How to adjust the rear drum brakes

Stocker 2 · 01-15-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLEMING

I am currently converting my footbrake car into a stocker... It has 4 wheel drum brakes (never had a problem out of them..).. is it worth the money to go to 4 wheel disc brakes?

How much weight do you want to lose vs cost? If you are stopping fine now with drum brakes, save your money. If you need to go on a weight saving spree, spend the big money on aftermarket lightweight disc brakes.

Gary Parker · 01-15-2013, 02:28 PM

When people are building a stocker , I think the most popular question is " is it worth it". So my answer is this. It al depends on what you are trying to do. Run a few under the index or be the fastest car in the class. And more importantly, how much do you want to spend. Anytime you can make more power or lighten up rotating weight you can make the car quicker. Just how big is your wallet. If you are on a budget, get the basics right before you start looking for every hundredth. But don't forget 10 hundredths make a tenth. Good luck to all building cars. Gary

Dave Ribeiro · 01-15-2013, 02:51 PM

Gary, ( X2 )

Great advice Lonnie , you need to listen to those Parker boys !!!!

Run to Rund · 01-15-2013, 03:05 PM

The aluminum GM rear drums save about 5 pounds each vs. cast iron. I have seen iron with stamped steel around the perimeter as well as the center, and some that were all cast around the outside, so the weight saving will vary. I have even used the aluminum ones on the front of an A body with X body (Nova, etc.) hubs that had removable drums. The 2.5" wide shoe hangs out a little. I'm glad I scored some aluminum drums when the pic-a-part yards had them.

Mike Pearson · 01-15-2013, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker 2

How much weight do you want to lose vs cost? If you are stopping fine now with drum brakes, save your money. If you need to go on a weight saving spree, spend the big money on aftermarket lightweight disc brakes.

The light weight disc brakes is the only way to go. Huge weight savings and the stopping power is much better. I could not believe the difference when I made the upgrade.

Ed Wright · 01-15-2013, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

The light weight disc brakes is the only way to go. Huge weight savings and the stopping power is much better. I could not believe the difference when I made the upgrade.

I agree. I can't imagine messing with drum brakes now.

01-15-2013, 02:28 PM	#2
Gary Parker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westfield Mass Posts: 529 Likes: 368 Liked 425 Times in 56 Posts	Re: How to adjust the rear drum brakes When people are building a stocker , I think the most popular question is " is it worth it". So my answer is this. It al depends on what you are trying to do. Run a few under the index or be the fastest car in the class. And more importantly, how much do you want to spend. Anytime you can make more power or lighten up rotating weight you can make the car quicker. Just how big is your wallet. If you are on a budget, get the basics right before you start looking for every hundredth. But don't forget 10 hundredths make a tenth. Good luck to all building cars. Gary __________________ Gary Parker 1617 STK

01-15-2013, 02:51 PM	#3
Dave Ribeiro VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Williamsburg, Va.---USA Posts: 1,827 Likes: 1,612 Liked 56 Times in 27 Posts	Re: How to adjust the rear drum brakes Gary, ( X2 ) Great advice Lonnie , you need to listen to those Parker boys !!!! __________________ Dave Ribeiro 1033 STK

01-15-2013, 03:05 PM	#4
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 584 Likes: 9 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: How to adjust the rear drum brakes The aluminum GM rear drums save about 5 pounds each vs. cast iron. I have seen iron with stamped steel around the perimeter as well as the center, and some that were all cast around the outside, so the weight saving will vary. I have even used the aluminum ones on the front of an A body with X body (Nova, etc.) hubs that had removable drums. The 2.5" wide shoe hangs out a little. I'm glad I scored some aluminum drums when the pic-a-part yards had them.