I'm going back to manual adjustment on my 11" front drums ('68 GTX)

[moparedtn]

I am removing the "conversion" self-adjuster setups from his front brakes that I installed back when everything
got replaced front and rear last year.
I'll post a link to that whole thread if anyone wants to read it - but suffice to say, whatever suggestions anyone
could possibly come up with at this point have been tried already - but thanks just the same.

The only item I have not addressed are the self-adjuster kits themselves, so off they come!
If anything else, it's a fairly quick way to eliminate them as suspects too I reckon.

Does anyone have a pair of left and right adjuster "star" wheels and the heavy springs that go directly
on top of them that I can buy??

Thanks!

 

[moparedtn]

Link to my previous brake issues thread:
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/brake-system-issues-remain-next-steps.245145/

(It also contains the link to my original thread, wherein a replaced every part in the system with USA-made
parts!).

 

[440 PHIXX]

I don’t think I ever had self adjusters work properly. The police cars of late 60’s vintage used the 11” drums without them.

 

[turbine68rt]

I don’t think I ever had self adjusters work properly. The police cars of late 60’s vintage used the 11” drums without them.

As well as cars like 68-69 Charger R/T's.

 

[moparedtn]

As well as cars like 68-69 Charger R/T's.

Yep, from my research Ma went to self-adjusting sometime in the '69 mid-year models.
My dumb *** threw away all the original hardware when I redid the brakes and added self-adjusters
and now I believe all I need to go back are these for both fronts:

Apparently the proper part names are "adjusting screw spring" and "adjuster screw".
(Yes, I know that pic is of the rear brakes, but the fronts are the same on the adjusters - there's a
Left and a Right).
I've been able to locate new adjusters all over the place, but those particular springs (that actually
sit down on the adjuster wheel and hold the adjustment you make) are proving hard to come by.

 

[33 IMP]

Yep, from my research Ma went to self-adjusting sometime in the '69 mid-year models.
My dumb *** threw away all the original hardware when I redid the brakes and added self-adjusters
and now I believe all I need to go back are these for both fronts:
View attachment 1297967
Apparently the proper part names are "adjusting screw spring" and "adjuster screw".
(Yes, I know that pic is of the rear brakes, but the fronts are the same on the adjusters - there's a
Left and a Right).
I've been able to locate new adjusters all over the place, but those particular springs (that actually
sit down on the adjuster wheel and hold the adjustment you make) are proving hard to come by.

My May '69 built 69 runner still has manual adjusters for the 11"drums all around. 4/26 sbd.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Napa has the manual adjusters. Tell them for 11" hd brakes.

 

[moparedtn]

Napa has the manual adjusters. Tell them for 11" hd brakes.

They have the left one apparently:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UP_80562?impressionRank=4
The right one, well....
The listing for the left one says it can be used on the right side as well.
I can't find a heavy duty manual right side adjuster on their site?

 

[moparedtn]

Following up here. Part numbers (aftermarket) are as follows I believe:

"Adjusting Screw Spring" H403 or NAPA 80503
"Adjusting Screw - HD Manual Adjust 11" H1500 or NAPA 80562

Both NAPA and the other brands (Raybestos, Wagner, etc.) only list one adjusting screw
and their notes say to use on either side. What's up with that?
I mean, sure I guess you could since the only adjusting would be by you, but does that
sound correct?

 

[33 IMP]

Loooks like an either-or part to me. Just make sure the adjusting star is in line with the slot in the backing plate.

 

[mr. b]

i think i have them springs and adjusters i will check tomorrow and let you know

 

[moparedtn]

i think i have them springs and adjusters i will check tomorrow and let you know

Thanks (they're specific to 11" drums, remember)!

 

[moparedtn]

Loooks like an either-or part to me. Just make sure the adjusting star is in line with the slot in the backing plate.

I reckon that's why there's two slots on the backing plates, eh? Always wondered about that...

 

[Jerry Hall]

Following up here. Part numbers (aftermarket) are as follows I believe:

"Adjusting Screw Spring" H403 or NAPA 80503
"Adjusting Screw - HD Manual Adjust 11" H1500 or NAPA 80562

Both NAPA and the other brands (Raybestos, Wagner, etc.) only list one adjusting screw
and their notes say to use on either side. What's up with that?
I mean, sure I guess you could since the only adjusting would be by you, but does that
sound correct?

I believe so. The manual adjusting screw is centered in position so you can reverse direction for the other side to expand out with the same direction of the brake tool.

 

[moparedtn]

Both are Raybestos (I'm sure, probably made in China).
H1500 are the "Adjusting Screws"
H403 are the springs (they only come in a pack of 4)
About $26 shipped on Amazon.

 

[Fran Blacker]

View attachment 1298537
View attachment 1298538

Both are Raybestos (I'm sure, probably made in China).
H1500 are the "Adjusting Screws"
H403 are the springs (they only come in a pack of 4)
About $26 shipped on Amazon.

Like those better than napa.

 

[moparedtn]

Like those better than napa.

Agree. Seems like there's a little more meat on them...

 

[hunt2elk]

Curious if you are leaving the self adjusters on the back Ed?

 

[moparedtn]

Curious if you are leaving the self adjusters on the back Ed?

For now at least, yes sir.
"Ed logic" at play here - if what I'm told about the rear brakes' adjustment determining "pedal" is true,
I want the old back 'er up and hit the brakes adjustment method to still be in play.

 

[moparedtn]

UPDATE 6-26-22:
Having run out of any other excuses, it was time today to get after the actual work at hand.
Despite it being humid as hell and downright nasty outside, I jumped in both feet for some more
concrete rollin' exercise, nasty brake dust style.
Here we go...

EXISTING SITUATION:
Once I jacked up the front end and pulled the wheels and drums, here is how I found things.

All presented dry, clean and seemingly in order - EXCEPT - those of you with sharp observation skills might detect
one slight variation between left and right sides, specifically in the hardware arrangement...

The shoes? Eye-opening...no, SHOCKING is more the descriptor to describe those as found:

Obviously, they'd been aggressive as hell and had been getting HOT - they literally were cut/grooved in that pattern!

To be continued in next post - damn site only allows 10 pics per post....