front brake drums 1968 f250 4x4

[windfire]

i found a '68 f250 4x4 last summer and am starting restoration. this is my second truck, same year. did rear brakes (drums and shoes). working on front brakes now, ordered shoes and drums from LMC Truck. Shoes are on, no problem. Tried drums and they're not to spec. after measuring with micrometer, they're about 3/8" too long and press up against wheel assembly after i tighten wheel bolts. double checked LMC order for 1968 f250 4x4 and part number is supposedly correct. Ordered another set from NPD (nat. parts direct). same thing happened. comparing stock drums with aftermarket. 3/8-1/2" difference. i know the front drums for '68 were discontinued but thought aftermarket companies would nail it. bought truck from first owner (rancher's son in western CO). completely stock. i have pics, will post.

[cep62]

welcome to our site.

Is there enough material left to machine the original drums ?

[stpackard]

I think I’m having the same exact thing going on. All new drums and pads, etc in rear and up front and I have a scraping sound when braking or turning. I’m not sure in a shop could turn the drums to remove excess and fit the pads’ dimensions. I’ll try to let you know what I find out.
Sam

[windfire]

yes to machining existing drums, they're in rough shape but i think there's enough meat on em to have em turned. and yes to taking new drums and have them machined to take off extra to make them fit. may have to drive to Denver though. It seems the aftermarket companies have one supplier in China that isn't aware of quality control (and when i call them to explain the problem, i talk to a twenties something kid that was hired to make phone sales, no tech people). i know there must be other guys out there having the same issue, just thought there might be a solid supplier of parts (drums) for Dana 44 front axles. thx for replying guys.

[stpackard]

Windfire, are the new drums you’ve had trouble with the Centric 123.65013? I looked closer and mine are touching the wheel on the outer corner. I got mine at a local brake supply place I’m not sure if they are the Centric mentioned.

[windfire]

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[stpackard]

What is spec for these? I didn’t think to save my old worn out original drums to measure spec.

I ordered Torque King NOS and will see how they fit after I get some body work finished.

As the highboys with D44’s get older, we’re going to need a good source of correct fitting brake drums for the front. If anybody has tips or tricks on finding drums that work or machining the aftermarket drums, that would be good for posterity on this forum.

Torque King is selling NOS for $200 a piece and they list theirs at:
“...even though 1961-1975 heavy-duty F-250s all use the same 12-1/8" x 2" brake shoes. To verify if this is the correct drum for you truck, measure your drum and compare it to these specs:
Brake Shoe Size: 12-1/8" x 2"
Maximum "Turn To" Diameter: 12.210"
Inside Brake Surface Width: 2.51"
Overall Drum Outside Diameter: 13.7"
Brake Drum Overall Outside Width: 3.31"
Center Mounting Hole Diameter: 4.596"
Bolt Circle: 8 x 6.5"
Wheel Bolt Hole Size: 5/8" (Thread size is 1/2", but hole in drum is 5/8" to clear bolt shoulder)
Number of Countersunk Holes for Retaining Bolts: 2

[windfire]

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[windfire]

The photos are not the best, but there is a difference in dimensions. Enough to seize the new drum after its tightened. Great info on Torque King though, thanks!

[windfire]

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[windfire]

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