Dropped axle/mech. brakes

L

LQQKER

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


Bob
 

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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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