Hi guys - I picked up a nine inch (mid 70's pickup I believe). Came without drums but did include fully loaded backing plates including shoes. Shoes are 2-1/4" wide. Stupid question: I see 11" ford nine inch drums come in various widths. To use the same shoes do I need to order drums that are also 2-1/4" wide or do I actually order a drum that is 2-1/2" wide or some other dimension? Apologies if the answer is obvious but since I am ordering I don't want to make a mistake. Thanks, Bantam
had a '57 Ford Ranchero 9" that had 2 1/4" drums and someone put 2 1/4" shoes on that rubbed when wheels were bolted on - had to run 2" wide shoes - search for a business that manufactures & refurbishes brake shoes & clutches - that type of business by me helped me get it right.
normally the drum surface is about 1/4" wider than the drums...but you need a drum that is designed for that application, and the normal way they are specified is by the width of the shoes. So, the answer is "I don't know".
The actual physical drum width will likely not be mentioned. When you see the size listed it is based on the width and diameter of the shoes. You already know the width, now measure the diameter. You should come up a little under a whole number, as the shoes are retracted. That is your drum size. If you measure 11" and 2-1/4", then you would look for a 11" x 2-1/4" drum.
The Jalopy Journal
