Just one man's opinion, but as someone who's serviced drum brakes over the years on cars, trucks, trailers, and bikes, I firmly believe the world would be a better place without them.
@Bret Schneider I would never disagree with you as to the ease of working on disc compared to drums, but on the rear of our cars (and trucks) that have drum brakes, drum brakes are the cheaper and more efficient way to go expense wise.
Drums rear
I have to say I agree to disagree or something to that effect. That is if that makes sense. I have to say rear drum brakes last a long time 50k with no problem. Slap on an other set and maybe some hardware.Than other 50k. I have put 100k on a set of shoes, there might have been not much left but they worked. Only a few times I took notice to the one down fall of drums is when their wet. The braking ability was reduced. But in a very short time maybe a minute if that they dry out.
Disc rear
I think it is overkill. Yes they cool off quicker, They dry off almost right away. Have more clamping force when braking? Is it need on the rear? Yes very simple to change pads. Here again 50k if you feel like it. then at 100k.
Why back when. I got a few set of rear disc off an Imperial.I was going to do the swap. I just didn't do it. mostly because of the bearing. Believe me I scoured the catalogs for bearing replacement.
In compassion. It seems the disc setup has more weight then drums. The drums on a Tri axle and a bus are a but heavy. For they are heavy duty.
My experience of drums and rotors.
About that time I was working in a NAPA store. First machine shop I worked in there where two of us. We were fairly knowledgeable and skilled. Turning drums and rotors while cutting vale seats, guides or surfacing a head all at the same time. One would start it and if need be the other would catch the finish. I't's like we share the same mind. By chance we were both former USN electrician mates. I was on a Destroy and he worked on helos.
Case and point.
I think if a manufacture seen the need rear disc on vehicles it would have been the norm. Disc brakes are not a new thing. And I'm sure they used the cheap way out.
Then the weight. A drum, wheel cylinder,hardware and backing plate weigh less then a drum rotor combo, caliper and and mounting bracket.
Having driving decades and un countless miles. Most of the time at least 75 miles a day one way to work. At times 150.4 miles one way for months. Then as need 202 miles one way in a day and back. Then work 10-12 hours!
The point being I had no problems Rear drum or disk brakes of an un alter brake system. I have smoke a number of front pads avoiding Deer and Smoky the Bear. There was no problem with rear ever.
The only upgrade I see as a benefit on the any car are rear ABS. If you don't know how to use brakes you shouldn't be driving.
There have been two times I have had 4 wheel ABS kick in was on ice. It didn't give me the control where I wanted to go. I still didn't end up in the ditch.
I trained my son when he had his drivers permit. Explained 4wd will get you going but you have to be able to stop. When winter came maybe half summer tread or less. Made him put new pads on, but still could have been bleed. Needed double tapped to bring pedal up. I always reminder him when I was with him and before he left. Double tap and watch out for the other guy. He still does it.
Conclusion
If disc brakes would have been common in production. For what ever reason, cost, assembly line simplified. They would be more refined,smaller and used widely. Just my ¢
on 11/16 tie rod) steering,brakes(There is so much more to be gained with larger brakes on the front 11 3/4" rotors.Or bigger! Best money ever spent.(70-80% of stopping power comes from the front).ABS rear would be the most beneficial.( Articular using Dakota rear ABS system and a Ford
8.8 tone ring.)I have had 2 1/2 sets of hens teeth
for decades and yet to put them on because of Green bearing. I would have thunk
there would have been a fix for that by now?I agree the rear disc look good if you can see them.and other factors easier to maintain
and cool off quicker in racing conditions. Drum brakes done right last 100k miles.When the Parking brake is set the adjuster adjust the rear drums.// I would have it Aligned. Aligned
with the stance you want. check air pressure and bumper height for reference for street or strip. A little more on pass side helps
with hooking up on track.If you have two singles shocks.//Vibration
at high speeds. Could be a number of things U joints. drive shaft splines worn,loose saddle or stripped.Weight has fallen of drive shaft. Worn,broke loose shocks steering components box rods,bearings,bushings.Bent rim tire has busted belt.Tires worn and out of balance?// The previous items are of safety concern that should be coincided. Just my opinion and maybe others. There are knowledgeable individuals here. I wounder what the combined experience is of the members? I understand personal preference rules over all.Game Set and Match! I didn't want to touch the rear.that could touchy and I would get slapped!!!
