Upgrading (but keeping) Rear Drum Brakes

[HawkRod]

I have a 1970 Road Runner with a 8 3/4 axle and 11" x 2/5" rear drum brakes. I am keeping them and NOT upgrading them to disk brakes.

In my case, my brakes have the manual adjustment of the brake shoes, so I decided to purchase the components to allow for the automatic adjustment. They are all really little pieces, so to the best of my knowledge it should be an easy install.

First Question: Does anyone know any issues with doing this?

Second Question: Anyone have any other suggestions for good upgrades for these brakes? In this case, it is for a street driven car...

As always, many thanks in advance for opinion, thoughts and expertise!

Hawk

 

[Dennis H]

www.musclecarbrakes.com

Got these on all four. Great performance.

 

[440+6]

Good decision, I have original disk in front and 11 x 2.5 in back and I think it stops great.
I have never driven an upgraded old car with big front and rear disk so I don't know what all the hoopla is about, all I know is I hear a lot of people bitching about these upgraded brakes not working well.

 

[HawkRod]

Dennis,

Thanks for the link - looks like they have some cool stuff for drum brakes, so it is a great reference. I also read an article they had on upgrading the drum brakes on a challenger - good stuff - they achieved a 123 feet stopping distance from 60-0 MPH, a 49 foot improvement over stock. Not bad!!! :headbang:

The brake pads look cool, but WOW, $110 for a set of brake shoes! That's 4 - 5 times what it would cost for regular shoes. I like them, and with an infinite budget, I would get them and install them. However, my budget is rapidly dwindling on my restoration, as bodywork and other expenses are rapidly eating up the "nest egg" that I put away for it.

I will stick with the regular brake shoes for now, and maybe upgrade later - especially if I think it needs more help in the stopping department...

Thanks again for the link though - This is now on my upgrade list for the future...

Hawk