1972 F250 : how to check brake shoe level without taking off the drum?

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires

Moderator: FORDification

Post Reply
teddyyyy
New Member
New Member
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 1:57 pm

1972 F250 : how to check brake shoe level without taking off the drum?

Post by teddyyyy »

according to the factory manual, and verified by many youtube videos, to take off the drum, you'd have to take out the axle nut, and axle bearing, which is a very surprising design. (btw I've seen a 1979 F250 video not having to do this, but the drum is mounted on the OUTSIDE of axel , so it comes off naturally)

so, is there a way to check the shoe thickness without taking everything apart? right now my rear brakes are fine, just want to do some preventative
maintenance , but it would be a waste if I take apart everything and find that my shoes are 90%.....
cep62
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 2061
Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:06 pm
Location: West Michigan

Re: 1972 F250 : how to check brake shoe level without taking off the drum?

Post by cep62 »

You might be able to look in the adjuster hole and see how far the bolt is turned out .
teddyyyy
New Member
New Member
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 1:57 pm

Re: 1972 F250 : how to check brake shoe level without taking off the drum?

Post by teddyyyy »

cep62 wrote: Fri Jun 28, 2024 12:28 pm You might be able to look in the adjuster hole and see how far the bolt is turned out .
thanks, tried today, can't see anything, even with a bore scope.

I'm wondering if it's ok to drill a hole for future inspection at where the shoe sits . why didn't the original design create such an observation hole?
Post Reply