ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Drivetrain => Topic started by: Angela on May 23, 2022, 09:19:49 AM

Title: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: Angela on May 23, 2022, 09:19:49 AM
Based on a collection of old used hardware, I believe Ford used two different length hold-down springs on the rear axle. While I am not sure it matters, it would be neat to understand which shoe (primary or secondary) was supposed to use the longer spring.
When I say "hold down spring", I'm referring to the ~1" long springs which use the cupped washers and retaining pins.

I haven't run across a set of repro hardware with different length springs, hence I doubt it matters much. Regardless, if anyone knows which shoe used the longer spring, I would appreciate knowing this detail. Thank you.
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: rockhouse66 on May 23, 2022, 12:48:02 PM
Different width rear shoes used different length pins and springs.  There is a wide and narrow choice.  Maybe not your question, but it could be  ;)
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: Bossbill on May 23, 2022, 09:06:47 PM
I checked into this as well and there are different heights, different colors and some application used a different spring for each of the primary and secondary shoes.
Note that the data I found was in the 60-68 MPC and not field study.
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: kitdoctor on June 10, 2022, 01:53:38 AM
I did some research into this to identify part numbers and typical spring colours/colors.  The primary shoe spring is dual diameter and can be a light or very dark green.  The secondary spring is typically yellow. The drum brake adjusting screw is typically a medium blue.  The parking brake spring is typically maroon.  The shoe retaining springs are a very light blue.  These are the only ones I could not find a photo of showing and NOS part.

This is an unrestored Boss 351.
 
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: kitdoctor on June 10, 2022, 01:55:52 AM
Primary spring.
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: kitdoctor on June 10, 2022, 01:57:15 AM
Secondary spring found in a latter service part kit.
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: kitdoctor on June 10, 2022, 01:58:31 AM
Adjusting screw.
Title: Re: 10" Drum Brake Hold-down Spring Lengths
Post by: kitdoctor on June 10, 2022, 01:59:55 AM
Parking brake spring.