brake spring installation question

[larry499]

Hello all, new guy here. I hope somebody can give me some guidance.
I am rebuilding rear brakes on 69 f100 swb. When I got to the last reinstallation step as described in Haynes book, hooking up the lower spring to the plate where the auto adjust cable hooks up, I came on hard times. I finally gave up in frustration. I could not get it on using a set of brake pliers. Is there a trick to hooking it up that I am missing? Am I doing it in the wrong order? Is there a tool I need or have I just run out of talent? Thanks, Larry

[fordman]

if your talking about the lower spring for the self adjusters/ take all the tention out of the selfadjuster and then try it. the cable will only go so far. but it can be gotten on there. it is hard. all i have are regular pliers and i can do it.

[larry499]

O.K. I have new hope and will try harder. Thanks, Larry

[larry499]

fordman, I'm the dummy. Hook the plate in the spring, then stretch cable and plate to the hole in the shoe. Pretty obvious once I saw the light. Thanks, Larry

[fordman]

i'm glad you got it. i haven't done any of those brakes in a while. i think i always do them backwards of what the book says. i think

[19674x4]

i have given up trying to use brake tools and just use a pair of pliers and a flathead screwdriver anymore, whole lot eisier

[fordman]

when i was in mechanic school i liked using those brake tools. but i never did own a pair. so all i have ever used was pliers and screwdrivers on my stuff.