what size brake shoes,9 inch or 10

[gunsmoke9]

I have a 96 ranger 2.3 and am changing the rear brake shoes and drums,when I went to buy the shoes the guy asked me do you want 9' or 10 inch shoe's.
How can I find out what size I need.
Thank's

 

[Mark_88]

You might want to take off one of the drums and measure them...if you're not sure...I don't know how you could tell otherwise...measure the drum itself...if not...remove the drum since you've gone that far and just measure the shoe...

 

[Mutant Pony]

The maximum oversize was cast into the outside of the drum from the factory, if you're lucky, you should be able to still read it. If not, they are so rusty that they should probably be replaced. If you measure the outside of a 9" drum it should measure less than 10".

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

without jacking the truck up and removing the wheel and drum (a pain if its your only mode of transportation), its a lot easier to measure the width of the rear drums. the 10" shoes are 2.5" wide, while the 9" shoes are 1.75" wide.

 

[gunsmoke9]

appreciate the help,you guys are quick.
thanks again

 

[Earl43P]

9" drums have cooling fins cast into the O.D., 10" do not (smooth exterior).

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you can upgrade the rangers 10" brakes with 10" aerostar drums, which also have cooling fins cast into them.

 

[Mark_88]

I was just gonna reply to that one too...I switched to the Aerostar drums the last time I did the rear brakes...not sure how much difference the fins actually make...but we'll see when it comes to actually driving the truck...

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the problem that rangers (and ford trucks in general) have is that the rear drums get too hot...then when you drive through a puddle they get splashed and cool off rapidly. this causes the drums to become egg shaped and can lead to brake pedal puslation and grabby rear brakes.

running the aerostar drums should help keep the drums from getting so hot in the first place and could help prevent, or at least reduce the chances of warping the drums.