Backing Plate position...

[HansenClan]

I just got new axles, backing plates, drums, wheels & tires from Inland RV for my 65 Overlander/ All of the magnets on the old drum brakes are centered on the bottom of the backing plate. The new baking plates positions the magnet either slightly forward, or slightly aft, but not dead center. So, my question is, firstly, is this a problem, because it puts the shoes slightly rotated so that they are not centered fore & aft. Were talking no more than one inch. It is also an unloaded position, so when I do load the tension arm it will compensate. Help, I'm nervous as hell and leaving for 3000 miles in a week!
Ignorance is Bliss...
Greg

[overlander63]

The brakes can be in any position, as long as they apply and release properly. The magnets should be close to the bottom of the assembly, just because they magnet is kind of heavy, and could create drag on the brakes if it is too far forward. I've never seen one like that, though.

[HansenClan]

Sounds good, thanks... The magnet can be positioned in one of two places; @ about a 7 o'clock position, or 5 o'oclock position. One position points the brakes in a slight down (forward) aspect, and the other a slight upward position. What would be bettter?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by HansenClan

Sounds good, thanks... The magnet can be positioned in one of two places; @ about a 7 o'clock position, or 5 o'oclock position. One position points the brakes in a slight down (forward) aspect, and the other a slight upward position. What would be bettter?

7'clock would be better, the weight of the magnet would tend to aloow the shoes to stay further apart, friction from the contact plate on the drum notwithstanding.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by HansenClan

I just got new axles, backing plates, drums, wheels & tires from Inland RV for my 65 Overlander/ All of the magnets on the old drum brakes are centered on the bottom of the backing plate. The new baking plates positions the magnet either slightly forward, or slightly aft, but not dead center. So, my question is, firstly, is this a problem, because it puts the shoes slightly rotated so that they are not centered fore & aft. Were talking no more than one inch. It is also an unloaded position, so when I do load the tension arm it will compensate. Help, I'm nervous as hell and leaving for 3000 miles in a week!
Ignorance is Bliss...
Greg

If this old farts memory hasn't failed completley, 5 oclock, sounds like they are positioned just about like our old "63" Safari. Should not be a problem.

Gotta picture??

[HansenClan]

Of course! It can't be easy and have two people with the same opinion...lol
Sorry, no pic. I left the work in progress in the dark yesterday, and will return to it tomorrow morning after I get off working my 24 shift as a fireman. I hope to have a consensus, either 5 or 7 o'clock, by oh about 8:00 AM pacific standard time.... :-)
I am leaning towards the 7 o'clock position, it just "looks", well, better....
Thanks for your two cents "old fart"..