Recommendations for 4 wheel drum brakes....help me stop better!

[371RR]

Hi all,

I have a 71 Roadrunner with 11" drum brakes all around, no power assist. I recently purchased the car and have not pulled the wheels off to check the drums and shoes. The brakes fade really bad and growl even with normal pedal pressure above 40 to 50 mph. I don't want to change to front discs or spend a ton on cryogenic treated drums and rocket science shoes. I have about a $500 budget to go thru the brakes. Any words of wisdom such as type or grade of linings and other tips and tricks would be appreciated.

Thanks......

 

[HT413]

You're right, no need for discs. Just pull the drums and have them inspected and turned. Then replace the shoes, reassemble and while the wheels are off, bleed the brakes real good and you'll solve your problem. I'd bet you'll be under $100.

Heck, maybe it makes sense to have them looked at by a competent shop. Probably for $100 more you can have a professional look at it all.

 

[65 Dartman]

I have about a $500 budget to go thru the brakes.

I know you said no swapping to discs, but that would be the way I'd go. When I had my 69 Charger, I swapped to front discs for a lot less than $500 by using 73-76 A Body spindles, calipers, etc. All a complete bolt-in.

The 67 Charger I recently acquired has the drum brakes all the way around that were redone by the PO years ago and then never driven. First order of business will be to do the disc brake swap.

 

[uwss]

I recently rebuilt mine 11 inch drums. Had them turned. New shoes, hardware, star wheel, springs and brake cylinder. Be sure to put the larger shoe towards the rear. Also, new rubber brake line, I tried to get SS but the wait was too long. All parts bought at NAPA, except hardware kit and brake line which I got at Summit racing. I like summit racing, returns are easy, warranty and customer service. Be sure to clean everything with scotchbrite pads, prep the metal and paint it. Napa makes a paint stripper that is awesome. Just don't get it on your skin. Burns like hell.

 

[Cranky]

I ran a 10.60 car with 11" drums and they worked fine and could even make the first turn off without fade. Just go with the better shoes and use the finned drums. They dissipate heat faster. I also like to drill my backing plates for extra cooling but the race car wasn't drilled but will help if you go into hilly areas. My front drums were not finned either but the rears were. Besides, with skinny front runners, you don't need much braking power on the front end. Drum brakes (especially 11") can work very well. Yeah, disc is better but there's no need to throw away 11" drums just because so many say they are junk.....when they are not.

 

[AMX364]

The only REAL issues with drum brakes on a normally driven car is when it is wet and going through a puddle. The next stop will be bitchy, myself love front discs. And when drums get older must watch out for changes in how car brakes(pulls). That is normal for warning signs of leakage or grease on linings.

edit: I did keep my rear drum setup 11 inch vs 10 inch.

 

[Dennis H]

These work great for me. Stronger springs, better shoe material blend. Great performance.


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