91 F250 rear brakes

[Fordsandguns]

I bought new brakes for my 91 f250. I had my dad pick them up since i had to work. Well I got to taking things apart today and found that I got the wrong shoes. The ones they gave me are a half to three quarter inch narrower than the old ones. I ordered them for a 10.25 sterling rear because the one on my truck matches all the descriptions and pics I've seen of the sterling here on the site. Any ideas? I don't know if I goofed or if they did. It seems to me that the narrower shoes wouldn't be good for the drums. I just really want to do this once and not have to take it back apart! Any help is appreciated.

 

[BROWNIEBOY525]

i know you can get brake shoes that are 2 1/2 and ones that are 3" wide. My truck took the 3" ones i am not sure way there are two different widths

 

[Fordsandguns]

I wish I had known they had the two widths when I asked dad to pick them up. Then I could finish it today! Thanks for the info, I was thinking maybe I was wrong about the rear being a sterling.

 

[cleithau]

I think the 2 1/2" were for the 2 wheel drives but I am not sure. Mine used the 3". I was given a set of 2 1/2" from a guy at work who used to have a Ford diesel 2x4 and the were the 2 1/2".

 

[EMD_DRIVER]

Giving an auto parts store my truck's info (87 F250 4x4) They still asked me if I had 2.5, or 3 inch shoes on it. One of the guys told me that the 3" shoes were for the heavier duty F250.... I didn't know there was a difference..

Gary

 

[Diesel JD]

I think the rear ends have 2.5 or 3" brakes at random and its hard to say for sure until you tear it down. I now know I have 2.5" shoes and that's on a 3.55 Sterling that came out of a 1 ton, which came with 3" shoes. My suggestion would be to pull it apart before ordering parts the first time or order both and take back what you don't need.

 

[Fordsandguns]

Well I solved the problem by going to Oreilly auto parts. They had the three inch shoes in stock, and a lot cheaper too. The first place charged $48 for the wrong ones and Oreilly had the correct ones for $25. To be honest it really isn't all their fault seeing as how I didn't know there were two different widths. But you'd think that the computer would show that to the parts guy so he'd know to ask. Anyway I have one side done now so I am a happy camper. I learned something new from it and that is a good thing.

 

[Optikalillushun]

the wheel cylinders and drums have different size options...

 

[BigRigTech]

I have 3" shoes on my 91 F250 and it used to be 2wd. Most of the F250/F350's I've seen have 3" shoes. I put F350 wheel cylinders and M/C on my truck for a little better braking. Larger bore in both, direct bolt in too.