The brakes weren't functioning well on the truck so I opted to replace a lot of parts. New master cylinder, all four brake cylinders, and the brake lines. I haven't worked on drum brakes in years so this was a trip down memory lane. Also don't normally use SAE wrenches so I'm having to get used to fractions again; I much prefer the metric system.
A little intimidating, the rear brake drum shows sign of a leaky seal and possibly leaking brake fluid.
The springs have some sort of JC Whitney spacers on them. Neat.
Got the brake drum off, its a heavy beast and I need to check the bearings and oil seal.
Here is the axle shaft you have to remove to get the brake drum off.
Ah the innards of a brake drum. Such a complicated system compared to disc brakes.
Can't get the brake cylinder off as the bolt is too close to the brake line feed and the plate mount.
The new cylinder and different bolts. Easier to remove for the future.
All put back together.
New oil seal in place.
The brake drum on the other side was toast. Those deep grooves aren't a good sign.
While waiting for a replacement drum I started on the rear diff seal.
Also refresh the gear oil. Some serious sludge in there.
Diff plate back on and new rear brake lines.
Changed the transmission filter and put in new gasket.
Got the new brake cylinder installed and shoes back in for the right side.
Took a while to find a rear drum replacement. This was the third one.
A machine shop joined up the hub to the drum.
And I then I finally got the right rear drum back on.
Replacing more brake lines, this 9 ft line connects the rear brakes to the master cylinder.
Front brake cylinder replacement.
Take off all the shoes, springs and cylinder.
The master cylinder in very poor condition. No fluid going to the rear of the truck.
New master cylinder after bench blead.
Fabricating the front brake lines. The kit I ordered on eBay didn't fit my truck so I had to bend everything.
Had to fabricate the lines going to the master cylinder too.
A front brake drum with lots of spider webs inside.
The final cylinder in and new springs.
Bearing repacked with grease and new seal, drum back on.
Picked up some Ford van steel rims on Craigslist for free.
Also bought some 1967 C20 hub caps for the rims. They fit!
Test fit the rim on the truck.
The hub cap still fits as well.