Thread: HELP ! 1952 Ford pickup F-1

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Thanks for a few periods!! MUCH easier to read! Know it's harder, but this is typing, not texting and we're mostly old & slow(er)...

First of all your differential should be spinning both rear wheels when it's on the jack stands, but the fact that it only spun one does indeed tell you it's not a posi unit, or at least that the posi is not functioning - I'd bet it's an open differential - here's a link that explains how they work, and it would help you to read and digest it a bit. HowStuffWorks "Open Differentials" BTW, have you checked/changed the differential fluid? At least check it, should be level with the filler plug about 2/3 up on the rear cover or front pumpkin, but that's not your problem.

It sounds like your LR brake may just be adjusted too tight, could be an e-brake problem (have an e-brake?), or did you check to see that the shoes are not on backward (big one to the front instead of on the back)? You say the PO says it locked up on him before, but "broke loose" which is not right. With the truck back up on jack stands you should be able to spin the wheel (tranny in neutral, no parking brake) and not hear/feel it dragging on the brake shoes. If they're dragging, back off the star wheel to loosen the shoes. You want them close, or just barely dragging on the drum for a good pedal.

Now pull that drum and look at the shoes. Here's a picture I found on a Ford Truck site - says it's front, but it still shows primary/secondary shoes. Drivers Side Brake.jpg See the length of lining difference? The primary shoe (longer lining) goes to the rear, with the secondary to the front (weight of the truck stopping puts more force on the front, less area for equal force and no lockup). If your's are backwards then it's a good bet the other side might be, too.

Come back after you've checked it out and let us know. Maybe post some pictures of what you're dealing with if it's still giving you fits? Somebody else may have other ideas what's wrong. This is just my $0.02. Good luck!!

PS - Are you friends with the guys at LMC Truck yet?? http://www.lmctruck.com/ford/