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Rear Brake Drums

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baddog8it

Rear Brake Drums

I'm planning on doing a full brake job and am making the assumption that my beast can use new drums and rotors.

This work is being accelerated due to the fact that it feels like my brakes are staying partially engaged after I remove my foot from the brake pedal. I've also noticed a drop in my mpg, although this could be more due to the cold weather (both kicked in about the same time). After drives, I've checked the wheel temps and feel nothing out of the ordinary. It appears that MAYBE the brakes are letting loose once I start moving again.

I'm trying to save myself the trouble of tearing everything down, surveying to determine which parts are needed, and then reassembling, only to take it back apart later after the parts arrive. (this is my daily driver)

When shopping for rear drums, many of the parts on my favorite parts web site mentions 10.25 ring gear. I have no idea what my ring gear size is. What info I have gleaned off of my differential is that it has a 3.54 ratio. Looking at other info on this (fantastic) website tells me that my rear end could be one of eight different models. I started researching each of these 8 models, but I was getting nowhere fast - not finding anything telling me the size of a ring gear.

Here's the digits that I've gotten off of my differential:
3 54 VE17A YA
60 247 1

I do plan on adding a camper in the near future (undecided on a truck slide-out or a pull behind - what appears in the local used market will dictate), so I'm leaning towards heavy duty components (vs economy or daily driver).

Any sage advice?

THE BEAST - '85 F350 2WD (non dually) Crew Cab, 460 carbureted, C6 tranny

Rembrant

Re: Rear Brake Drums

I think that's a Dana isn't it?

Can you post a picture of your certification label?

Or tell us what the letters/numbers are under "Axle".

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

baddog8it

Re: Rear Brake Drums

I don't have a certification label. Now that it's mentioned, I need to contact Ford and see if they can get me one. I did get a build date from them, but didn't know at the time to ask for a build sheet.

I'll have to wait until I can access my pictures at home to give you any more info on the differential/axle tag.

Going off of the 3.54 ratio, I figure it's one of the following:
Ford B3 Dana 5.3M Limited Slip
Ford 33 Dana 6.25M
Ford G3 Dana 6.3M
Ford 73 Dana 6.3M
Ford 43 Dana 7.4M
Ford D3 Dana 7.4M Limited Slip
Ford F3 Dana 8.2M Locking
Ford 63 Dana 8.2M

THE BEAST - '85 F350 2WD (non dually) Crew Cab, 460 carbureted, C6 tranny

Rembrant

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Is there any chance the 60_247_1 you posted above is actually 605247-1?

That shows up as the BOM for a 1985 F350 Dana 70 with 3.54 gears...

605247 FORD 70 REAR 1985 F-350 CHASSIS – 70U

Somebody else on here might be able to confirm the ring gear diameter of the Dana 70. Or Dr. Google may know.

Rembrant

Re: Rear Brake Drums

In reply to this post by baddog8it

baddog8it wrote

Here's the digits that I've gotten off of my differential:
3 54 VE17A YA
60 247 1

If your diff tag looks like the ones below, it kind of gives you an idea of where the numbers sit, and what they are...

The 3 54 is the R&P.
The VE1&A YA is the assembly number and suffix
The 60 247 1 is going to be the BOM (Bill Of Materials) which we assume is actually 605247-1? (Guessing)
It must be an open diff since there is no "L-S" indicated.

85lebaront2

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

In reply to this post by baddog8it

Easiest way to tell, first was the truck a cab and chassis or a complete vehicle? Second, have you tried removing the rear drums yet? If your rear drum and hub are a single assembly then you have a Dana rear, if the drums are removable without disassembling the hub, then you have the Ford/Sterling 10.25". This was introduced in 1985 on the pickups, cab and chassis models continued the Dana rear.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

baddog8it

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Now this is starting to make sense...

I believe that the truck has always been a full/complete vehicle (not 100% sure, but would be willing to bet money on it).

No, have not tried removing the rear drums yet.

If it matters any, although it is a 1985 model, it was actually produced on 3 Oct 1984.

THE BEAST - '85 F350 2WD (non dually) Crew Cab, 460 carbureted, C6 tranny

Gary Lewis

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

I assume that you've checked this page out: Driveline:Axles & Differentials and then the Rear Axles & Differentials tab.

