Ford Ranchero Rear Drum Brake Hardware Guide (1972-1979)
This guide covers the essential springs, clips, and adjusters you need to get your Ranchero's rear brakes working correctly and quietly.
- You must measure your drum's inner diameter and width before ordering a hardware kit to ensure you get the correct size for your specific Ranchero.
- Always replace the hardware kit when replacing brake shoes to ensure proper function and prevent noise.
- For a complete repair, consider replacing the shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, and hardware all at once.
- Aftermarket brands like Raybestos, Centric, and Dorman are reliable replacements for the discontinued original Ford parts.
Why Replace Your Drum Brake Hardware?
On a classic vehicle like the 1972-1979 Ford Ranchero, the rear drum brake hardware is often overlooked. After 50 years of heat cycles and tension, the springs in your original hardware kit have lost their strength. Weak return springs can cause the brake shoes to drag against the drums, leading to noise, premature wear, and overheating. Broken or weak hold-down pins can cause clicking sounds and allow the shoes to shift, resulting in uneven braking. Reusing old hardware during a brake job is a common mistake that leads to poor performance and noise. A new kit is inexpensive and ensures your new brake shoes and drums work as intended.
Symptoms of Failing Drum Brake Hardware
Failing hardware can cause a range of braking problems. You might hear scraping, grinding, or clicking noises from the rear wheels when you apply or release the brakes. This can be caused by a broken spring allowing a shoe to make improper contact with the drum. A weak or failed self-adjuster mechanism can lead to a low or spongy brake pedal because the shoes have to travel too far to contact the drum. You may also notice a weak or ineffective parking brake, as it relies on the drum brake components to hold the vehicle.
Critical Ordering Mistake: Know Your Brake Size
The most common error when ordering brake parts for a 1972-1979 Ranchero is getting the wrong size. Ford used several different rear drum sizes during this period, and the hardware kits are not interchangeable. Sizes can include 10x2-inch, 10x2.5-inch, and 11x2.25-inch drums. Before ordering a hardware kit, you must remove a rear wheel and measure the inside diameter and width of your brake drums to ensure you buy the correct matching kit.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
Original Ford (OEM) hardware kits for this generation are no longer in production. However, modern aftermarket brands offer quality replacements that often meet or exceed the standards of the original 1970s parts. Based on feedback from mechanics and classic car forums, here is a general breakdown of available brands.
Professional-Grade Brands (Raybestos, Dynamic Friction)
Brands like Raybestos have a long-standing reputation in the brake industry. They are a trusted choice for reliable, quiet performance. Dynamic Friction (DFC) is also noted for using high-quality materials, sometimes including stainless steel components which offer better corrosion resistance than the standard zinc-plated steel. For a vehicle you drive regularly, these brands are an excellent investment in safety and longevity.
Standard-Grade Brands (Centric, Dorman)
Centric and Dorman are widely available and offer a good balance of quality and cost. Forum users have noted that Centric parts generally have good quality control and provide good performance for daily use. While many of these parts are manufactured overseas, the quality is generally considered reliable for stock replacements. These kits are a solid choice for most owners looking for a dependable, budget-friendly repair.
Aftermarket Drum Brake Hardware Kit Cost
| Part Tier | Estimated Price Range (Per Axle) |
|---|---|
| Standard Aftermarket (e.g., Dorman, Centric C-Tek) | $13.59 - $16.00 |
| Professional Aftermarket (e.g., Raybestos, Dynamic Friction, Centric Premium) | $16.01 - $18.73 |
Pro Tip: A Complete Rear Brake Job
When replacing the hardware kit, it is essential to also replace the brake shoes and inspect or replace the drums. This is also the perfect time to carefully inspect the wheel cylinders for any signs of brake fluid leaks. A leaking wheel cylinder will contaminate your new brake shoes, ruining them instantly. For a vehicle of this age, it is highly recommended to replace the shoes, drums, hardware, and wheel cylinders all at the same time for a complete and reliable brake system overhaul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to replace the hardware with the brake shoes?
Yes. The springs lose tension over time due to millions of cycles and constant heat. Reusing old, weak springs can cause brake drag, noise, and uneven wear on your new shoes. For the small cost, a new kit is critical for a proper brake job.
Are there any recalls for 1972-1979 Ranchero brakes?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) specifically for the drum brake hardware on this vehicle. Any recalls you may find are for much newer Ford models.
What is the difference between a left and right side hardware kit?
Most hardware kits include parts for both the left and right side rear brakes. However, some components, particularly parts of the self-adjuster mechanism, are side-specific. Pay close attention to the orientation of the old parts during disassembly to ensure the new parts are installed on the correct side.
My brakes feel spongy after replacement. What went wrong?
A spongy pedal after a brake job usually indicates air in the hydraulic lines, which can happen if you replaced the wheel cylinders. The entire brake system will need to be bled to remove the air. Another cause could be improperly adjusted shoes; the self-adjusters may need to be manually set to get the shoes closer to the drums.
Technical Specifications
Kit typically includes return springs, hold-down springs, actuator levers, adjuster screws, and clips for both rear wheels. Components are specific to drum size (e.g., 10-inch or 11-inch).
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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- Why Replace Your Drum Brake Hardware?
- Symptoms of Failing Drum Brake Hardware
- Critical Ordering Mistake: Know Your Brake Size
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
- Aftermarket Drum Brake Hardware Kit Cost
- Pro Tip: A Complete Rear Brake Job
- Frequently Asked Questions
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