MTFCA Forum

I'm going back together with my motor, and wondering if I should replace my brake drum as it looks a little scored. I can feel mild variation on the surface. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thank you

More of an issue would be the condition of the clutch plate lugs inside the drum, if serviceable and drum has no cracks as well then yes, it is a user.

Kerry wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:44 am

More of an issue would be the condition of the clutch plate lugs inside the drum, if serviceable and drum has no cracks as well then yes, it is a user.

Correct.
I would disassemble & regrind the surface of the drum & output plate diameter if not too deep as you claim,
IF the clutch lugs can be cleaned up.

Mr.Man:
Looking at the condition of your drums I would suggest disassembly and inspection for cracks!
You have it apart and only takes a little more time to have them off and on the table.
There's a high probability that the reverse is cracked with the brake drum wear as the reverse drum is usually first to blow.
Low speed may be too thin already to do anything with as most stock Ford originals were only 3/16" thick to begin with.
Considering amount of wear on the brake drum the engine wasn't driven with care.
I can also see pitting on the drums another reason to check them.
As Kerry mentioned the brake drum lugs may be worn out and thereby cause chatter .

While it's apart drive plate also needs to be crack checked as the rivets come loose and end up cracking the plate.

The pictures show why an old transmission should be checked.
Same reason no one wants to be a member of the Two Piece Crank Club.!"

A drum that is worn thin or machined thin can be expected to crack easily, if it isn't already cracked or otherwise damaged.

A thin rim allows heat to build very rapidly, which increases the likelyhood of cracking.

Machining a worn, out of round drum will probably get you a thin, out of balance drum.

There's a high probability that the reverse is cracked...

Reverse is the most fragile drum, even if it's the rare uncracked kind. I have to replace a broken low drum, and I'm using one of the expensive new ones. I'm doing the same with reverse. I consider the high cost good insurance.

Hi Carson,
How are you doing?
If you have it this far apart it would be a good idea to take it the rest of the way and inspect it for cracks, worn logs, cracked clutch plates,
worn bushings& pins. You never know what you will find or how much trouble you avoid by looking a little farther into things.
I recently took a trans apart to find the brake input shaft had a 2" long crack in it
As far as the drum & plate you have if you can find a better one this is the time for that. If not & the lugs are serviceable that drum & plate
can be cleaned up & used. If you have access to a lathe & a toolpost grinder, just take enough to smooth it out. Don't try to cut it in the lathe
it will chatter & the turned surface will be too rough to use. If a toolpost grinder is not a option VERY CAREFULLY take the high spots off with a
fine file & sand it down with emery cloth to get it as smooth as you can. Some say the drums should have the same finish as the crank pins I
have never achieved that good of a finish but still try to.
Good Luck.
Craig.