Fatheads4ever
Member
Rocky mountain brakes? How do they work?
Rocky mountain brakes.
- Thread starter Fatheads4ever
- Start date
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
They use a band wrapped around each of the rear brake drums, and when the brake pedal is pressed, it tightens the band which stops the drum from turning. A benefit to their operation is they are self-energizing meaning the friction from the forward motion of the drum causes the brake lining to grab tighter, which allows the brake to stop the vehicle with less pedal pressure. I personally still use the Transmission brake to assist the Rockies however I do not have the Transmission brake band as tightly adjusted.
Does this answer your question(s)??
Is it possible to add front brakes to a model T?
Fatheads4ever
Member
Thanks for your reply.. so the RM brakes are additional and independent to the handbrake?
Is there a moving graphic display anywhere to help me grasp the mechanics of the brakes?
Is there a moving graphic display anywhere to help me grasp the mechanics of the brakes?
stevests
Well-known member
Yes, the Rockies are an independent accessory brake system - get onto the MTFCA club site and do a search for Rocky Mountain brakes - you'll find something.
Several of the "go-fast" speedster folks have added motorcycle disc brakes to the front axle of a T but one needs to install an over & under type front radius rod to prevent the axle folding. There was an era accessory front brake system for a T by the name of Mcearney or something to that effect - external expanding drums.
Several of the "go-fast" speedster folks have added motorcycle disc brakes to the front axle of a T but one needs to install an over & under type front radius rod to prevent the axle folding. There was an era accessory front brake system for a T by the name of Mcearney or something to that effect - external expanding drums.
Last edited:
rotorwrench
Well-known member
I haven't found a diagram on line but there are good instructions on Ford Model T.net. The RM brake system requires a brake pedal mod to get equalized service from both the hand brake and the pedal. This still allows the trans brake to function along with the added rear hub brakes. The RM brakes don't work well for reverse but the trans brake will still be there. No brakes work well if they get wet so that trans brake is still important. The 1926 and 27 model Ts will use their existing drums so it has a separate kit for them.
Last edited:
rotorwrench
Well-known member
The old original RM brake components are still sought after by those that are aware of them but not as easy to find in the modern era. I'm not sure why the current stuff didn't try to remain faithful to the original design. Any patents were exhausted long ago.
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
Yes.
To do so requires heavy fabrication skills, but the jest is you need to first add an extra radius rod to keep the front axle stabilize during braking. Next you will need to add a rotor to the backside of the hub. I find it is easier to fabricate one, but with karting and imports, you may be able to adapt one. Then you need to fabricate a bracket to hold the caliper that will be welded to the spindle. Again, choose a caliper from the karting or sport bike industry. All of this is an overview but it may be a good starter for you.