Brake Shoe Width

[Ace Spades]

I have a 57 Custom 300 Fordor. Trying to get replacement front shoes. Is the width 2 1/4 or 2 1/2? TIA

[hiball3985]

They should be 11 x 2 1/4

[RICH MUISE]

I think the wagons had the wider drums/shoes.

[hiball3985]

All models used the same front. The wagons/rancheros used wider rears..

[RICH MUISE]

 
For what it's worth.....on of the guys on the Hamb side forum I'm on found some Mustang drums that would work on his '55.....I have no clue if that info would transfer to our '57s, but maybe worth looking into since the '57 drums are nearly unobtainable, but I think the '55s used 15".

[Ford Blue blood]

Another thing to look at is 60 wagons.  They are 3" wide and the drums are available as are the shoes. 61 - 64 Birds were the same.

[KULTULZ]

Below is the SPEC CHART for 1957. Notice lining length and width and how the sizes are mixed on some applications.

[58villager]

hey folks. FWIW 58 edsel wagon used 11x2 1/2 front shoes. has anyone done the 60 wagon (11x3) brakes on a 57/58? why?? you ask , better (20 percent more area) brakes and stock 14" riveted wheels. talked to mark@ scarebird about discontinued 14" kit. e-mail reply "they are ineffective on such a heavy car"

[gasman826]

I added '60 SW rear brakes to my '66 Fairlane GT back in '76.  It made a noticeable difference.

[BP57CUSTOM]

when adding 3"brakes on back does the rear axles or lug bolts need to be modified (made longer)?

[gasman826]

backing plates and drums set for 3" rears

[BP57CUSTOM]

Ok thanks

[SkylinerRon]

Also check if backing plate will bolt up to your axle housing (There are two different size axle bearings).

Ron.