Who needs front drums?

[41/53dodges]

I HAVE FOUND CHEAPER REPLACEMENTS! northern tool trailer drums work great with some shims.

[HanksB3B]

I think someone mentioned it once a long time ago on the forum and I once was at a trailer supply for other things and thought they looked like a possibility.

Please provide more detail (a photo or two and a link?) I'm sure this either is or will be of interest to a lot of folk. Please describe the shims you mention too.

Thanks,

Hank

[41/53dodges]

how far back was awhile? i posted it on the tech archives, but nobody showed interest. now for the actual info:

-THESE DRUMS WILL WORK FINE WITH ORIGINAL BRAKE EQUIPMENT, SHOES AND ALL.

-THEY MAY NEED SOME SHIMS TO SPACE THEM OUT FROM THE BACK PLATE

-SHIMS TO INCREASE DIAMETER OF SPINDLE WILL BE REQUIRED, I WILL NOT PROVIDE MEASUREMENTS, AS THEY MUST BE FINE, DOWN TO THE THOUSANDTH

-THE SPINDLE SHIMS MUST BE VERY SMOOTH AS TO PREVENT SEAL WEAR

-THE SPINDLE MUST BE SHORTENED TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEW CAP AND NARROWER DRUM(S)

-DRUMS ARE AVAILABLE AT:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200323378_200323378

FYI: THESE DRUMS MAY BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF ROUND, YOU MAY COMPENSATE IN ADJUSTMENT AND LIVE WITH IT, OR YOU CAN HAVE THEM RE-MACHINED.

I WILL TAKE PICS NEXT TIME I REMOVE A WHEEL.

[HanksB3B]

Good info!

Hank

[41/53dodges]

if anybody has questions, just send me a message! im generally on here about once a day at least!

[41/53dodges]

took me long enough, but i finally put together pics!

hopefully, somebody finds these helpful! now, if i can find a replacement for those pesky 18" truck drums....

[HanksB3B]

THESE DRUMS WILL WORK FINE WITH ORIGINAL BRAKE EQUIPMENT, SHOES AND ALL.

THEY MAY NEED SOME SHIMS TO SPACE THEM OUT FROM THE BACK PLATE

What is the approximate thickness required?

-SHIMS TO INCREASE DIAMETER OF SPINDLE WILL BE REQUIRED, I WILL NOT PROVIDE MEASUREMENTS, AS THEY MUST BE FINE, DOWN TO THE THOUSANDTH

Can you please explain: Are these shims purchased or custom machined or a combination of both?

-THE SPINDLE MUST BE SHORTENED TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEW CAP AND NARROWER DRUM(S)

How much did the spindles have to be shortened? Would the original dome shaped caps provide the needed clearance without having to shorten the spindles. Are the caps the same diameter?

Thanks for sharing your excellent idea and following through with pictures.

Hank

Edited January 16, 2011 by HanksB3B

[41/53dodges]

i dont know the thickness right now, i left the design sheet in the garage.

these shims would be something that needs to be machined line-to-line, in other words, to the thousandth. if they start rotating on the spindle instead of the bearing, bad things will happen. mine are made so that they were hot-pressed on. i believe we had to take off about .5" from the spindle, i dont know about the old caps, mine were destroyed. i will get back with the measurements, though.

[HanksB3B]

I'm thinking that either you or an associate are experienced in machine work. For you, I'm sure the parts are probably simple enough to make and its the tolerance thats critically important. I'm assuming the cutting of the spindles and the hot pressing is done with the spindles off the vehicle.

Is there another way like use a deeper cap that would eliminate the need to modify the spindles? What method/tool was used to remove the 1/2" from the spindle ends?

Do you have any desire to personally make these shim kits available? If not would you be willing to share the specifications and how-to instructions?

Thanks, Great Work!

Hank

Edited January 17, 2011 by HanksB3B

[41/53dodges]

I'm thinking that either you or an associate are experienced in machine work.

THERE IS A CERTAIN SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT MACHINING THAT BUILT HIS OWN STEAM ENGINE:D

For you, I'm sure the parts are probably simple enough to make and its the tolerance thats critically important.

I'm assuming the cutting of the spindles and the hot pressing is done with the spindles off the vehicle.

MAYBE...

Is there another way like use a deeper cap that would eliminate the need to modify the spindles? What method/tool was used to remove the 1/2" from the spindle ends?

I DO HAVE A VEEERY SPECIAL TOOL JUST FOR SHORTENING SPINDLES, ITS CALLED A SAWZALL!

Do you have any desire to personally make these shim kits available? If not would you be willing to share the specifications and how-to instructions?

IF SOME PEOPLE SHOW INTEREST IN THIS, I MAY START MACHINING KITS FOR THIS. IM SURE SOME CARS COULD USE THIS, BUT IM UNSURE WHICH.

Thanks, Great Work!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!