Based on the good info from the posts, the following are basic steps to make drum brakes as effective as they can be:
1. High coeff of friction shoe material approaching .42 vs .25 stock. About $90/front axle at http://www.praisedynobrake.com
2. Vented 2 1/4 drums - can be found at Kragen for about $22 each.
3. Ensure full contact with shoe radius matched to the new drum radius.
4. Possible addition of balance valve if lock up rates are not matched during testing.
5. dot 4 fluid, bled as needed.
6. Ensure that master cyl, wheel cyl, and brake lines are in optimal condition.
So this should produce better than new results for under $200 plus my own labor. Thanks for the ideas! Tom
1. High coeff of friction shoe material approaching .42 vs .25 stock. About $90/front axle at http://www.praisedynobrake.com
2. Vented 2 1/4 drums - can be found at Kragen for about $22 each.
3. Ensure full contact with shoe radius matched to the new drum radius.
4. Possible addition of balance valve if lock up rates are not matched during testing.
5. dot 4 fluid, bled as needed.
6. Ensure that master cyl, wheel cyl, and brake lines are in optimal condition.
So this should produce better than new results for under $200 plus my own labor. Thanks for the ideas! Tom