adjusting brakes 72f350

[gregamorton]

guys its been some time and cant remember which way I need to be turning the adjustment for the rear brakes. Do I need to be turning it up or down?

[basketcase0302]

So sorry I didn't see this earlier (it's dark here now). I can't remember either, but I put arrows on my backing plates to indicate which way to tighten. I'll look when I get home from work tomorrow if it's not too late.

[gregamorton]

yea that will work! Hey I just noticed your signature and was wondering if the small block was factory in your one ton?

[ScreaminZ]

Assuming your brakes are self adjusting (which may not be a good assumption), there is a ratcheting mechanism in there that will only allow the adjuster to turn one way unless you hold the lever out of the way. I never can remember which way to go on mine either, so I just reach in there and start turning it the only way it will allow me to turn it. That tightens up the brakes. If I'm backing it off, then I have to reach a second screwdriver in there to hold back the adjuster lever.

[gregamorton]

so turning it the easy way is for tightening!

[fordman]

Assuming your brakes are self adjusting (which may not be a good assumption), there is a ratcheting mechanism in there that will only allow the adjuster to turn one way unless you hold the lever out of the way. I never can remember which way to go on mine either, so I just reach in there and start turning it the only way it will allow me to turn it. That tightens up the brakes. If I'm backing it off, then I have to reach a second screwdriver in there to hold back the adjuster lever.

well duh. i dont know why i didnt remember that. but yes the easy way to turn it is tightening it.

[basketcase0302]

So sorry for the delay in the answer. It's the getting old thing again I guess...
Then go find some cardboard to lay on, (the getting old thing again)...
Anyway...
My arrows on my 71's D-70 rear axle show turning the adjusters down to tighten/up to loosen the brakes.
And like ScreaminZ and Fordman said (unless someone has removed them-which I've found several times on our trucks). The self adjusters apply tension on the adjuster making it real hard to loosen the brake adjuster without pushing in on the adjuster/while turning the adjuster.

My "little 302" as some folks here call them wasn't factory. It was the "lesser of two evils" I chose last year when i built my truck. I had a 460 that was slated for the truck, (that was before the unemployment line / $5 a gallon fuel / and a greedy ex wife that left me with just a few bones to chew on)! I like my SBF though, the truck does everything I throw at it and more!

[gregamorton]

jeff with 4.10 gears it just does not seem to matter what engine you have as it seems to pull. What fuel mileage do you get with the smallblock?

[basketcase0302]

gregamorton on Sun May 08, 2011 6:46 pm
jeff with 4.10 gears it just does not seem to matter what engine you have as it seems to pull. What fuel mileage do you get with the smallblock?

Agreed on the gear ratio!
I get 14 on the road with my heavy aluminum side rails pulled off the truck, and my foot out of it!
Far too easy to get a lead foot though as I love the sound of my Flowmasters.