In our never-ending quest for better performance from our vintage Mustangs, we tend to think about four-barrel carburetors, hotter cams, dual exhausts, and larger engine modifications. But better braking is just as crucial to performance as a more powerful engine. After all, what good is a hotter engine if you can't stop your Mustang?
Front disc brakes have always been a key to improved brake performance. In more recent years, rear disc brakes have become a popular upgrade because they virtually eliminate brake fade under the most demanding conditions. The downside to them is cost-they can be expensive. Now you can get larger, more powerful rear drum brakes with Master Power Brakes' super-large 11-inch drum-brake conversion kit. Actually an off-the-shelf Ford drum brake designed for intermediate and large Fords with large-bearing and 9-inch rear axles, the kit also fits 8-inch rearends with small-bearing axles in classic Mustangs.
Talk about a quick fix: Master...
Talk about a quick fix: Master Power's complete 11x2-inch rear drum-brake conversion kit arrives ready to bolt on using existing hardware, brake lines, and parking-brake cables.
Although this is a 9-inch,...
Although this is a 9-inch, large-bearing brake assembly, the bolt pattern is for 8- and 9-inch small-bearing housings. We like the quality with black powdercoating, cad-plated hardware, and riveted linings.
The only variation you'll...
The only variation you'll find is brake-line angle. With the large 11-inch brake, it's straight in instead of at an angle. This calls for line modification (bending) or new lines from Classic Tube.
After spending time with this new drum-brake kit from Master Power, here's what we know: It installs with great ease, although you may need to tweak or replace the rear-axle brake lines for correct fit. Although it'll fit most 14-inch wheel applications, it won't fit them all. We suggest this kit for 15-inch-and-larger wheel sizes.
When we first heard about this kit, it made us think of the vintage Fairlane station wagon 10X2.5-inch rear drum-brake package upgrade that has long been popular. But the brake shoes with the Master Power kit are 2 inches wide, providing more brake-friction surface area. Parking brake performance is also better than most rear disc-brake kits.
Proper Fit
Correct wheel fit isn't just a matter of appearance. The wheel face must lay flush on the brake drum for stability and safety. Ideally, the wheel will fit squarely on the hub. Although some wheel-indexing holes don't always fit perfectly, the brake-indexing hole must. If it's loose, it will cause the drum to track haphazardly around the shoes.
Before you order your Master...
Before you order your Master Power drum- brake kit...
...be certain the wheel index...
...be certain the wheel index and inside diameter is sized to fit the drum and hub.
Lug-stud depth is also important...
Lug-stud depth is also important to check. They must fully penetrate lug nuts in the interest of safety.
Wheel indexing is important...
Wheel indexing is important to proper fit and safe operation. Not only must drums index on the hub, so should wheels.
Here's a closer look at a...
Here's a closer look at a 14-inch wheel on the 11-inch Master Power drum brake. Although some 14-inch wheels fit, not all do. We suggest a 15-inch wheel minimum.
1 Chuck Frankenstein of Mustangs...
1 Chuck Frankenstein of Mustangs Etc. removes the 10-inch drum...
...then he rattles off four...
...then he rattles off four locknuts securing the backing plate.
2 Axle-shaft removal is next....
2 Axle-shaft removal is next. This is a good time to inspect and replace the axle bearing and seal. The axle bearing is pressed on, meaning you need to visit a machine shop with a hydraulic press.
3 The original 10x2-inch...
3 The original 10x2-inch drum brake offers less friction-surface area than our larger 11-inch brakes. Chuck will remove the brake and clean the bearing pocket and flange. This rearend is packed with sludge.
4 Brake-line disconnection...
4 Brake-line disconnection is next. Chuck uses a tubing wrench to prevent rounding off the fitting. Truthfully, this brake line needs replacement due to rust and corrosion.
5 Chuck removes the brake...
5 Chuck removes the brake assembly.
6 Do you see the sludge?...
6 Do you see the sludge? When a rearend looks this bad, it's time for a complete rebuild. Sludge indicates extreme heat and poor lubrication, calling for a complete cleaning and a differential rebuild.
7 As you can see, the larger...
7 As you can see, the larger 11-inch, large-bearing drum calls for a larger hub. Because this is impossible with a small-bearing axle, you must use an indexing spacer/adaptor, available from Master Power Brakes or any automotive supply house.
8 Remove the old gasket and...
8 Remove the old gasket and debris from the axle flange.
9 Gasket adhesive isn't always...
9 Gasket adhesive isn't always necessary, but Chuck likes to use it.
10 Chuck installs the new...
10 Chuck installs the new gasket between the backing plate and axle flange.
11 Also clean the axle-retainer...
11 Also clean the axle-retainer flange.
12 Next, the new Master Power...
12 Next, the new Master Power 11-inch drum-brake assembly is positioned as shown.
13 Parking-brake cable transfer...
13 Parking-brake cable transfer is easy. To disconnect the cable from the old brake, depress the retainer fingers. The cable attaches here after it penetrates the brake backing plate.
14 Next, install a new g...
14 Next, install a new gasket...
...and reinstall the axle...
...and reinstall the axle shaft.
15 Run the locknuts down...
15 Run the locknuts down to 30-40 lb-ft. Chuck snugs them here with an air impact.
16 You're going to need this...
16 You're going to need this indexing spacer/adaptor for proper drum alignment. This piece isn't included in the kit, but it's available from Master Power Brakes or most automotive supply stores. Don't operate your Mustang without it.
17 Finally, install the ...
17 Finally, install the drums.
18 Once the brake line is...
18 Once the brake line is installed, flush and bleed the brake system.