brake shoes which way

[beerman]

Hello, I am in the process of working on my brake system, and came across a problem. Which way do the shoes face, long pad in front or in rear. I know when I took my axles apart on mine the long pad was in the front. But after looking at other peoples posts and googling the answer most people say short in front and long in the rear. I have even seen some pictures where the pads are the same length?  So which way did most of you install them ?

 Thanks, for the help

[Tapper02]

So thanks to you I got to use this brand spanking new Base Shop Data manual for the first time:

"Note:  The Brake Shoe with the longer lining is the forward shoe; therefore, install it in the forward position, that is, toward the front end of the vehicle."

Worth every penny already!

-Tom

[beerman]

Thanks, my new shop book should be on its way. Also I forgot to ask but I had taken very good pictures of all my brake parts but, the card that was in the camera is now missing. I have four small  thin springs the I think were to help space the shoes out from the backing plate. I for the life of me can remember if these were on the front or rear axle brake shoes. Also these are not the thick ones on the adjustment cams.

[Tapper02]

There are four guide pins per brake assembly.  The small springs slide over the top two guide pins.  This applies to both the front and rear brakes.

Hope this gets you through.  I can post up a pic of the applicable pages if you need them.

-Tom

[beerman]

A picture would be great, Thanks

[Tapper02]

[yd328]

I mounted mine long pad forward. I took pictures before disassembly(They were mounted long shoe forward) and being familiar with cars/light trucks (long pads on the back and short shoe towards the front), I assumed the pads were installed backwards. I noted it on the pads and moved on. Thankfully I looked at the TM upon reassembly and learned different. TM9-710(dated May 1953) on pg 296, figure 187 shows the pads mounted.

Gary

[steve1973]

Here is a link to when I did my brakes. Small pad is in front, large is in rear.

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=212293

Steve A.

[beerman]

 Thanks for all the help and pictures.