Rear brakes (both sides) dragging BAD

[El Kabong]

Are those the right backing plates? 77 should be 11" brakes, but earlier (75?) could be 10". The arc of the shoe doesn't seem to match the backing plate. Look at how close it is at the blue arrows. And how far off it is at the red arrow. The arc of the shoe seems greater than the plate.

If so, could they be jumping off the top & bottom nubs & hanging up?

 

[jeffncs]

Honestly…. This rear is supposed to be a 77…. But I had to source backing plates and all hardware. I found all the right pieces but it took some creating searching and $$.

I’m about to just say F (forget it!) and buy JBG’s disc brake kit that’s advertised to be usable on all Bronco rears. $600 may be a small price to pay just to be able to drive it to buy more Mustang parts….

 

[Broncobowsher]

Before you go spending money, check the bleeders. Even if you do the new brakes, you need to know what the problem was in the first place to make sure it goes away.

 

[Steve83]

...brake cylinder seats not retracting.

The cylinders never "retract" - they have a strong spring inside pushing them outward. It's the red & brown springs at the tops of the shoes that push the slave pistons back in. But everything has to align properly & work smoothly for that to happen. Read the procedure on this page:

Ford drum brake components and lubrication diagram, LHR shown, w… | SuperMotors.net

'78-96 F150/Bronco Drum Brake Components & Lubrication IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it. The springs are shown in their actual OE colors. Grease is…

www.supermotors.net

Based on my heat issues, that brake grease is likely long gone.

Not if you used the correct grease. But I don't see any residue, even where the parts don't get hot.

Looking back at your pics, you're missing the shoe retainer (2028) from the anchor pin, and the autoadjuster cable eye should be the last thing on the anchor pin (so it keeps the springs farther on).

 

[toddz69]

Honestly…. This rear is supposed to be a 77…. But I had to source backing plates and all hardware. I found all the right pieces but it took some creating searching and $$.

I’m about to just say F (forget it!) and buy JBG’s disc brake kit that’s advertised to be usable on all Bronco rears. $600 may be a small price to pay just to be able to drive it to buy more Mustang parts….

I can see from that latest photo that you don't have a '77 housing. Not sure that would matter in this instance though.

Todd Z.