drum

 

I have a pair of 64 f100 drums if those would work for ya, they're yours.

 

Thanks for the kind offer. I will go new, the old truck needs everything! Does run like a top though. It must have lost an axle at one point, the left rear backing plate is worn down from skidding down the road. Anyone got a loose backing plate with no home?

 

My honest recommendation on those front brakes is to get the disc brake kit. You will be money ahead. And much safer too I didn't do it to mine the first time around, and it cost me in the long run. Oh, and refubish the king pins as well.

 

You can also salvage disk brake parts from a later model 70's I think. But it's been years so I forget the exact part to get. Works for the dual master setup as well.