Drum Brakes, whats needed?

[97ranger4x4]

Hey everyone,

So I was talking with my GF dad the other day and I was telling him at 140k miles I still have the original rear drum breaks (at least I havent changed them since I owned the truck at 60K). He looked at me like I was nuts.

I rotate my tires every 5k and always check my breaks for pad remaining. There still seems to be a decent amount of pad left and the drum itself has no scortching and looks like its in great shape.

So one of these weekends I figured I would just replace everything but because I have never done drum brakes, I really dont know where to start.

I would like to get a list of everything that is usually replaced when doing drum brakes so I can price it out to see what this will set me back. I know my dad has some tool that is used for the springs so I will grab that when I see my parents this weekend.

BTW I have a 8.8 with 4 wheel ABS if that makes any difference.

I asked my dad about it a year ago and he figured since my truck was so light and I do little towing or hard braking that its not out of the ordinary. Also I live in CA and there isnt much rust so I guess I have that going for me!

Thanks for your help

 

[Toms01PSD]

Usually you won't have to even touch the rear until you've done the front pads 2-4 times ( Depending on how you drive). If you're going to change everything back there, then you'll need new brake shoes, new hardware, new wheel cylinders, and new drums (only if you are going to do absolutely everything).

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If it ain't broke you don't need to fix it...

 

[97ranger4x4]

After I got the truck I did the pads & turned the rotors. Then did the pads around 100k. Then replaced the rotors and pads recently. He drives an F250 so I think he is assumming that I would go through brakes eqivilent to his truck. Everytime I check the drums, there is brake dust that comes out so I know all 4 wheels are brakeing.

 

[MAranger]

Knock off one of your drums and take a look, be careful not to crack the lip of the drum. If their getting thin or the friction is cracked, I would do them. Both sides can be done in less than four hours and maybe $100. I have done mine twice. I love fresh brakes!!!