Replacing Front & Rear Brakes: Checklist

[RangerJoey]

Hi All,
I'm in the middle of doing a full overhaul on a 1999 4.0 XLT and am going to do the brakes next. I've never done anything other than a disc system so I'm looking for some advice/tips and also making sure I'm getting all the right parts.

This truck has the 10" rear brake shoes and 11.25" front rotors. For the front, I'm just going with:

• Akebono ACT652 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set
• Raybestos 66576R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor x 2

For the back, and this is what is throwing me off, I'm doing with:

• Raybestos 705PG Professional Grade Drum Brake Shoe Set
• ACDelco 18B259 Professional Rear Brake Drum Assembly x 2
• Carlson H2335 Rear Drum Brake Hardware Kit
• ACDelco 18E1135 Professional Rear Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder Assembly x 2

I have some anti-squeal and tons of brakeleen. Is there anything else I might be missing or should address when doing this? I need to flush the brake fluid so I'm set on that front too.

TIA!

 

[adsm08]

I would try to get brake shoes and drums from the same manufacturer.

This is because you sometimes end up with "re-arched" shoes, which are bigger than the originals to take up for a worn drum. This can cause a properly sized drum to not fit, even when fully turned in.

You are less likely to end up with mis-matched parts like that if they are all the same brand.

 

[RangerJoey]

Thanks man! I've always like the Raybestos rotors and Akebono pad setup on my disc systems, but with drums, I'm totally inexperienced. Would you recommend going all Raybestos vs ACDelco or maybe even another manufacturer? I do like the point you make with going with the same regardless.

 

[adsm08]

I'd look for Raybestos drums before Delco shoes.

Also, make sure you have a good brake spring tool and that you know how to use it before starting. Don't get one of those stupid scissor ones with the spring hook on it, they are dumb. Get a solid one, and a separate T-handled hook.

 

[RangerJoey]

lol stop looking in my Amazon cart! I was super tempted to get one of those all-in-ones to save a little cash. But thank you!

 

[adsm08]

Most people go for that one thinking it will be more convenient to have the tool all in one. Unless I am working on 3/4 ton brakes where you have to have that spring hook on the scissor they just piss me off by flopping all over and getting in my way. I find a straight one like this and a pirate hook much more manageable and convenient to use.

 

[Curious Hound]

^^^^^ That tool was the best thing I ever bought for working on brakes until I bought a good vacuum bleeder setup. Both are life-savers if you do brakes by yourself very often.