That shows the pic below, which shows where you should be able to find info on the diff. Is that where you got the info? I think the "where" might help us determine what it is.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Ford F834

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

In reply to this post by baddog8it

The fact that it is a 3.54 ratio indicates to me that it is a Dana axle. The Ford/Sterling 10.25 would be 3.55, not 3.54 based on the math of ring to pinion teeth.

The drum, therefore, will be mounted behind the hub (instead of slipping on over the wheel studs). They are a pain to remove, since you must first pull the inner axle then the giant nut that retains the wheel bearing. You might want to buy the large socket for this before you start the job. A lot of shade tree mechanics use the chisel method, but it is not a best practice... at all. It is, I believe, only available in 3/4” drive so you may need the adapter down to 1/2” drive depending on your tool set. I wish I remembered the socket size off the top of my head but I don’t. I will see if I can find mine and report back. Be sure you have wheel bearing grease on hand, as well as rtv silicone to seal the axle flange against the hub.

The drums are probably a bit pricey to replace “just to be safe”. I fully understand not wanting the down time but I would wait and look at them before assuming they need replaced. They might be okay, or just need turning. If you do buy them in advance, consider getting them locally and ask if they can be returned if not needed. Buy the drum brake hardware kit and apply the lube. When I researched the different pad types, I decided on semi metallic. The ceramic were higher performance for single hard stops or race applications, but semi metallic had better heat build up and brake fade characteristics. They are also not as hard, and give you better life out of the rotors and drums. They do produce a lot of dust, however. The cheap economy line organic pads have a spongier feel, don’t stop as effectively, suffer much more from heat build up / brake fade and have the shortest life. Avoid those.

SHORT BED 4-DOOR DIESEL: 1986 F350 4x4 under construction-- 7.3 IDIT ZF5+GVOD

STRAIGHT SIX 4X4: 1981 F150 2wd to 4x4-- 300 I6 close ratio diesel T19, hydroboost brakes, Saginaw steering

BIG F: 1995 F-Superduty under construction— converting to 6.9L IDI diesel ZF5+DNE2

Ford F834

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

I have a 2-3/8” socket, 3/4” drive reduced to 1/2” drive that worked on my 1968 F250 (Dana 60 rear) and also fit my slick body with a Dana 60 rear out of a 1973 F250. I am guessing it would be the same for a 1985 Dana 60. I don’t know if this will fit my sterling 10.25 but I’m hoping it will...

baddog8it

Re: Rear Brake Drums

In reply to this post by Ford F834

All good advice. I'll do some research on the nut size. Will also be checking local auto parts return policies. Snow is on the ground and can't fit the beast in the garage - might be awhile before I really dig into it.

Thanks all for the help .Will post after I've made some progress .

THE BEAST - '85 F350 2WD (non dually) Crew Cab, 460 carbureted, C6 tranny

85lebaront2

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

In reply to this post by Ford F834

Sterling has a spanner type socket needed, if it (a) weren't dark and (b) weren't cold and raining, I would get it and take a picture. The sterling uses ratcheting nuts on the hub bearings, but unless you have leaking seals or want to just check the bearings there is no need for it, drums "slide" off.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Ford F834

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

Good to know! My 10.25 came out a ‘96 and is in really nice shape... it’s “sterling” 😜. So I can probably leave it alone for now...

I would get in line to slap the engineer that came up with the idea of inside mounted drums 😖

85lebaront2

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

That will also have the updated seals and bearings (mid 1994 change). Good score!

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

"Long pinion" 10.25

I hear 1/2" more spline length does a lot to keep the yoke from wobbling.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gary Lewis

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

Which is why Vernon put the "long pinion kit" on Big Blue. Or rather, had it put on. (Boy, that raises the hackles on the back of my neck. What if the same guy did that as put the valve covers on w/o gaskets? Or the guy that wired around the safeties and the resistance wire to the fuel pump? Or.....????)

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

Which guy, Larry, Moe or Curly? Or was it one of the others, Schayde Tri or Hamm Phist?

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Did they know/remember to apply sealant to the splines before installing the yoke?

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gary Lewis

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

I think all 5 of those guys were involved, sometimes at the same time. Man, what a messed-up effort. I can really understand why Vernon finally abandoned it.

As for the pinion splines, apparently. They are one of the few things that don't leak.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: Rear Brake Drums

Administrator

I missed one, Jack Legg.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

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