Brake help

I have all three of the Andrews books, They have nice pictures and some good info but are full of mistakes. Don't take them for gospel or you will have lots of problems.

Replacing the brake tracks don't necessarily center the brake shoes. You will need some sort of centering tool, home made or store bought. I now use the centering tool from Snyders. The centering tool will show which way that the shoes must go. I find it easier to build the original tracks up with gas weld while still mounted to the backing plate and grinding them down to the correct level to center the shoes.
 
I took the restoration books very serousily. 51 7/16 long brake rods. Each one checked and rechecked. Thinking I nailed it, down the driveway I went. It wasn't bad stopping but I could tell it was a botch job on my part. Then Google took me to this fordbarn.
 
The book and the original service bulletins reference the 51 7/16 length, but then contradict that when you get into final adjustment. I did not realize it either, and it was pointed out to me by Marco here on the Barn. Do a search here for Brake Rod and you will find much on the topic.
 
I changed out my tracks and riveted on new liners on all 4 wheels. Cleaned, painted, fitted and adjusted everything as you suggested. They work great with no squeal and no slop at all. Thanks dudes!
 
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