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Today it reached 59 degrees so I plunged into the rear brake adjustments. Like the front, the bottom cam adjusting nuts were frozen solid, so out came the torch and impact to heat, then gun them off. The upper shoe adjuster repair I did two or three years ago failed, too, when I went to loosen them up, so grinding off the old welds, jacking the cam bolt and D ring back into place then hitting it with the hottest weld I could took care of it, but it cost me an hour to make that repair. Anyway, I got a bit more brake pedal but still nowhere near where the pedal resistance should be, so tomorrow I will adjust the master cylinder rod to see if that solves it. If it doesn't, that tells me I need new shoes, and perhaps drums too. If that's the case I may just prepare to go with the disc kit.
More to follow,
Gary

Good job Gary. Do you have any pictures, I would like to see how you held the D ring in place to weld it..

Sal

This is an old photo from the first time I did the job that includes the jack. Once you brace the bolt between the jack and backing plate, use a hammer to center it in the pilot hole, then set the D ring in place, making sure you have the correct side facing you, then hit it with a good, hot tack from your welder.
Hope this helps,
Gary

Gary,
Good luck with the brakes. If you end up pulling the drums and fubar those darn drum screws,let me know, I just bought a bag. They are allen head, although not authentic,would be much easier to get out in the future.

I thought you would have removed the back plate from the axle, But I see you did it while on the truck. Nice Trick.. Good work... Thanks

Sal

Thanks guys; Sal, I try to work smarter not harder, even though I've had to redo some of my repairs--truly a "learn as you go" adventure (like the brake adjuster-no way I'd pull the backing plate, just had to find a smarter way to leverage that doggone bolt into place....)

Oh yeah-David, I might have a source for slotted drum screws but can't confirm until I get back up to Army Parts Warehouse (5 hours from me)....
Gary

I have a bunch of the drum screws if you are looking for some.
Tim

Gary,

How did this brake job turn out?

Bert

Hi Bert,
Disappointing I am sorry to say-a little more pedal but nothing near a passing grade. It appears I need new shoes all around, and perhaps drums too. Still a lot of clearance between drum and shoe even with the major adjustments, and this tells me the shoes and drums are likely worn out. Still trying to close on a home so this project is on postponement.
Thanks for asking-I'll let you know once I get back in the saddle....
The disc brake conversion is a possibility I am considering, too.

Gary

Gary,

I'm glad to hear that you have found a house and I hope that all goes well with that. I hope this house has a big garage for the M and wifes car. Is the new home in the same general location?

Bert

Thank you Bert! Yep, up on the Wasatch ridge over Draper, 12 miles (mostly uphill) from my current apartment-gets a lot of snow up there, 3 bedroom, two bath, 2 car garage and a fully unfinished 1500 square foot basement that my wife has declared is mine for the taking, so guess where my shop is going to be? Too bad there isn't a garage door down there that I could run the M into. Let's see: hot tank for stripping, welder, torch, tools, boom box....

We hope to have the positive word on the VA loan this week, so keep your fingers crossed with us!
Thanks again!
Gary

Gary,

We will keep our fingers crossed for you.

Anywhere near Horsetail Falls?

Bert

Cal Gary,

Midwest Military ,has or had oversize shoes, something to think about. I know some will say if you need oversize shoes ,you need new drums. Just letting you know they are available.

That's good info DJ! Never thought they existed, and I've dealt with John face to face-as nice a guy as you'll ever meet and a great supporter of this hobby!

Bert, I've heard of it but do not know where it is. There are lots of open trails up in the peaks where our home is to be, so I'll finally get some off-road action shots soon.
Gary

Gary,
Good luck and best wishes for the new digs. Sounds like a nice home. Keep us posted