1972 F250 brake questions??? Help please

[Kurt Combs]

I need to change the rear brake shoes on my 1972 f250. The community college autoshop changed the shoes, and to save me money they did not change the wheel cylinders. Of course then they later had to change the wheel cylinders when they leaked, but did not change the shoes which had brake fluid on them. So now I have one rear wheel that locks up in gravel or on smooth asphalt. I think it is time to do them myself. I'v done brakes in the past, but I have never taken the brake drums off this F250. Is this a really hard project or do I just need some directions and a few simple tools? Any help appreciated.

[Thunderfoot]

This is really brief but it isn’t difficult.
Just remove the bolts on the center of the drum (this is the end of the axle) and pull the axle out. Some oil will leak out so have a pan underneath it.
Then you will see how the bearing retainer nut is locked in place with a metal tab over a flat on the jam nut. Bend this back and unscrew the jam nut, then slide the retainer lock plate off and then unscrew the bearing nut off. (these are large nuts but they are not real tight so you can usually get them off with channel lock pliers, but if you need you can rent a socket at most parts stores for it)
Then just pull the drum off, if it doesn't want to come off you may have to back the brake adjustment off so the drum clears the shoes...
Now you can work on the brakes

Check the seal on the hub when you put it back together and replace it if damaged or worn.

[Kurt Combs]

Hi Thunderfoot,

Thanks for the post, now it makes more sense and it seems like a do it yourself job. Man do I hate working on drum brakes..... but it has to be done.

[FLATBEDFORD]

Just remember that the drum and hub assembly will be pretty heavy. Don't let it fall on your foot.

[two-bit]

As far as drum brakes go i really don't mind them. But most of my trucks have had four drum brakes.

If you think that rear drum on the F-250 SRW is heavy, try doing front drums on the DRW trucks.

Flatbed is right, be careful of that thing. It is heavy and can break foot bones really quick.

BTW: the nut back there on the axle is 2 9/16. Please get the socket. Please don't use a chisel and hammer to get it off It really makes future brake work a pain.

Two-bit

[mljjones67]

No kidding on the chisel or screw driver method. It buggers them up real good. Who ever did mine last beat them good.
Two bit any ideas on the size of the nut on a 79 f-250? It is bigger than my 67