HELP! I need 71-73 brake advice

[Jim Pullen]

I just joined this forum and here goes my first question. Thanx in advance to all who may help. I was given a 71-73 Mustang 9 inch rear that includes the housing, the axles, the backing plates , the pumpkin and two brake drums. Nothing else. The cast iron drums are 10 in dia, have fins, and measure 2 1/2 inches wide across the machined area where the shoes would contact. These drums slide on real easy and don't rub against the backing plates. The brake space distance between the end of the rear housing and the axle flange is 2 1/2 in. My questions are: Are these the correct drums for this rear? What size brake shoes do I need to get? What size brakes shoes were available for 71-73 Mustangs? And, Where can I get the rest of the internal parts including new brake drums that go with these brakes. I have been told that 71-73 Mustangs came with all different size rear brakes and drums and am really puzzled by all of this. I really need some expert help. Thanx very much.

[jeffs01]

Here is a link to Mustangs Unlimited. It looks as if you have the brakes that use the 2 inch shoes.
http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/aspfiles/default_frame.asp?UID=2003072121531211

Hope this helps.

[Jim Pullen]

Jeff: Thanx 4 the reply. I checked out that site . Very helpful. jim

[shibby]

Unfortunately, I'm not at work today but, I manage an auto parts store Jim so if you have any other questions like that, let me know. I have tons of that kind of info. The drums sound correct and those year Mustangs should have used 10x2 1/2 inch shoes.

[Jim Pullen]

Shibby: Thanx for the help. I cannot locate any supplier of 2 1/2 inch brake shoes , drums and all the internal parts for the 71-73 Mustang. All I can find is 10 x 2 inch. Any additional help you mite provide sure is apprciated. So plez research your tech info for me . I don't know anyone with a 73 Mustang that i could look at. Needles to say i don't want to buy the wrong parts. Haven't been able to find any this year Mustangs in junkyards in my area. I am near Ft. Lauderdale. Thanx jim

[jeffs01]

You may want to try this site for parts also, but the largest shoe they show is a 2in. http://www.classicmustang.com/index.htm

[Jim Pullen]

Jeff: Thanx . I already tried that site. No luck either. Wonder what folks who need 2 1/2 in brakes do for replacements. Shibby: Plez help me out. Thanx jim

[shibby]

Alright homey, here we go. The correct drum size for your '73 is 10 x 2 inches. The drum you have may be slightly wider across the area where the shoes will ride, but I have turned hundreds of drums and that is quite common. Here are all the Napa part numbers for everything you need to restore the brakes on your car. You probably won't find many stores that stock all these parts, but I have checked all the part numbers and every distribution center in the country has them, so any store close to you can order them for you and get them in a day or so.

Rear shoes: P/N AE-152-R (1)
Rear wheel cylinders: Left: P/N 17507 (1) Right: P/N 17508
Rear spring kit: P/N 2229 (1)
Rear self adjuster kits: Left: P/N 80663 Right: P/N 80664
Rear drums w/351 engine: P/N 640-1130 (2)
w/o351 engine: P/N 640-1024 (2)

The numbers in ( ) are the quantities that you will need. As for the shoes and the spring kit, one part number does both sides. I just now realized that I didn't include the part number on the brake bar that goes between the shoes, but when you go get the other parts, any Napa can look that up for you. Hope I helped out a little bit. If you have any more questions, just ask.;)

[Jim Pullen]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to search out the parts and numbers I need for my brakes. Now I know what direction to go.... to my local NAPA store. You are correct. I will need to get the brake bar, but at least I know now it is available. One more question, if I may? What is the difference beteen the brake drums for the vehicle with the 351 engine and without the 351 engine. I don't know what kind of engine was in the mustang that the rear came out of .. Also, is it illegal to ship alcohol across state lines? :rolleyes:

[shibby]

Hey man, that's what I'm here for. I should have checked the difference between the drums when I saw two different part numbers but I was in a time crunch and just overlooked it. I would bet a dollar that the drum for the 351 engine is a heavier drum with more cooling fins and a thicker friction surface so they would last a little longer and not get as hot having to stop a screaming 351 all the time. I don't think it is illegal to ship beer across state lines as long as they can't hear the bottles clinking together, but just in case, I'll drink a Shiner or two tonight for ya.:D

[Jim Pullen]

Shibby: Thanx very much for ALL the help and info you have given me. The old brake drum that I have that is suppose to fit is a monster.I will now pursue the NAPA store in my area and try to help others as you have helped me. Plez permit me to pick your brain if I need more help. Stay well keep Mustanging. jim in FL

[shibby]

Shibby!