The Ford Barn

LQQKER · 07-11-2018, 12:18 PM

Has anyone successfully done a dropped axle with mechanical brakes. If so how big a drop and any pitfalls I should know. Thinking about leaving the mech brakes and using some equalizing devices instead of converting to hydraulics.....just something different this time.

drolston · 07-11-2018, 12:50 PM

I am all for keeping well-maintained mechanical brakes on a vehicle that is intended to preserve originality. With some rework of the guides, a dropped axle should not present a mechanical problem. They work fine for road speeds of the 30's. A dropped axle is a pretty drastic departure from "originality"; headed more towards hot rod looks and maybe handling. If you are just cruising around town, go for it; if you ever plan to take it on the Interstate, put the Bendix hydraulics on it.

Bob C · 07-11-2018, 12:57 PM

What year or you working with.
Here is a picture ZZLEGEND posted.

Bob

1931 flamingo · 07-11-2018, 02:02 PM

I think someone posted on the A forum a few years ago how he "lowered" his A and kept the mechanicals. You might try doing a search over there and/or post over there.
What are you working on??
Paul in CT

LQQKER · 07-11-2018, 02:46 PM

36 coupe. I'm trying to use the wide 5 wheels and 36 hub caps. I have a pair of round back spindles and a set of nice 39 front drums along with some 39 pedals. Without a lift, running the brake lines and adjusting the frame for the 39 pedal clearance, is difficult considering my bad back and eyes!

What backing plates front and rear would be suggested for hydraulics ?

I'm early in the project but leaning towards a 21 stud with Eddie Meyer heads and intake, 39 trans, lowered with slight rake, 6.50 Rear 5.00 front radials. Mostly local driving with an occassional highway trek.

woodiewagon46 · 07-11-2018, 02:49 PM

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As Bob has shown, the issue is that the brake lever socket that is bolted to the axle. As you can see, Bob has added a spacer to take up the drop. If the entire brake system is rebuilt, with all new bushings and new shoes and drums, mechanical brakes will work fine. The biggest issue with mechanical brakes is that when things start to wear, slop in the system can cause uneven pull. People then try to compensate by tweaking the break rods etc, causing more problems.

RalphM · 07-11-2018, 03:07 PM

If you’ve already got the 39 drums and spindles, then why not add the backing pates for the 39?
Rear brake lines are easy, just follow radius arms, front follow driver side frame, and T off at left wheel to run across front crossmember to pass side.

dumb person · 07-12-2018, 03:52 AM

As a mechanical brake fan i can tell you it can be done with a little bracket thing, much like in the photo someone posted above.

V8COOPMAN · 07-12-2018, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQKER

Has anyone successfully done a dropped axle with mechanical brakes. If so how big a drop and any pitfalls I should know. Thinking about leaving the mech brakes and using some equalizing devices instead of converting to hydraulics.....just something different this time.

LQQKER.....Some interesting ideas in the link below. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...s+dropped+axle

07-11-2018, 12:18 PM	#1
LQQKER Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sarasota Fl area Posts: 86	Dropped axle/mech. brakes Has anyone successfully done a dropped axle with mechanical brakes. If so how big a drop and any pitfalls I should know. Thinking about leaving the mech brakes and using some equalizing devices instead of converting to hydraulics.....just something different this time.

07-11-2018, 12:50 PM	#2
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes I am all for keeping well-maintained mechanical brakes on a vehicle that is intended to preserve originality. With some rework of the guides, a dropped axle should not present a mechanical problem. They work fine for road speeds of the 30's. A dropped axle is a pretty drastic departure from "originality"; headed more towards hot rod looks and maybe handling. If you are just cruising around town, go for it; if you ever plan to take it on the Interstate, put the Bendix hydraulics on it.

07-11-2018, 02:02 PM	#4
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes I think someone posted on the A forum a few years ago how he "lowered" his A and kept the mechanicals. You might try doing a search over there and/or post over there. What are you working on?? Paul in CT

07-11-2018, 02:46 PM	#5
LQQKER Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sarasota Fl area Posts: 86	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes 36 coupe. I'm trying to use the wide 5 wheels and 36 hub caps. I have a pair of round back spindles and a set of nice 39 front drums along with some 39 pedals. Without a lift, running the brake lines and adjusting the frame for the 39 pedal clearance, is difficult considering my bad back and eyes! What backing plates front and rear would be suggested for hydraulics ? I'm early in the project but leaning towards a 21 stud with Eddie Meyer heads and intake, 39 trans, lowered with slight rake, 6.50 Rear 5.00 front radials. Mostly local driving with an occassional highway trek.

07-11-2018, 02:49 PM	#6
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,555	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) As Bob has shown, the issue is that the brake lever socket that is bolted to the axle. As you can see, Bob has added a spacer to take up the drop. If the entire brake system is rebuilt, with all new bushings and new shoes and drums, mechanical brakes will work fine. The biggest issue with mechanical brakes is that when things start to wear, slop in the system can cause uneven pull. People then try to compensate by tweaking the break rods etc, causing more problems.

07-11-2018, 03:07 PM	#7
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,651	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes If you’ve already got the 39 drums and spindles, then why not add the backing pates for the 39? Rear brake lines are easy, just follow radius arms, front follow driver side frame, and T off at left wheel to run across front crossmember to pass side.

07-12-2018, 03:52 AM	#8
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: Dropped axle/mech. brakes As a mechanical brake fan i can tell you it can be done with a little bracket thing, much like in the photo someone posted above. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable